Ann Smith is a principal in the Raleigh, North Carolina, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. For nearly 30 years, she has helped employers navigate workplace challenges ranging from day-to-day personnel issues to complex litigation and high-stakes employment decisions. Ann is known for providing practical, straightforward advice that takes into account not only the legal risks involved, but also the business realities her clients face.
Ann believes one of the most valuable things she can offer clients is accessibility. Whether the issue is a difficult personnel decision, a developing employee relations concern, or active litigation, she strives to be the person her clients can call when they need a sounding board and a candid assessment of their options. Several of her client relationships span more than 15 years, reflecting the trust she works hard to build and maintain.
Her practice includes employment litigation, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, workplace investigations, and employment counseling. Ann regularly advises CEOs, general counsel, CHROs, HR professionals, and other business leaders on sensitive workplace matters, including disability accommodations, leave issues, reductions in force, executive separations, and compensation disputes. She also works with multi-state employers, coordinating advice across jurisdictions to help clients address workforce issues consistently and effectively. Her litigation experience includes jury trials and oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Ann has participated in hundreds of mediations and helps clients evaluate settlement opportunities, litigation risks, and business considerations in real time. She also develops litigation budgets, monitors costs throughout a matter, and communicates proactively about significant developments. In addition, she regularly trains managers and supervisors on employment law compliance and practical strategies for avoiding workplace disputes.
Honors and Recognitions
- Thomson Reuters, “Stand-Out Lawyer” (2024-present)
- The Best Lawyers in America©, "Employment Law - Management" and "Litigation - Labor and Employment" (2013-present)
- Business North Carolina, "Legal Elite in Employment Law" (2023)
- Martindale-Hubbell®, "Distinguished® - Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement" (2011-present)
Published Works
- “The New Labor Landscape: Are you prepared?” North Carolina Bar Association Labor & Employment Newsletter, Vol. 30, No. 3 (April 2012) [Co-Author]
Speeches
- “Social Media and the Workplace: Harassment, Bullying and Hiring Issues,” EEOC TAPS Seminar (Charlotte, NC, May 2016 and Durham, NC, June 2016) (presenter)
- “Employee Handbook Landmines,” NC Bankers Association CBS Benefits Day and HR Conference (Greensboro, NC, March 2016) (presenter)
- “What’s Going On?!? Hot Topics in Employment Law,” Moore County Human Resources Executive Association (Southern Pines, NC, October 2015) (presenter)
- “Facebook Hire, Facebook Fire (Benefits and Risk to Employers Using Social Media,” North Carolina League of Municipalities Annual Conference (Hickory, NC, October 2013) (presenter)
- “Thirteen Prescriptions for HR Health,” North Carolina Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources Conference (Raleigh, NC, March 2013) (presenter)
- “Human Resources Alphabet Soup,” North Carolina Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources Conference (Raleigh, NC, March 2012) (presenter)
- “Hot Button Issues in Employment Law,” North Carolina Association of Police Attorneys Conference (Shell Island, NC, October 2011) (presenter)
- “Starting off on the Right Foot—How to Vet Job Applicants without Breaking the Law,” North Carolina Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources Conference (Raleigh, NC, March 2011) (presenter)