Practice Areas
Bar Admissions
North Carolina
South Carolina
Education
University of Alabama, J.D., summa cum laude, 2009, Order of the Coif; Senior Notes Editor, Alabama Law Review, 2008-09; National Moot Court Team Member, 2008-09
Clemson University, B.S., summa cum laude, 2006
Profile
Brian Church represents companies and individuals involved in commercial and employment disputes. He has experience litigating a wide variety of commercial, employment and class action cases, including labor and employment litigation involving wage and labor practice disputes, discrimination, restrictive covenants and trade secrets; financial services disputes; creditors' rights; and general contract and trade practice claims. In addition to his litigation practice, Brian regularly counsels clients regarding a range of commercial, labor and employment issues.
Brian represents clients in a variety of settings, including state and federal trial and appellate courts, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, arbitration, mediation and in administrative proceedings.
Honors & Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America, commercial litigation, 2022-23; employment, 2023
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Star, business litigation, 2014-23
Clerkships
- Law Clerk, The Honorable Joel F. Dubina, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2009-10
Experience
Experience
Won a lengthy trial on trade secret misappropriation and related claims, which resulted in a $7 million jury verdict with potential for treble damages and settled prior to entry of judgment.
Prevailed on enforcement of employee noncompetition agreements. XPO Logistics, Inc. v. Anis, 2016 WL 3944081 (N.C. Bus. Ct. 2016); Horner International Company v. McKoy, 754 S.E. 2d 852 (N.C. Ct. App. 2014).
Secured dismissal of actions alleging race discrimination against employers. Lawrence v. Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, 2018 WL 4186417 (W.D.N.C. 2018); Edwards v. American Red Cross, 2012 WL 6727117 (W.D.N.C. 2012); Moses v. American Red Cross, 2013 WL 2948155 (E.D.N.C. 2013), aff'd (4th Cir. 2013).
Obtained dismissal of Fair Labor Standards Act claims against employer. Beasley v. Bojangles’ Restaurants, 1:17CV255 (M.D.N.C. 2018).
Represents employers in multiple putative collective actions asserting violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of employer in gender discrimination and sexual harassment suit alleging violations of Title VII and state law. Cramer v. Bojangles' Restaurant, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 29237 (N.D. Ga. Feb. 8, 2012), 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 29245 (N.D. Ga. March 6, 2012), aff'd 2012 WL 5869384 (11th Circ. 2012).
Obtained order compelling individual arbitration in putative class action alleging violations of the federal Truth in Lending Act and other statutes, and obtained denial of petition for interlocutory appeal. Hopkins v. World Acceptance Corp., 798 F. Supp. 2d 1339 (N.D. Ga. 2011), 11th Cir. 2012.
Represented auto manufacturer in defense of class action alleging race discrimination through use of criminal background checks and obtained favorable resolution through settlement.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of lender against borrower and guarantors in commercial collection action.
Represents financial institutions and investment advisors in FINRA arbitration proceedings.
Obtained full recovery on behalf of mergers and acquisition adviser in arbitration regarding fee dispute.
Represents employers in litigation involving employee wrongdoing and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Defended consumer and mortgage lenders in numerous state court lawsuits involving claims under state unfair trade practices and debt collection laws, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and various other state and federal laws.
Represents employers in cases and administrative proceedings involving race, national origin, age, disability and gender discrimination, unfair labor practices, and violations of wage and hour laws.
News & Events
News
- Jan. 20, 2023
- Nov. 16, 2022
- Aug. 23, 2022
- Jan. 14, 2022
- Aug. 26, 2021
- Jan. 15, 2021
- Jan. 22, 2020
- Jan. 28, 2019
- March 21, 2018
- Jan. 30, 2018
- Jan. 9, 2018
- Jan. 26, 2017
- Aug. 3, 2016
- March 25, 2016
- Jan. 27, 2016
- Jan. 21, 2015
- Jan. 21, 2014
- Sept. 7, 2010
Events
Robinson Bradshaw
101 N. Tryon St., Suite 1900
Charlotte, NC 28246Dec. 12, 2022Via webinar
Feb. 11, 2021Robinson Bradshaw
1450 Raleigh Road, Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27517June 28, 2017Robinson Bradshaw
101 N. Tryon St.
Suite 1900
Charlotte, NC 28246Dec. 6, 2016
Insights
- Jan. 10, 2023Robinson Bradshaw Publication
- Nov. 4, 2021Robinson Bradshaw Publication
- Feb. 28, 2020Robinson Bradshaw Publication
- June 28, 2016Robinson Bradshaw Publication
- Fall 2015The Appellate Quarterly
- Fourth Circuit Exercises Pendent Appellate Jurisdiction to Revive Dismissed Class Action AllegationsWinter 2014The Appellate Quarterly
- Fourth Circuit Deems Voluntary Dismissal to be with Prejudice to Exercise Appellate JurisdictionFall 2013The Appellate Quarterly
- March 4, 2013Robinson Bradshaw Publication
Affiliations
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association, Member