Will Oden Joins American Arbitration Association Employment Panel

Ward and Smith is proud to announce that experienced labor and employment attorney and mediator, Will Oden, has been invited to join the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Employment Panel, and will now also serve as an arbitrator of employment law disputes alongside his employment law practice at the Firm.

Founded in 1926 following the passage of the Federal Arbitration Act, the AAA is the nation’s leading provider of alternative dispute resolution services. Its Employment Panel features arbitrators who are selected not only for their deep subject matter expertise but also for their impartiality and ability to guide parties to fair and efficient outcomes.  Candidates must have at least a decade of experience, with more than half of their legal practice devoted specifically to employment law matters. The AAA also considers a candidate’s educational background, professional accolades, and contributions to the field, such as speaking engagements and published works.

Will brings to the AAA over two decades of significant experience advising clients on a wide range of employment law matters. He is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Employment Law and worked with other lawyers in North Carolina to create the North Carolina State Bar’s Employment Law Board Certification Program. Additionally, he has been certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission since 2013.

His practice includes both counseling clients and employment litigation in federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels. Will routinely represents clients before federal and state administrative agencies, and is known for helping employers navigate challenging workplace issues and individuals with practical, proactive solutions.

Will’s AAA appointment underscores his standing in the employment law field and further strengthens Ward and Smith’s capabilities in alternative dispute resolution.