Joshua O. Harper
Top rated Workers' Compensation attorney in Sylva, North Carolina
The Harper Law Firm, PLLC
Practice areas: Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury; view more
Licensed in North Carolina since: 2016
Education: Wake Forest University School of Law
Joshua O. Harper is a dedicated attorney at The Harper Law Firm, PLLC, located in Sylva, North Carolina. He represents clients in Asheville and the surrounding areas, focusing primarily on workers' compensation, personal injury and car accident cases. His commitment to advocating for injured workers and accident victims is evident in his successful legal career.
Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Harper served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2013. His military service included deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as an intelligence officer, earning him the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.
Mr. Harper's journey in law began at one of North Carolina’s largest law firms, where he honed his skills before joining his family's practice in 2018. He has effectively represented clients at hearings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and managed appeals to the Full Commission. His representation extends beyond workers' compensation, as he also serves personal injury plaintiffs in both state and federal courts. His ability to navigate complex legal proceedings has been a significant asset to his clients, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
Actively involved in the legal circle, Mr. Harper has written amicus briefs for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Recognized for his legal acumen, he was listed in Best Lawyers in America for personal injury plaintiffs from 2022 to 2024, affirming his impact in the field.
Academically, Mr. Harper excelled at Wake Forest University School of Law, graduating as a member of the Order of the Coif with magna cum laude honors. He was also the notes and comments editor for the Wake Forest Law Review, demonstrating his commitment to legal scholarship. His undergraduate journey at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was marked by distinction, consistently making the dean’s list each semester.
Practice areas
Workers' Compensation: Claimant, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Assault, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Dram Shop Laws, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Defense, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Toxic Mold, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 60% Workers' Compensation: Claimant
- 40% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2016, North Carolina
Bar / Professional Activity
- N.C. Advocates for Justice: Workers’ Compensation Section
Honors
- Bronze Star Medal (Meritorious), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars - North Carolina, 2025
- CALI award for highest grades in Workers’ Compensation, Torts, Criminal Law, Agency, Products Liability, and Litigation Externship Clinic, Wake Forest University School of Law
- Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury-Plaintiffs in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Super Lawyers: Rising Stars list for North Carolina, 2024
- Magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, Wake Forest University School of Law
Educational Background
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, undergraduate degree, Honors: with distinction, Dean’s List
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Amicus Briefs: Contributed to amicus briefs for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, including in the case of Sturdivant v. State Dept. of Pub. Safety
- Notes & Comments Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2024 - 2026