LAWYER PROFILE
Bill McMahon

Bill McMahon

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP

Practice Areas

Employment Litigation Prevention & Defense

Appellate

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Employee Benefits

ERISA Litigation

Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition

Career

Bill represents employers in a wide range of employment matters, with a strong focus on ERISA litigation and employee benefits disputes.

He defends public and private companies in litigation involving retirement plans, health and welfare benefits, fiduciary obligations, and claims brought under ERISA. As Co-Chair of Constangy’s ERISA Litigation Practice Group, Bill regularly advises clients facing class actions and individual claims involving breach of fiduciary duty, denial of benefits, and prohibited transactions. His practice also includes counseling employers on plan administration and risk mitigation under the ERISA framework.

In addition to his ERISA-focused work, Bill handles employment matters involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, whistleblower claims, employee fraud, and employment tax disputes—including matters related to independent contractor misclassification. He also litigates claims involving employment discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour issues. Bill brings a trial-oriented mindset to each case, shaped by his experience representing clients in state and federal court, including the United States Tax Court. His analytical approach—grounded in his academic background in accounting and philosophy—helps him simplify complex disputes and focus early on what will matter most at trial.

Since 2010, Bill has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Wake Forest University School of Law, where he created and teaches a course on Employee Benefits and Pension Law. His combined experience as a litigator, advisor, and educator allows him to provide strategic, well-rounded counsel to employers navigating evolving regulatory and litigation risks.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section

North Carolina Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law

J.D., cum laude

2005

Awards

Litigation - Labor and Employment

The Best Lawyers in America®

2026

North Carolina Super Lawyers®

Super Lawyers

2026

Employment Law, Business North Carolina

Legal Elite

2024

Emerging Legal Leader Finalist

North Carolina Lawyers Weekly

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Labor & Employment - North Carolina

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Bill McMahon advises on a range of employment disputes, including failure to provide reasonable adjustments and breach of contract. He has experience handling matters before the court of Appeals and Seventh Circuit.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bill McMahon's combination of litigation knowledge, compliance insight, and commercial awareness makes him a standout adviser in the field.

    Labor & EmploymentChambers Guide to the USA
  • Bill McMahon is responsive and understands the needs of the business.

    Labor & EmploymentChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP (23)

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Illinois

Massachusetts

Missouri: Kansas City & Surrounds

New York: Upstate

North Carolina

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

USA - Nationwide

Virginia

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