Will Oden has been invited to join the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Employment Panel and will now also serve as an arbitrator of employment law disputes alongside his employment law practice at Ward and Smith.

A labor and employment attorney and mediator, Oden brings to the AAA more than two decades of experience advising clients on a wide range of employment law matters, according to a news release.

Founded in 1926 following the passage of the Federal Arbitration Act, the AAA is the nation’s leading provider of alternative dispute resolution services.

"Its Employment Panel features arbitrators selected not only for their deep subject matter expertise but also for their impartiality and ability to guide parties to fair and efficient outcomes," the release stated. 

Candidates must have at least a decade of experience, with more than half of their legal practice devoted specifically to employment law matters. The AAA also considers a candidate’s educational background, professional accolades, and contributions to the field, such as speaking engagements and published works.

Oden is certified by the N.C. State Bar as a board certified specialist in employment law and worked with other attorneys in the state to help create the N.C. State Bar's Employment Law Board Certification Program. Additionally, he has been certified by the N.C. Dispute Resolution Commission since 2013.

"His practice includes both counseling clients and litigating employment matters in federal and state courts at the trial and appellate levels," according to the release. "Will routinely represents clients before federal and state administrative agencies and is known for helping employers navigate complex workplace issues and assisting individuals with practical, proactive solutions."

He is based in Ward and Smith's Wilmington office and serves clients throughout North Carolina.