D. Beth Langley

Beth Langley has over 25 years of experience counseling employers of all sizes in an assortment of employment law issues. She has represented businesses in employment litigation in matters involving civil rights, non-competition agreements, and trade secret protection.

My Practices

Representative Experience

• Obtained $75 Million Jury Verdict for chemical company client in unfair trade practice, breach of contract and fraudulent transfer claims.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of a board of education for a Title VII claim brought by a school administrator.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of hospitality client for a Title VII claim brought by former employee for retaliatory discharge.  Summary judgment was affirmed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Obtained summary judgment in favor of hospitality client for an Americans with Disabilities Act claim brought by former employee.  Summary judgment was affirmed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Obtained $1 million consent judgment in favor of construction industry client against former employees for misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud, conversion and breach of fiduciary duty.
• Obtained dismissal of federal OSHA whistleblower claim filed by former employer against manufacturing client.
• Successfully represented numerous clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, United States and North Carolina Departments of Labor and OSHA.

Honors & Recognitions

Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

Fellow, American Bar Foundation

Recognized in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's "Power List" for Employment Law (2021)

Recognized in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" (2020)

Recognized by Triad Business Journal as an Outstanding Women in Business honoree (2017)

Recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers in Employment & Labor Law (2009-2024), Top 50 Women Attorneys (2012-2013, 2019)

Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Employment Law-Management (2014-2025) and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2024-2025)

Recognized by her peers for inclusion in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" in Employment Law (2004-2024)

Recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Labor & Employment Law (2023-2024)

Named one of North Carolina Lawyer's Weekly "Women of Justice" (2019)

Recognized as a "Labor and Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (2020-2023)

Member, North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society (2019)

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 1992; Editor-in-Chief, Wake Forest Law Review; Moot Court Board; E. McGruder Faris Award

Wake Forest University, B.A., 1986, cum laude; Omicron Delta Epsilon; Pi Sigma Alpha

Certifications

Certified as a North Carolina Mediator by the NC Dispute Resolution Commission

Admissions

North Carolina

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina

Multimedia

Professional & Civic Activities

NCDRC Certified Mediator – Superior Court

Wake Forest University School of Law Board of Visitors (2007-2012, 2024-present)

Council Member, North Carolina Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section (2024-present)

Chair, Nominations Committee, North Carolina Bar Association (2021)

Member, Board of Governors, North Carolina Bar Association (2018-2021)

Member, Board of Trustees, North Carolina Bar Foundation (2018-2021)

Committee Chair (2014-2017), Member (2010-present), North Carolina Bar Association Development Committee

Member, United Way of Greater Greensboro Human Resources Committee (2010-present)

Member, North Carolina Bar Association Administration of Justice Committee (2010-2014)

Member, Degrees Matter! (2013-2018)

Member, Federal Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association

Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Member, Guilford County Bar Association

Magistrate Judge Selection Panel, US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (2011)

Staff Parish Relations Committee (2009-2012), Board of Trustees (2007-2009), Christ United Methodist Church

Chair, Labor & Employment Section Council, North Carolina Bar Association (2002)

Bethany Community Middle School, Board of Directors (2001-2003)

Growing up in a family business, I've always been interested in the needs and challenges of business owners. Before law school, I worked in management with Life Insurance Company of Georgia in Atlanta. Through that work, I realized that my love for business could intertwine with my love for solving complex problems. As a loyal Demon Deacon, I found my way to Wake Forest University for law school. After winning my First Year Moot Court Competition, which took place before three NC Supreme Court Justices, I found my true passions lie in the courtroom.

I am committed to seeking out the most positive outcomes for our clients. I love strategizing and advocating for them, whether in or out of the courtroom. I’ve had the honor of working with many of the Firm's clients for most of my legal career.

When I’m not in the office, my husband and our two sons spend as much time as possible on the water. Whether it’s a lake or the North Carolina Outer Banks, it’s always a great time to be on the water.

My favorite virtue -- patience (I wish I had more)

I became a lawyer because…I was fascinated by the legal side of business.

My chief characteristic  -- Determination

What I appreciate the most in my friends - Their genuine kindness

My main fault -- too many to list

One surprising thing people don’t know about me is… I adopted my son, Wes, as a single mom.

My occupation if I weren't a lawyer -- stock broker

Where I'd most like to live -- the NC Outer Banks

My idea of happiness -- A day on the water with my husband, the boys and our boat-loving dogs.

What legal work most excites me -- the end of a case when a client is smiling.

My greatest ambition -- to argue a case before SCOTUS. I have briefed cases before SCOTUS, but never argued.

My favorite prose authors - Kaye Gibbons; Emily Bronte

The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with - I wish I had visual artistic talent.

My motto -- Keep on the sunny side

What I admire most about my clients -- they are extraordinarily smart, gracious business people who strive to be fair to their employees.

I understand others think I am… a horrible driver.

My favorite characters in fiction -- Ruby, Cold Mountain

I grew up…with loving, supportive parents who encouraged me to take education seriously, taught me the importance of a work ethic, and encouraged my legal career at every stage.

My favorite activity away from work -- spending time with my family. Family game night is the best. The Uno competition is fierce.

The best thing about Brooks Pierce -- I have been most impressed with the culture, and how genuinely nice everyone is.

My heroes in real life -- My mom, who was a working mom way before it was cool; the many friends who were my support and safety net during the years I practiced law as a single mom.

My legacy -- TBD