About John
John W. Gresham: Leading Employment Litigation and Civil Rights Attorney in Charlotte
John W. Gresham is a distinguished legal advocate recognized for his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of individuals facing complex employment and constitutional challenges. With over four decades of dedicated service, Mr. Gresham has established a formidable reputation for strategic legal counsel, aggressive courtroom advocacy, and a deep understanding of both state and federal law. His career is marked by significant victories and a consistent track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Initially serving as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge James B. McMillan in Charlotte, Mr. Gresham honed his legal skills and developed a keen appreciation for the principles of justice. He subsequently built a successful career as a partner at Ferguson Stein Chambers Gresham & Sumter, PA, for over a decade, later continuing his impactful work with Tin, Fulton Walker and Owen.
Mr. Gresham’s practice encompasses a broad range of legal areas, including **employment litigation and negotiation**, **public employee rights**, **constitutional law**, **general civil litigation**, **appellate practice**, and **personal injury**. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in representing plaintiffs in **First Amendment and employment litigation** cases.
Recognized by his peers for his outstanding work, Mr. Gresham has been consistently listed in Best Attorney USA since 1997, earning accolades such as a Super Lawyer in employment litigation for plaintiffs, a member of the Legal Elite by Business North Carolina, and holding the prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell – an accolade first awarded over twenty years ago. He has also been annually recognized as a Bigelow Award recipient by Boston University School of Law.
Mr. Gresham’s educational background reflects his scholarly approach to the law. He graduated with distinction from Davidson College and Boston University School of Law, where he was awarded the Bigelow Prize for greatest potential for scholarship and teaching – a testament to his exceptional analytical abilities. During his time at Boston University, he published a noteworthy note in the Boston University Law Review analyzing the employment rights of veterans. He has further enriched the legal community by teaching employment law and civil rights litigation at the Vermont Law School and Campbell Law School.
Notable Cases Demonstrate His Expertise: Mr. Gresham’s career includes pivotal cases such as *Corum v. University of North Carolina*, where the North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed the existence of an individual remedy under the North Carolina State Constitution for violations of state constitutional rights, and *Reed v. United Transportation Union*, in which the Supreme Court expanded the time period within which union members could pursue claims for violation of their rights – a landmark decision.
Beyond his courtroom successes, Mr. Gresham is deeply committed to the legal profession. He has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Education Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and has served on numerous bar committees, including the Appellate Rules Study Committee and the Mecklenburg County Grievance Committee. These experiences demonstrate his dedication to fostering a strong and ethical legal community.
Bar Admissions:
- North Carolina, 1975
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1975
- U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit, 1975
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, 1976
- U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 1975
- U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 1977
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1987
Practice Areas:
- Education Law
- Employment Law - Individuals
- Litigation - First Amendment
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Awards:
- Recognized: Education Law
- Recognized: Employment Law - Individuals
- Recognized: Litigation - First Amendment
- Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Practice Area: First Amendment Law
- Special Focus: Individuals
- Bigelow Award Boston University school of Law
Affiliations:
Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 1997
Contact Information:
City: Charlotte, State: North Carolina, Country: United States
