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Jennifer Bills

Partner
Phone: (919) 942-5200
Toll Free: (800) 458-2541
Fax: (866) 397-8671
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For more than 20 years, Jennifer Bills has represented individuals, nonprofits, and organizations in a full range of labor, civil rights, and disability-related legal matters.

She also offers her expertise as a trusted advisor to small, women- and BIPOC-owned businesses and organizations helping employers to assess and navigate compliance issues. As a trusted neutral, Jennifer brings vast experience in conducting impartial, third party workplace investigations for municipalities, non-profits, and employers faced with employee complaints.

Because Jennifer believes everyone deserves to be seen, heard, believed, and respected, her highest intention is to provide the best representation to her clients, serving as an ally and zealous advocate, working tirelessly to ensure clients are treated fairly and with dignity in the pursuit of justice.

Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
  • North Carolina
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
Professional Experience
  • Patterson Harkavy, LLP, 2023-present
  • The Noble Law Firm, PLLC, NC, 2017-2023
  • Disability Rights North Carolina, 2008-2017
  • Law Offices of Howard Friedman, PC, 2004-2007
  • Northeastern University School of Law, 2006-2007
  • Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein, LLP, 2002-2004
  • The Honorable Gene Carter, United States District Court, 2001-2002
  • National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League of NH, 1996-1998
  • National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League, 1993-1996
  • Women’s Legal Defense Fund (now Partnership for Women and Families), 1992-1993
  • Close Up Foundation, 1991
Education
  • Northeastern University School of Law J.D. 2001
    • Honors and Activities:
      • Teaching Assistant for First Year Legal Research and Writing Course
      • Elected Commencement Speaker
      • Representative to Public Interest Law Committee
      • Poverty Law Clinic
      • Queer Caucus
      • National Lawyers GuildWomen’s Law Caucus
    • Full-Time Legal Internships:
      • Committee for Public Counsel Services (Public Defender) Roxbury, MA, March-May 2001
      • Seyfarth Shaw, LLP Boston, MA, Sept.-Nov. 2000
      • U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section Washington, DC, March-May 2000
      • The Honorable Norman Stahl, First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Concord, NH, Sept.-Nov. 1999
  • Haverford College B.A. 1991 Sociology and Anthropology, Concentration in Feminist and Gender Studies
    • Honors: Honor Council, Resident Advisor Study Abroad: Katholieke Universitiet, Leuven, Belgium
Public Service
  • Labor & Employment Law Council Member, North Carolina Bar Association 2020-2024
  • School Improvement Team, Carrboro Elementary School Carrboro, NC 2015 – 2022
    • SIT Member: Elected Parent Representative to school improvement team (2017-2019)
    • RISE: PTA volunteer committee promoting inclusive environment for African-American students
  • Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool, Chapel Hill, NC 2011-2015
    • Board of Directors: Assist staff with financial management and program operation (President 2012-14)
  • Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, Boston, MA, May 2005- Present
    • Volunteer Big Sister: Matched as a mentor to a then-eight-year old girl (now 25).
  • Women’s Bar Foundation Framingham Project, Boston, MA, 2005 –2007
    • Volunteer: Taught monthly legal workshops for incarcerated women; advocated for prison policy reform.
  • Boston Women’s Fund, Boston, MA, 2002-2007
    • Board of Directors: Served on non-profit board of grant-making organization that raises funds to support grassroots, social justice groups led by and serving the interests of women and girls.
  • University of Maine School of Law Portland, ME
    • Volunteer Moot Court Judge (4/02): Critiqued first year oral arguments and written briefs.
  • National Lawyers Guild, Boston, MA, 2002-2007; N.C. 2008-Present
    • Member/Legal Observer: Testified at state legislative hearing on same-sex marriage on behalf of Massachusetts chapter; taught Know Your Rights workshops at homeless shelters, jails, and unions; legal observing for demonstrations.
  • Honors: Named a “Rising Star,” a top young lawyer in Massachusetts, by Boston Magazine in 2005, 2006 & 2007