Wood W. Lay

• Co-lead team that successfully defended employer against a purported California class action for misclassification of employees and unpaid overtime
• Advised large employer during an internal investigation of a significant number of employees for the use of fraudulent documents to withdraw funds from an ERISA plan. Successfully defended the employer in five subsequent labor arbitrations, after which the union withdrew all remaining grievances. Also, successfully defended the employer in government investigations arising from the matter
• Defended employer against large proposed penalty for I-9 violations by the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) of the Department of Labor
• Represented employers in OSHA investigations in a number of fatality and serious industrial accident cases
• Obtained dismissal on Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss of 21-page complaint alleging race discrimination for failure to satisfy the Twombly/lqbal pleading standard
• Obtained summary judgement in multiple cases for clients facing discrimination, failure to accommodate, or retaliation claims under the ADA and similar state laws
• Served as lead attorney in litigation and arbitrations in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia

• Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law-Management and Labor Law-Management, 2013-2026
• Chambers USA – North Carolina, Employment and Labor, 2007-2025
• Lawdragon, 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2025-2026
• Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Employment, 2024; 2026
• North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Power List, Employment Law, 2025
• Editor-In-Chief, Washington & Lee Law Review
• Inaugural Member, North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society
• Member Board of Directors, Classroom Central, 2015-2022
• Chair of the Board of Directors, Classroom Central, 2019-2021
• Chair, Outreach Commission Committee, Christ Episcopal Church

Moore & Van Allen takes a proactive approach to labor and employment relations by understanding each client’s business objectives, identifying potential risks, and helping develop practical strategies to achieve those goals. The firm provides management training and assists with policy development, while advising clients daily on responses to workplace and HR issues. This combination of education, guidance, and preventative support leads to meaningful cost savings and fosters more productive workplaces.

Litigation remains a constant reality in the HR arena. Moore & Van Allen supports its clients with decades of experience, positioning matters for favorable resolution through negotiation whenever possible and, when necessary, advocating vigorously in court or arbitration to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The firm’s Employment and Labor group brings extensive experience across the broad spectrum of federal and state statutory, regulatory, and common law governing employer–employee relationships. The team regularly represents clients nationwide in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, handling claims involving unfair labor practices, discrimination, sexual harassment, employee misclassification, wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, workers’ compensation, denial of benefits, fiduciary liability, and employment contract disputes.

Attorneys at Moore & Van Allen also represent companies in complex employment litigation, including class and collective actions, as well as disputes involving unfair competition, non-compete and nonsolicitation agreements, confidentiality covenants, trade secrets, tortious interference, and employee raiding.

As part of a full-service law firm, clients benefit from the integrated experience of attorneys in the firm’s employee benefits, immigration, corporate, and tax practices whenever these issues intersect with employment matters.

The group takes pride in working closely with clients both on-site and off-site, delivering the practical legal support required in today’s constantly evolving labor and employment landscape. Its depth of experience enables the team to anticipate challenges and provide effective solutions across every stage of the employment relationship.

Moore & Van Allen is a full-service business and litigation law firm with deep roots in the Southeastern United States and a national and international reach. Known for its sophisticated work with financial institutions, public and private companies, and growth-oriented businesses, the firm combines large-firm capabilities with a collaborative, client-focused culture. Its attorneys regularly advise on complex corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and strategic regulatory matters across a wide range of industries.

The firm is particularly well regarded for its strength in banking and financial services, corporate and mergers & acquisitions, employment law, real estate, and litigation. Moore & Van Allen represents major national and regional banks, private equity sponsors, developers, and middle-market companies, guiding clients through everything from structured finance and capital markets transactions to large-scale development projects and bet-the-company litigation. Its interdisciplinary approach allows teams to deliver practical, business-minded solutions tailored to each client’s commercial objectives.

With offices in key business centers and a longstanding presence in North Carolina’s financial hub, Moore & Van Allen pairs regional insight with global perspective. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships, responsiveness, and strategic counsel, positioning itself as a trusted advisor to clients navigating both day-to-day legal needs and transformative business events.