Board Certified Specialists

In 1983, the North Carolina Bar created the Board of Legal Specialization, which certifies North Carolina lawyers who have shown exceptional knowledge and proficiency in a specific field as specialists. North Carolina is one of only 18 states to offer a legal certification program in the United States. To become a certified specialist in North Carolina, a lawyer must meet several rigorous requirements. A potential candidate must:

1. Be an active member in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar for at least five years.
2. Devote at least 25 percent of his or her practice to the specialty during the past five years (substantial involvement).
3. Attend continuing legal education (CLE) seminars in the specialty.
4. Be favorably evaluated by other lawyers and judges (peer review).
5. Pass a written examination in the specialty practice area.

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to have three Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law available to represent the needs of injured workers.

Meet our Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law:

Michael Mackay -
Mr. Mackay is a workers’ compensation attorney as well as a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. He serves as the head of the workers’ compensation team at James Scott Farrin. Mr. Mackay worked for one of the largest insurance defense firms in the state before becoming a respected workers’ compensation lawyer who represents injured workers.

Matthew Harbin -
Mr. Harbin is a workers’ compensation attorney and a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. Mr. Harbin served as a Special Deputy Commissioner with the North Carolina Industrial Commission before joining the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin.

Jennifer Shapiro -
Ms. Shapiro is a workers’ compensation attorney and a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. Prior to joining James Scott Farrin, Jennifer worked as an attorney for an insurance defense firm for over 5 years.