Veteran family law attorney Al Clyburn has joined Ward and Smith in its Wilmington office, the firm recently announced.

Clyburn is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a board-certified specialist in family law.

"Our family law clients will not only benefit from Al's deep well of experience, but also from his calm and reassuring demeanor," said Brad Evans, Ward and Smith's co-managing director, in a news release. "Al is a zealous advocate for his clients, and we are thrilled to have him on our team."

Clyburn counsels clients in complex divorce, child custody and property division cases. In addition to his trial practice, he has represented clients before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court, according to the release.

Clyburn also serves as a mediator, helping lawyers and their clients resolve legal disputes through the mediation process. He has been certified by the State of North Carolina to serve as a mediator in family financial cases.