Norris A. Adams, II

How I Can Help

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Claims
Appellate Advocacy
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Class Actions

Construction Law
Employee Benefits
ERISA Litigation
Medical Benefit/Health Insurance Claims

Labor & Employment
Life Insurance Claims
Short and Long-Term Disability Claims
Retirement/Pension Claims

BIOGRAPHY

Norris is a civil litigator with a practice emphasis on ERISA litigation. He regularly represents clients in ERISA matters at both the administrative level and in federal court, including short- and long-term disability benefit claims, retirement and pension benefit matters, all levels of health benefit coverage denial claims, life insurance claims, accidental death and dismemberment claims, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and other employee benefit matters. He also regularly handles individual disability income claims and other insurance coverage matters.

Norris is a frequent speaker and lecturer on ERISA and related issues at continuing legal education conferences all over the country. He has also written numerous articles and book chapters for a wide range of professional publications on various ERISA topics. Norris has been recognized as one of Business North Carolina's Legal Elite, Thomson Reuters' North Carolina Super Lawyers and Business Super Lawyers, and U.S. News and World Report's Best Lawyers in America.

Norris’ practice also focuses on appellate advocacy, class actions, labor and employment, and general business litigation. He has successfully tried numerous bench and jury trials, and regularly appears in all state and federal courts, both at the trial court and appellate levels.

Prior to joining Essex Richards almost fifteen years ago, Norris served as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Stephen C. St. John, Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Norfolk, Virginia. He likes to think he is Judge St. John's all-time favorite law clerk, but that claim is not only unsubstantiated, but highly doubtful. Before that, he received his juris doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law, where he was a teaching assistant, a member of the Moot Court Executive Board, and received the Order of the Barristers from the faculty upon graduation. Norris received his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Campbell University, where he double majored in Political Science and History, and received the Sarah Virginia Hackney Award of Excellence upon graduation.

Norris is a native Carolinian but grew up all over the east coast and in England for three years. He is an avid sports fan and long-suffering Washington Redskins and Wake Forest Demon Deacons fan. He enjoys playing tennis, basketball, and yelling at TV. His wife, Julie, is also a practicing attorney in Charlotte. Norris and Julie are members of Myers Park United Methodist Church.

EDUCATION

Wake Forest University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
• Moot Court (2002-04)
• Moot Court Executive Council (2003-04)
• Student Trial Bar (2001-04)
• Legal Research & Writing Teaching Assistant (2002-03)
• Appellate Advocacy Teaching Assistant (2003-04)

Campbell University, Bachelor of Arts
• Magna Cum Laude
• Sarah Virginia Hackney Award of Excellence (Top graduating student in Government & History majors)
• Trans America Athletic Conference (“TAAC”) All-Conference Academic Team (men’s tennis) (1997-2000)
• Honor Societies: Phi Kappa Phi; Epsilon Pi Eta; Alpha Phi Sigma; Pi Gamma Mu; Alpha Iota Alpha chapter of Phi Alpha Theta; Presidential Scholars

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits, U.S. News and World Report (2018, 2019, 2020)
The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – ERISA, U.S. News and World Report (2018, 2019, 2020)
North Carolina Super Lawyers, ERISA/Employee Benefits, Thomson Reuters (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters (2012, 2013)
National Business Edition Super Lawyers, ERISA/Employee Benefits, Thomson Reuters (2015)
North Carolina Legal Elite, Employment Law, Business NC (2019)
North Carolina Legal Elite, Young Guns/Best Under 40, Business NC (2011, 2012, 2013)
North Carolina Legal Elite, Construction Law, Business NC (2010, 2011)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Preeminent
Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Distinguished
Campbell University Distinguished Political Science Alumnus (2013-14)
National Order of the Barristers

REPRESENTATIVE WORK

Fourth Circuit ERISA decisions

Carroll v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., No. 16-1152, 685 Fed. Appx. 272, 2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 7119, 2017 WL 1437212 (4th Cir. Apr. 24, 2017).
Wilkinson v. Sun Life Health and Ins. Co., 15-2105, 674 Fed. Appx. 294, 2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 201, 2017 WL 56721 (4th Cir. Jan. 5, 2017).
Cosey v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., et al., No. 12-2360, 735 F.3d 161, 56 Employee Benefits Cas. (BNA 2997), 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 22833, 2013 WL 5977151 (4th Cir. Nov. 12, 2013).
Vincent v. Lucent Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 11-1048, 440 Fed. Appx. 227, 52 Empl. & L. Rel. Law 1927, 2011 U.S. App. LEXIS 15601 (4th Cir. July 26, 2011), reh’g denied Aug. 23, 2011.

U.S. District Court ERISA decisions

E.W., et al. v. IBM Medical and Dental Benefit Plans for Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, No. 5:15-cv-504, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28381 (E.D.N.C. Jan. 18, 2018).
Washington v. Hartford Life & Accid. Ins. Co., No. 5:16-cv-173, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 104741 (E.D.N.C. July 6, 2017).
E.W., et al. v. IBM Medical and Dental Benefit Plans for Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, No. 5:15-cv-504, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 46377 (E.D.N.C. Mar. 29, 2017).
E.W., et al. v. IBM Medical and Dental Benefit Plans for Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, No. 5:15-cv-504, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51946 (E.D.N.C. Feb. 15, 2017).
West, et al. v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., 3:16-cv-502, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 152000 (W.D.N.C. Nov. 11, 2016).
Carroll v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., No. 3:13-cv-693, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 10214 (W.D.N.C. Jan. 28, 2016).
Wilkinson v. Sun Life Health and Ins. Co., 5:13-cv-87, 127 F.Supp.3d 545 (W.D.N.C. Sept. 1, 2015).
Carroll v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., 3:13-cv-693, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 175565 (W.D.N.C. Aug. 31, 2015).
Patterson v. BB&T Corp. Health Care Plan, et al., No. 1:14-cv-641, ECF Doc. No. 20 (M.D.N.C. Aug. 13, 2014).
Sizer v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., No. 3:10-cv-496, ECF Doc. No. 41 (W.D.N.C. Feb. 4, 2013).
Cosey v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., et al., No. 1:11-cv-121, 900 F.Supp.2d 640 (M.D.N.C. Sept. 30, 2012).
Vincent v. Lucent Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 3:07-cv-240, 733 F.Supp.2d 729 (W.D.N.C. Aug. 24, 2010).
Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc., et al. v. Brooks Food Group, Inc., et al., No. 3:07-cv-14, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5030 (W.D.N.C. Jan. 18, 2008).

ERISA Class Actions

West, et al. v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., 3:16-cv-502, ECF Doc. No. 45, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26404 (W.D.N.C February 5, 2018) (final approval).
West, et al. v. Continental Automotive, Inc., et al., 3:16-cv-502, ECF Doc. No. 45, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87382 (W.D.N.C June 7, 2017) (class certification).
Edwards v. Phoebe Putney Health System, Inc. et al, 1:15-cv-75, ECF Doc. No. 34 (M.D. Ga. Aug. 31, 2016) (final approval).
Cecil, et al. v. Hinshaw, et al., No. 1:15-cv-409, ECF Doc. No. 26 (M.D.N.C. Nov. 25, 2015) (final approval).

Other Sorted State, Federal, and Appellate Decisions

E.W., et al. v. IBM Medical and Dental Benefit Plans for Regular Full-Time and Part-Time Employees, No. 5:15-cv-504, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 107956 (E.D.N.C. July 11, 2017) (fees).
Securities and Exchange Commission v. Rex Venture Group, LLC, et al., No. 3:12-cv-519, ECF Doc. No. 462 (W.D.N.C. Dec. 16, 2015) (representing third party NxSystems, Inc.).
In re Harris Teeter Merger Litig., 2014 N.C.B.C. LEXIS 47 (Sept. 24, 2014) (class action).
Hatley v. City of Charlotte, No. 3:10-cv-423, ECF Doc. No. 46 (W.D.N.C. July 30, 2012) (fees).
Hatley v. City of Charlotte, No. 3:10-cv-423, 826 F.Supp.2d 890 (W.D.N.C. Nov. 28, 2011) (summary judgment).
Vincent v. Lucent Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 3:07-cv-240, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123780 (W.D.N.C. Oct. 25, 2011) (fees).
Ross, et al. v. Flo Foods, Inc., et al., No. 3:10-cv-356, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 86382 (W.D.N.C. Aug. 4, 2011) (summary judgment).
Premier Plastic Surgery Center, et al., v. of Adjust. for the Town of Matthews, et al., No. COA 10-863, 213 N.C. App. 364, 713 S.E.2d 511 (N.C. Ct. App. July 19, 2011) (state appellate).
Eckstein v. Lowe’s Companies, Inc., et al., No. 5:09-cv-95, ECF Doc. No. 128 (W.D.N.C. Dec. 15, 2010) (class action).
Marsh v. CBS Media Corp., et al., No. 09-2159, 397 Fed. Appx. 904 (4th Cir. Oct. 7, 2010) (representing third party University Psychological Associates).
Sloop, et al. v. City of Charlotte, No. 3:10-cv-144, ECF Doc. No. 13 (W.D.N.C. June 10, 2010) (collective action).
Kaiser-Flores v. Lowe’s Companies, Inc., et al., No. 5:08-cv-45, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28300 (W.D.N.C. Dec. 2, 2009) (class action).

Amicus

Mole’ v. City of Durham, No. COA 19-683 (N.C. Ct. App. Nov. 14, 2019).
Warren v. N.C. Dep’t of Crime Control & Pub. Safety, No. COA 18-532 (N.C. Ct. App. Sept. 17, 2019).
Wetherington v. N.C. Dep’t of Crime Control & Pub. Safety, No. 18-1018 (N.C. Ct. App. Feb. 13, 2019).
Harris v. N.C. Dep’t of Pub. Safety, et al., No. 110A17, 808 S.E.2d 142 (N.C. Sup. Ct. Dec. 22, 2017).
Brewington v. N.C. Dep’t of Pub. Safety, et al., No. COA 16-913, 802 S.E.2d 115 (N.C. Ct. App. June 20, 2017).
C. Dep’t of Pub. Safety v. Ledford, No. 223PA16, 797 S.E.2d 514 (N.C. Sup. Ct. April 4, 2017).
Tully v. City of Wilmington, No. 348A16, 794 S.E.2d 806 (N.C. Sup. Ct. Jan. 19, 2017).

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Recent Speaking Engagements
• North Carolina Advocates for Justice Annual Conference: Managing Client Expectations, My Greatest Successes, Sunset Beach, North Carolina (June 19, 2017).
• Mecklenburg County Bar, Appellate Advocacy: Winning Your Case through Persuasive Writing, Charlotte, North Carolina (March 15, 2016).
• American Conference Institute’s 18th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims (Contractual Limitations Periods in the Post-Heimeshoff Era), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (January 21-22, 2016).
• American Conference Institute’s 17th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims (Vocational Issues in Disability Claims), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (January 22-23, 2015).
• American Conference Institute’s 7th National Forum on ERISA Litigation (Selected Issues in Benefit Claims Litigation), Chicago, Illinois (April 28-29, 2014).
• North Carolina Advocates for Justice Continuing Legal Education, Disbursements 2014: Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Just the Messenger (ERISA Liens), Greensboro, North Carolina (February 28, 2014).
• North Carolina Advocates for Justice Continuing Legal Education, Disbursements 2014: Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Just the Messenger (ERISA Liens), Raleigh, North Carolina (January 24, 2014).
• American Conference Institute’s 6th National Forum on ERISA Litigation (Accidental Death & Dismemberment Claims), New York, New York (October 25-26, 2013).
• American Conference Institute’s 5th National Forum on ERISA Litigation (Plaintiff’s Perspective on Selected ERISA Benefit Claim Issues), New York, New York (October 29-30, 2012).

Recent Publications
• Contractual Limitations Periods in the Post-Heimeshoff Era: Case Law Update 2014-2016, ACI 18th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims (January 21, 2016).
• Inside the Minds: Protecting Retirees Health Care Benefits: Leading Lawyers on Negotiating Costs, Preventing Discrimination, and Ensuring Quality Medical Coverage, Thomson Reuters Aspatore Books (published August 2015).
• Vocational Issues in Disability Claims: Case Law Update 2014-2015, ACI 17th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims (January 22, 2015).
• Supreme Court Ruling Limits Lawsuits Over Benefits, Charlotte Business Journal (May 23, 2014).
• New Supreme Court Ruling Affects Statute of Limitations in ERISA Employee Benefit Claims, Lawyers Mutual Risk Perspective (January 22, 2014).
• New Supreme Court Ruling Affects Statute of Limitations in ERISA Employee Benefit Claims, NCAJ Practice Alert (December 19, 2013).
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policies: Case Law update 2012-2013, American Conference Institute’s 6th National Forum on ERISA Litigation (October 25, 2013).
• Challenging the Reliability and Import of Independent Medical Reviews in the Wake of Glenn v. MetLife, ABA Tort & Trial Insurance Practice (Fall 2009 Issue).
• Hang Up And Drive, Or Pay the Price, Charlotte Observer (February 19, 2009).

ASSOCIATIONS & ADMISSIONS

Bar Admissions

United States Court of Federal Claims (2019)
North Carolina (2004)
U.S. Court of Appeals
- Fourth Circuit (2008)
U.S. District Court
- Western District of North Carolina (2004)
- Middle District of North Carolina (2006)
- Eastern District of North Carolina (2006)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
- Western District of North Carolina (2006)
- Middle District of North Carolina (2006)
- Eastern District of North Carolina (2006)

Professional Associations

American Bar Association
North Carolina Bar Association
Mecklenburg County Bar
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Mecklenburg County Trial Lawyers Association
Justice Bobbitt Inn of Court

What Norris' Clients Say...

I know that calling Norris changed my son’s life – we had reached the end of what we knew how to do, and Norris took care of the rest.

Click here to read the full testimonial.

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What Norris' Clients Say......

My husband and I have had the pleasure of working with Norris Adams a number of times. He assisted us with several legal issues over the last number of years. Norris is a very professional lawyer who shows compassion for his clients. He is trustworthy, hardworking and always fights for what is right. We highly recommend Norris Adams! He's a great lawyer and a great person, as well.read more

Mary Kingston Bishop

22:08 02 Feb 18

If we ever have a legal problem, we want attorney Norris Adams from the firm of Essex Richards in Charlotte and his winning legal team by our side and you should want them too! My wife suffers from mental disorders. The company she worked for began covering her disability benefits then stopped. I had no idea what to do. I tried to get help from one attorney but it did not work out. I began to panic because I was running out of time to get help. Then through a miracle I was referred to attorney Norris Adams. As a mental health care giver, I am on a roller coaster that is constantly moving so fast. Anyone who knows a family member suffering with mental disorders understands just how difficult the roller coaster can be. So I was relieved when in a heartbeat Mr. Adams came to us. He met us at a doctor’s office in a safe space where my wife was comfortable meeting a new face. In record time, Mr. Adams and his team went above and beyond to get my wife’s disability benefits reinstated. Through Mr. Adams and his legal team’s diligence, excellence, and hard work putting together a lot of medical documents in a very short time, we won! She now affectionately calls Mr. Adams “A Protector.” Our family is so grateful that we can now provide for her with the care and dignity she deserves. Win or lose, attorney Norris Adams and the Essex Richards’ legal team are exceptional! Thank you a million times. Dennis Tintoread more

Dennis Tinto

22:12 28 Jan 18

Stop looking. Today is your lucky day. If you are in need for the best, you have succeeded! Norris Adams and team took on my case and won after a long battle, appeal after appeal all the way to the 4th circuit court. It took years but I did not have to do a thing except not worry and leave it all in their capable hands. I cannot say enough about Mr. Adams’s knowledge of law and the court system, exceptional litigating skills and kind personality. He not only attained a financial victory for us but stopped my insurance company from committing another injustice. Insurance companies, watch out. With Norris Adams on your side you will have the best and will bless the day he accepted your case.read more

Stephen Wilkinson

23:17 27 Jan 18

My wife and I were caught is a very strange financial situation which required professional help. Our son was to go through a very extensive jaw surgery from a growth disorder, and our insurance carrier was being difficult in agreeing to cover that major procedure. We were not able to get prior approval in time and had to pay out of pocket for the surgery which should have been covered by our health insurance carrier from the beginning under our plan. With no place to turn, we contacted our local legal firm to seek advice on what to do, as we were not able to cover this bill and felt our health coverage should have. Our local attorneys, Sugg, Summrell, Carmichael, Hicks & Hart looked into the matter. They thought it be best to refer this case to a firm that specializes in this type of litigation. They referred us to Norris Adams, Essex Richards PA in Charlotte. We quickly made contact with Norris and his team in Charlotte, N.C. who reviewed and accepted our case. Their team worked diligently for us over several months and kept us fully informed after each communication with the carrier. With much determination, in the end, he was successful and won the case against our carrier through mediation and the claim was eventually paid by our health insurance carrier. What a relief it was to my family from a financial standpoint, and also a moral standpoint in knowing that our health care company could not just choose not honor our paid plan by creating an overflow of red tape and duplication of records from various doctors. Without providing the detail in dollars, we were happy with the full settlement from the carrier which was 6 to 7 times the fee for legal service from Norris Adams. We all felt that the legal services were VERY reasonable and fair for the amount work they provided to us. We have recommended Norris Adams to several people in our area since that time and will use him again if need be.read more

Jim Hoffman

00:18 27 Jan 18

I was deemed disabled in 2010, a couple years in, the disability company refused to pay on claim (that I paid for while employed). I talked to several attorneys and was unable to find anyone to assist me with a claim. I contacted Noris Adams and was pleasantly surprised when he was happy to assist me with my claim. His team was exceptional, responding promptly to any questions and taking the time I needed to understand. Since then, the disability company has paid in full on the claim. I am forever grateful to Norris and his team for their expertise and compassion. I could not recommend them enough! Thank you, Victoria Pressley Charlotte, NCread more

Victoria Pressley

12:32 27 Jan 18

Norris Adams is a rock star: the epitome of an attorney you want representing you. A credit to the legal profession, Norris represented me with the thorough research, diligence, and intelligence for which the case called, and there was something else as well... Never expecting to find myself in a dispute with my long term, admired employer, I approached Norris with more than just the facts, but also with a sense of betrayal. His compassion was evident as he advised and skillfully led me through the iterations of stating our case, making our request, and successful mediation which left me feeling more charitable towards my employer solely by virtue of his hard work on my behalf. I have tremendous gratitude for Norris Adams’ representation and am confident that you, too, will benefit from his hard work, intelligence, negotiation skills, and common sense.read more

Pamela May

22:38 26 Feb 18

Approximately two years ago my wife lost her job of over 30 years due to a disability. We tried to resolve this issue ourselves with her employer, hoping that they would be fair and do the right thing. We found out quickly that her employer and the insurance company they use to handle such matters were not interested in doing the right thing. Fortunately for us, we found Norris Adams and his wonderful staff at the Essex Richards Law Firm. During our first meeting with Norris he listened to our ramblings and despair. He was calm, understanding and patient. He was also very honest with us. Norris let us know that employment law was complicated and not always written with the employee's best interest in mind. But he also told us that he felt like he could help us. He told us we would need to be patient because these types of cases can take a long time to be resolved. Norris never made any promises but he did give us hope and we left his office with a sense of calm. During the almost two years that we fought this battle, Norris and his staff kept us informed of everything that was happening. There were a few times when we thought about throwing in the towel, but Norris convinced us to stay the course. We are so glad we did because my wife was approved for the long term disability benefits that she deserves. To anyone who finds themselves in need of legal assistance dealing with employment/disability issues, we highly recommend Norris Adams and the staff at the Essex Richards Law Firm.read more

Doug Patterson

15:38 18 Mar 18

Extremely pleased with all the professionals at Essex Richards! My husband was denied long term disability by the insurance company from his former employer. Norris Adams and his team went out of their way to understand our problem and put together an appeal package that reversed the insurance company decision immediately. His team's efforts resulted in an indescribable positive impact on our family. Now our future doesn't look so bleak. Thank you Norris and Tona!read more

Budman BB

22:35 27 Nov 18

We never would of been able to obtain the funds owed to us by a large corporation without the extremely high level of legal expertise and professionalism shown by Norris Adams and Team. We are forever grateful for them.read more

Sharon Wiwel

18:07 01 Apr 19

After being turned down by one attorney and attempting to represent myself in the appeal process I came to the realization I needed a good attorney. Acting on a recommendation from a friend I contacted Essex Richards. I met with two of their attorneys specializing in the area of law needed to peruse my case. The step was to review my case to indeed insure that I did have a case. Already feeling somewhat dismayed that I may not have a case Norris Adams, after reviewing documentation informed me that I did indeed have a case and that pursuing the case was in order. Mr. Adams was always approachable and showed the utmost professionalism throughout all conversations and negations. Mr. Adams did everything with his power to make sure that I was comfortable with what my legal team was doing and that what they were perusing was the best way to go. For anyone needing an attorney specializing in Mr. Adams area of law, willing to go the distance and displaying the tenacity to win, I high recommend Norris Adams.read more

Robert House

15:22 03 May 17

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Norris A. Adams, II

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