As an accomplished and nationally recognized employment attorney, Renee Hughes brings a wealth of experience and skill to her practice. She is deeply passionate about delivering high-quality representation to her clients and is dedicated to utilizing her legal expertise in various aspects of employment law. Whether negotiating contracts, litigating non-compete or wage disputes, or advising employers on personnel issues, Renee commits her legal skills to delivering high-quality representation.
Renee's extensive background in employment law covers a broad range of areas. She provides zealous representation, advice and counsel to employers, executives and professionals on critical legal matters, such as non-competition agreements, wage and hour compliance, trade secrets, employment contracts, severance agreements, employee handbooks, personnel issues, and discrimination matters encompassing Title VII, ADEA, FMLA, ADA, and NLRA compliance.
Additionally, Renee represents employers in investigating and responding to complaints filed with state and federal agencies such as the EEOC and the Department of Labor. She also conducts and advises on workplace investigations with a focus on mitigating the legal liability of employers, and provides comprehensive employment training that covers, for example, personnel policies and the law governing discrimination and harassment matters. Renee is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of North Carolina.
RECOGNITIONS & AFFILIATIONS
Renee's outstanding achievements have garnered recognition from esteemed legal publications and organizations. Since 2013, she has been repeatedly honored in the prestigious Best Lawyers in America in the categories of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Super Lawyers magazine has regularly included her in its list of Super Lawyers since 2015, and she has been named among the Top 50 North Carolina women attorneys, Top 25 Lawyers in Charlotte, and Top 100 Lawyers in North Carolina. Additionally, Business North Carolina magazine recognized Renee as North Carolina's best employment lawyer in 2012. As a result, she is an esteemed member of the magazine's annual Legal Elite Hall of Fame.
In addition, Renee's exemplary professionalism led to her election as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. This honor is bestowed upon less than 1% of all lawyers practicing in each jurisdiction and reflects her dedication to the welfare of her community and the highest principles of the legal profession. Membership in the Fellows is granted through nomination by Fellows in the jurisdiction and subsequent election by the Board of the American Bar Foundation.
Renee is a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS:
Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, since 2015
Mecklenburg County Bar Association, member
Chairperson, Labor and Employment Section, Mecklenburg County Bar, 2020-21
Co-Chairperson, Labor and Employment Section, Mecklenburg County Bar, 2019-20
Chairperson, Small Firm/Solo Practitioner Section, Mecklenburg County Bar, 2009-12
Alumnus, Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute
Member, CHM Collective, a women’s business networking organization
Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a professional HR association
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Renee earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Wake Forest University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian of her class from NCCU School of Law, where she also served on the Law Journal and as Teaching Assistant to the Contracts and Evidence professors. Before pursuing her legal career, Renee worked as the Court Advocate for battered women and children at the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services in Wilmington.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
A native North Carolinian, Renee hails from Wilmington. When not practicing law, she enjoys domestic and international travel, going to the beach, practicing yoga, and spending time with her friends, family, and spiritual community. She is also an avid fan of Panthers football and passionately supports Wake Forest football and basketball (go Deacs!). She is also a certified life coach.
Renee is dedicated to serving her clients and advancing their interests through strategic planning, zealous advocacy, and client collaboration.