The McIlveen Family Law Firm announced that attorneys Ashley Prince, Joshua Finney, and Kisha Patel have successfully met all requirements to become North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Family Law. The North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization formally recognized the attorneys as newly certified specialists on December 10, 2025. This certification represents one of the highest professional distinctions available to attorneys practicing in the state.
Board certification is a rigorous process that signifies a lawyer's advanced knowledge and experience in a specific legal field. According to the North Carolina State Bar's Legal Specialization program, there are approximately 33,400 active lawyers statewide, with only 1,161 holding board certification across all specialty areas. This means certified specialists constitute about 3.5% of all North Carolina attorneys, highlighting the exclusivity of this professional achievement.
To qualify for certification in family law, applicants must demonstrate substantial ongoing involvement in family law practice, complete significant continuing legal education focused on family law, undergo a thorough peer review process, and pass a comprehensive specialty examination. This multi-faceted evaluation ensures that certified attorneys possess both the practical experience and theoretical knowledge required to handle complex family legal matters effectively.
"We are incredibly proud of Ashley, Joshua, and Kisha for earning board certification," said Angela McIlveen, Managing Partner of McIlveen Family Law Firm. "This achievement reflects an extraordinary level of commitment to the practice of family law and reinforces our promise to deliver focused, high-caliber representation to our clients across North Carolina." The firm serves clients throughout the state in matters including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and related family law proceedings.
The certification of three attorneys simultaneously represents a significant enhancement of the firm's specialized capabilities. For clients facing family law challenges, working with board-certified specialists means accessing attorneys who have proven their expertise through a demanding certification process recognized by the state bar. This development strengthens the firm's position in providing strategic advocacy and practical counsel in emotionally charged and legally complex family law situations that affect families across North Carolina.
