McIlveen Family Law Firm Attorneys Achieve Prestigious Board Certification in Family Law

The McIlveen Family Law Firm announced that attorneys Ashley Prince, Joshua Finney, and Kisha Patel have successfully met all 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 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 rigorous standards required to obtain it.

The certification process is demanding. To qualify for certification in family law, applicants must demonstrate substantial, ongoing 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 multifaceted evaluation ensures certified specialists possess deep, current knowledge and a proven track record in their field.

"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 clients and the legal community. For individuals and families navigating sensitive and complex issues like divorce, child custody, support, and alimony, engaging a board-certified specialist can provide greater assurance of expertise. These attorneys have proven a specialized, advanced competency beyond the standard license to practice law. The certification signals to clients, courts, and other attorneys a recognized standard of excellence and dedication to the family law field.

The firm, which represents clients throughout North Carolina in matters including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution, stated it looks forward to the continued impact this specialized expertise will bring. In a legal landscape where family law cases often involve high emotional stakes and significant financial implications, the presence of multiple board-certified specialists within a single firm enhances its capacity for strategic advocacy and practical counsel in these critical proceedings.