McIlveen Family Law Firm Attorneys Achieve Board Certification in Family Law

McIlveen Family Law Firm announced that attorneys Ashley Prince, Joshua Finney, and Kisha Patel have become North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Family Law. The North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization recognized the attorneys as newly certified specialists on December 10, 2025, after they passed the family law specialization exam and met all requirements.

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 statewide and 1,161 Board Certified Specialists, meaning only about 3.5% of all North Carolina attorneys hold this certification. To qualify for certification in family law, applicants must demonstrate substantial involvement in family law, complete significant family-law continuing legal education, undergo peer review, and pass a comprehensive specialty examination.

Angela McIlveen, Managing Partner of McIlveen Family Law Firm, stated that the firm is incredibly proud of Prince, Finney, and Patel for earning board certification. McIlveen noted that this achievement reflects an extraordinary level of commitment to the practice of family law and reinforces the firm's promise to deliver focused, high-caliber representation to clients across North Carolina.

The certification has implications for clients and the legal industry in North Carolina. For individuals navigating family law matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution, working with board-certified specialists can provide assurance of specialized expertise and adherence to rigorous professional standards. The recognition may influence how clients select legal representation, potentially prioritizing certified specialists for complex family law cases.

McIlveen Family Law Firm, which serves clients throughout North Carolina, emphasized that the attorneys' specialized expertise will continue to impact clients and families across the state. The firm focuses on strategic advocacy, practical counsel, and compassionate service in family law proceedings. This development underscores the firm's commitment to maintaining high standards in legal practice, which could set a benchmark for other family law practices in the region.

The broader legal community may view this certification as a marker of quality and dedication, potentially enhancing the firm's reputation and credibility. As family law often involves sensitive and high-stakes personal matters, the presence of multiple board-certified attorneys at one firm may offer clients a higher level of confidence in the legal process and outcomes. This achievement aligns with ongoing trends in the legal profession toward specialization and certification as means of demonstrating expertise and ensuring client trust.