Josh Smith

“The workers’ compensation system is tough and confusing. I’ve spent a great deal of my legal career working to understand it, and I’m happy to share that understanding with my clients.”

- Josh D. Smith

josh.smith@farrin.com

919-287-9302

Best Lawyers in America 2025 Logo

Named to “Best Lawyers”4 list in 2025 and “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”4 list (2021-2024) by Best Lawyers

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Logo

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Member

North Carolina State Bar Board Certfied Specialist Workers' Compensation Law Logo

North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist – Workers’ Compensation Law

Attorney Josh D. Smith


Josh Smith joined the workers’ compensation department of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2014. He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law.

He received his J.D. from Elon University School of Law, where he attended on an academic scholarship. His accomplishments there include being named to the Dean’s List, being a Moot Court member, and being a semifinalist in a Moot Court competition. Josh received his B.A. from North Carolina State University, where he majored in Political Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice.

During law school, Josh was selected as a legal extern for the Honorable Judge Robert C. Hunter and then as a summer clerk for the Honorable Judge Robert N. Hunter, Jr. After law school, he worked briefly as an estate and Medicaid planning attorney and then began his true passion – helping injured individuals through the workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability processes.

Josh has strong ties to North Carolina and its residents. He was born and raised in Burlington and he wants to make sure his fellow North Carolinians have someone to turn to in their time of need. When asked what he feels he brings to the table for clients, Josh said:

“I try to listen first, provide honest, effective legal advice second, and then work hard to try to get the best result for my client. I value being straightforward with my clients – and I think they appreciate that too – but only after taking the time to fully understand their situation and needs. The workers’ compensation system is tough and confusing. I’ve spent a great deal of my legal career working to understand it, and I’m happy to share that understanding with my clients.”

He’s currently a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the 10th Judicial District Bar Association.

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Licensed In

  • North Carolina

Practice Area

Honors/Awards/
Accomplishments

  • “Best Lawyers”4 list, 2025, and “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”4 list (2021-2024) for Workers’ Compensation Law by Best Lawyers in America

Memberships

  • Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, Board of Legal Specialization of the North Carolina State Bar
  • 10th Judicial District Bar Association (Wake County)
  • North Carolina Advocates for Justice
    • Workers’ Compensation Section Communications Chair
  • North Carolina Bar Association

Community & Civic Involvement

  • German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions

Law School

Elon University School of Law
Greensboro, NC
2011 J.D., Dean’s list scholar

College

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
2000 B.A. in Political Science, Criminal Justice concentration

specialization

Board Certified Specialist, NC State Bar, WC

Workers’ Compensation
Board of Legal Specialization, North Carolina State Bar

five star review badge Former Workers’ Compensation and Car Accident Client, Online Google Review
The attorneys that represented me
The attorneys that represented me at James Scott Farrin showed compassion and understanding while handling my case. A million thanks and blessings to Josh Smith and Katie Plachetka. You two are greatly appreciated! 1
five star review badge Workers’ Comp Client, Google Review1
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin treated me like family.
James Scott Farrin treated me like family. They are very professional and great with responding back.

For legal reasons and client confidentiality, reviews have been slightly edited to remove identifying information and correct typos.

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