Jake Stewart represents municipalities, local government entities, and employers throughout North Carolina in complex litigation matters in both state and federal courts. His practice focuses on municipal defense, employment litigation, civil rights claims, and general liability defense. Jake also has experience defending medical malpractice claims, representing homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in litigation, handling contract disputes, and defending a broad range of tort and premises liability matters. He works closely with clients to develop tailored legal strategies that align with their unique goals, circumstances, and risk considerations.
Municipal & Local Government Defense
Jake regularly represents North Carolina municipalities, counties, public officials, law enforcement agencies, and other government entities in litigation and legal matters. He has defended claims in all three federal district courts in North Carolina, numerous state courts, and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
His experience includes defending claims brought under 42 U.S.C. 1983 and allegations involving the First, Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. He has also handled matters involving wrongful death, negligence, defamation, wrongful termination, trespass, adverse possession, premises liability, tortious interference with contract, and alleged violations of the North Carolina Constitution.
In addition to defending litigation, Jake advises municipalities on day-to-day legal issues, risk management, and proactive strategies designed to reduce liability exposure. He values the opportunity to work alongside councils, boards, managers, sheriffs, chiefs, attorneys, and employees who serve communities across North Carolina. Recognizing that every municipality faces unique challenges and priorities, Jake provides practical, responsive counsel tailored to each client’s needs.
Employment Litigation & Employer Counseling
Jake also represents public- and private-sector employers in employment litigation, administrative proceedings, and workplace-related disputes. He has defended claims involving alleged violations of Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Section 1981, and the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA). His employment law experience extends to matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL), and state and federal courts throughout North Carolina.
In addition, Jake has experience defending wage and hour claims involving the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act. He works closely with employers to pursue efficient, practical resolutions that support their business objectives, whether through settlement, negotiation, or litigation.
Beyond litigation, Jake counsels employers on employment practices, workplace policies, personnel issues, and compliance matters aimed at reducing risk and preventing future disputes. His proactive approach helps clients navigate workplace challenges while minimizing potential exposure to claims and lawsuits.
Jake grew up in New Jersey and remains a devoted New York sports fan. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time on the golf course and with his wife, Olivia, and their two sons.
Accomplishments
•Selected for inclusion in North Carolina Rising Stars in the field of Workers' Compensation (2025); State, Local, and Municipal (2026)
Most Recent Posts
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Litigating Against the State and its Arms: U.S. Supreme Court Narrows Sovereign Immunity in Galette v. N.J. Transit Corp.
The Supreme Court’s recent unanimous opinion in Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corp. marks a significant clarification of the boundaries...
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The Mortality of Immunity
Are North Carolina Courts Chipping Away at Public Official Immunity? For years, police officers and other public officials in North...
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Does an Employee Who Contracts COVID-19 at Work from a Co-Employee Have a Legal Remedy?
As more employers begin to open their doors and their employees return to work, unanticipated and unusual issues are likely...
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A Never Ending Story: Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Asbestos was widely used from the 1940s to the 1980s, but surprisingly, it seems claims of asbestos exposure and the...
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What’s fair and just is a must
The Plaintiff worked as a part-time nurse’s assistant, where she earned $8.00 per hour. She received a promotion in February of...
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respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
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