Kerry Shad Earns Spot on NCLW Employment Power List for Fourth Straight Year

Smith Anderson partner Kerry Shad has been named to the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Employment Law Power List for the fourth year in a row, recognizing her as one of the state’s most respected employment lawyers.

According to NCLW, Kerry has built a reputation as "a straight-shooter who prioritizes honest dialogue and practical solutions." She is known for her respectful approach even in disagreements, seeking efficient resolutions while remaining fully prepared to litigate when necessary.

Her practice reflects the human element that makes employment law so compelling. Kerry counsels companies of all sizes — including multinational corporations — across industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, biotech, agtech, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. She regularly defends employers in EEOC matters and in both state and federal courts nationwide, and finds particular satisfaction in helping clients navigate sensitive, high-stakes matters with fairness and clarity.

Kerry’s leadership extends beyond her client work. She serves on the firm’s Management Committee, co-chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and co-leads the Employment Litigation team, while also mentoring other attorneys. Her achievements have been recognized across leading legal directories, including Benchmark Litigation, which has named her to its Top 250 Women in Litigation list, recognized her as a Labor & Employment Star every year since the guide’s inaugural edition in 2018 and honored her as a Litigation Star from 2023–2025. She is also ranked in Chambers USA for Labor & Employment.

Reflecting on her practice, Kerry said: "I’m privileged to have the opportunity to work with exceptional companies on some of their most important and challenging matters." She added, "What I  most appreciate are the longstanding and mutually supportive relationships I’ve built with clients and colleagues."

Looking ahead, Kerry anticipates significant workforce restructurings across industries that may result in increased employment-related claims and litigation. NCLW noted that she continues to draw on her seasoned perspective to guide clients through challenging situations with confidence.

The full 2025 Employment Power List can be viewed here.

About North Carolina Lawyers Weekly

North Carolina Lawyers Weekly is the state’s leading legal publication reporting news, court opinions, verdicts and settlements and other issues of importance for North Carolina’s legal community. The North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Power List highlights attorneys recognized by their peers and clients as leaders in their fields — known for their professionalism, creativity and ability to find practical solutions to complex problems.