McIlveen Family Law Firm announced that attorneys Ashley Prince, Joshua Finney, and Kisha Patel have successfully completed the rigorous 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.
Board certification represents one of the highest professional distinctions available to attorneys in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Bar's Legal Specialization program, there are approximately 33,400 lawyers practicing statewide, with only 1,161 achieving Board Certified Specialist status. This means roughly 3.5% of all North Carolina attorneys hold this certification, underscoring its exclusivity and the significant accomplishment of the McIlveen attorneys.
The certification process is demanding and designed to identify attorneys with demonstrated expertise. To qualify for certification in family law, applicants must show substantial involvement in family law practice, complete significant continuing legal education specifically in family law, undergo a thorough peer review process, and pass a comprehensive specialty examination. This multi-faceted evaluation ensures certified specialists possess both practical experience and deep theoretical knowledge.
"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."
This development is significant for North Carolina residents navigating complex family legal matters. Board certification provides a reliable benchmark for clients seeking legal representation during emotionally charged and legally intricate situations such as divorce, child custody disputes, child support determinations, alimony, and equitable distribution of assets. When individuals and families face these life-altering proceedings, the assurance of working with a certified specialist can be crucial. These attorneys have proven their specialized knowledge beyond the standard licensure requirements.
The firm's achievement contributes to raising the standard of family law practice within the state. By increasing the number of board-certified specialists, McIlveen Family Law Firm enhances the availability of highly qualified legal counsel for families. The firm, which represents clients throughout North Carolina, emphasizes strategic advocacy, practical counsel, and compassionate service in all family law proceedings. The certification of these three attorneys directly supports that mission, providing clients with access to a level of recognized expertise that is uncommon in the legal field.
For the legal industry, this news highlights the ongoing professional development and specialization trends within law practices. It demonstrates a firm's investment in advanced training and credentialing for its team, which can influence client choice and confidence. The recognition also has implications for the broader community, as families dealing with legal separation or custody issues benefit from attorneys who have met these elevated standards of proficiency and ethical peer review.
