Avery J. Locklear
Labor and Employment Attorney
T 910.794.4836
F 910.794.4877
E ajlocklear@wardandsmith.com
O Wilmington, NC
Practice Areas:
Employment Litigation, Government and Internal Investigations, Labor and Employment
Avery is a versatile labor and employment attorney providing support to individuals, human resources professionals, and businesses of all sizes in diverse industries, including the hospitality and restaurant sectors. Her practice encompasses a broad range of employment matters, including providing guidance on non-compete and restrictive covenants, reviewing handbooks and policies, and handling matters related to Title VII and wage and hour laws.
Additionally, Avery assists employees in addressing workforce reduction issues, such as the WARN Act, and helps them respond to EEOC complaints and investigations. Her unwavering commitment to delivering practical and efficient solutions empowers employers to navigate the daily challenges they encounter in employment law.
Honors and Distinctions
- “Legal Elite,” Employment, Business North Carolina, 2025-2026
- 40 & Under, Benchmark Litigation, 2024-2025
- J.D., with honors, University of North Carolina School of Law, 2022
- North Carolina Law Review Vol. 100, Articles Editor
- Are you Native? 100 N.C. L. Rev. F. 118 (2022)
- North Carolina Law Review Vol. 100, Articles Editor
- B.A., summa cum laude, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 2019; Elite 15 Recipient
- UNC-Pembroke Board of Visitors, Member
- UNC-Pembroke Braves Club, Member
- Legislative Chair, Lower Cape Fear Human Resources Association
- Membership and Engagement Committee, North Carolina Bar Association
- North Carolina, 2022
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
- South Carolina, 2025
I admire our clients’ passion, forward-thinking, and attentiveness to their business and their people. The best thing about working with Ward and Smith is our culture which focuses on an unwavering commitment to our clients and each other.
What many people do not know about me is that I am a unicyclist and enjoy showing off for my friends and family every now and then. Every Sunday, I can be found at Bank of America Stadium cheering on the Panthers, even when we are in a slump (which seems far too often).
Representative Experience
- Routinely drafts employment agreements, independent contractor agreement, employee handbooks, employer policies and programs (including safety and health programs and drug and alcohol testing policies), training materials, and advises clients on employment law.
- Representation in regard to federal wage and hour audit and investigations.
Articles + Insights
Hands Up: Thrills and Chills of Labor Relations with the NLRB
February 6, 2026
Fast Pass Through the Employer’s Legal Landscape: Lap 1
January 2, 2026
