W. Anthony (Tony) Purcell

W. Anthony (Tony) Purcell is an employment law attorney with HKM Employment Attorneys LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina. He represents employees in disputes involving wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, wage concerns, and employment contracts. His practice combines employment advocacy with more than three decades of courtroom experience. He helps clients evaluate workplace problems, consider available legal protections, and prepare for negotiations or litigation when a dispute cannot be resolved informally.

Purcell earned a J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law in 1992 and a B.S. from Western Carolina University in 1989. His legal education provided the foundation for a long career in public defense and trial practice. His experience training attorneys and analyzing contested cases supports his present work examining facts, addressing procedural questions, and presenting clients’ positions in employment-related disputes.

Purcell began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Mecklenburg County. He later served as Misdemeanor Unit Supervisor and trained more than 165 attorneys, some of whom went on to become judges and other legal leaders. His criminal defense work involved matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He also contributed to statewide public defender training and presented programs through the UNC School of Government.

Purcell received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2025 for his service to North Carolina. His professional work has also been recognized with Leadership Charlotte’s Unsung Hero Award. He is admitted in North Carolina and the federal district courts for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of North Carolina. W. Anthony (Tony) Purcell applies courtroom judgment and a commitment to client advocacy to employment law matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
• Member, The North Carolina State Bar

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• Campbell University, Norman A. Wiggins School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Western Carolina University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges