Tamika L. Henderson

Tamika Henderson helps employers and organizational leaders navigate workplace issues with practical guidance informed by more than 20 years of experience in litigation, administrative proceedings, and day-to-day workplace counseling. Before joining Smith Anderson, Tamika served as Special Deputy Attorney General and Section Head for Services to State Agencies at the North Carolina Department of Justice, where she led a team handling civil matters in state and federal courts, as well as administrative matters.

Her extensive litigation background includes significant trial and appellate experience. She has served as first-chair counsel in more than 75 trials and evidentiary hearings before the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, state superior courts, and federal district courts. She has led federal-court employment litigation under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, handling matters from investigation through trial and appeal. She has briefed and argued before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of North Carolina, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and has appeared on brief before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In addition to her litigation practice, Tamika regularly advises executive leadership and human resources professionals at public and private companies on workplace investigations, EEOC charges and position statements, NLRB unfair labor practice charges, and workplace policies and risk mitigation strategies. Her experience across government, in-house, and private practice, including work with organizations in heavily regulated industries, gives her a broad perspective on the legal and practical considerations employers face in managing workplace issues.

Outside the office, Tamika is active in civic leadership, including service as a National Executive Board Member for Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and proudly serves as the “COO” of House Henderson with her husband, Peter, their three children, and two mini goldendoodles. She is also an enthusiastic reader and is always happy to recommend a good book.

Recognition

• The John R. Larkins Award, State of North Carolina (2026)
• President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (2024)

Education

• Indiana University School of Law, J.D., 2002
• Indiana University at Bloomington, B.A., 1999

Bar & Court Admissions

• National Executive Board Member, Jack and Jill of America
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.