This milestone solidifies the firm as a leader in delivering top-tier family law services and reinforces its commitment to providing expert legal representation in complex cases.
Cary, North Carolina, December 26, 2024 — Triangle Smart Divorce is proud to announce that three of their dedicated Attorneys – Lauren O’Malley, Katelyn Hodgins, and Ashley Fillippeli – have earned the coveted honor of being recognized as Board Certified Specialists in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar.
This certification is an impressive addition to the already extensive list of achievements accrued by these three ambitious attorneys, further demonstrating their expertise and dedication to excellence in family law.
The North Carolina State Bar certifies attorneys as specialists in specific practice areas as a service to the public. This program helps individuals choose legal counsel by identifying attorneys who have proven advanced knowledge, skills, and proficiency in particular fields of law. It also provides lawyers with a reliable way to showcase their expertise to both the public and their peers.
To be certified as a board certified specialist in a practice area, a lawyer must:
- Be an active member in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar for at least five years
- Devote at least 25% of his or her practice to the specialty during the past five years (substantial involvement)
- Attend continuing legal education (CLE) seminars in the specialty
- Be favorably evaluated by other lawyers and judges (peer review) and
- Pass a written examination in the specialty practice area.
Certification is granted for a period of five years. To maintain certification, a lawyer must again demonstrate that he or she is substantially involved in the practice area; attend CLE seminars in the practice area; and be favorably evaluated by peers.
Katelyn Hodgins, a graduate of Campbell Law School, has been practicing law for 7 years and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in both 2023 and 2024.
Ashley Fillippeli is also a graduate of Campbell Law School (Cum Laude). She has been practicing for 10 years and has been recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star for six years and counting.
Lauren OMalley is a graduate of Duquesne Law School who has been practicing law for 13 years. Her resume highlights several impressive accomplishments, including speaking engagements on a variety of family law issues to educate other attorneys; serving as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice Family Law Section; acting as an attorney advisor for Enloe High School’s Mock Trial Team; being a recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Award and the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Gold recognition; and receiving the Rising Star Award from Super Lawyers every year from 2019 to 2024.
Mitzi Gardner, CEO of Triangle Smart Divorce, expressed of their accomplishment, “We couldn’t be prouder of Lauren, Ashley, and Katelyn. Their hard work, heart, and commitment to earning this specialist certification are truly inspiring. Having them on our Team means so much, not only to us but to every Client they support. They embody Triangle Smart Divorce’s mission to provide knowledgeable, compassionate guidance through life’s most pivotal moments.”
Jenny Bradley, Owner and Founding Attorney, echoed Gardner’s praises. “Our Team has always been dedicated to raising the bar in family law, and passing the family law specialist exam is no small feat! We’re proud of our Attorneys for taking on this challenge and achieving this recognition. They’ve proven their commitment to going above and beyond, and it’s just one more reason our Clients can feel confident they’re in great hands.”
Founded in Cary, North Carolina in 2017, Triangle Smart Divorce takes a unique approach to family law which emphasizes minimizing conflict and prioritizes helping clients avoid costly mistakes. They encourage Clients to resolve issues outside the courtroom whenever possible to minimize stress, but are prepared to fight for their clients with fierce advocacy when needed. With 200+ years of combined experience and 200+ 5-star Google reviews, they deliver personalized, effective solutions. Call Triangle Smart Divorce today to request a consultation.
Media Contact:
Mackenzie Gokey
919-877-6020