Professor Carlson practices with the law firm of Constangy, Brooks, & Smith, LLP. He is a certified mediator, helping to resolve employment-related disputes. He advises employers on the protection of their trade secrets, and drafts employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, and noncompetition agreements on their behalf. He also defends employers in a wide variety of employment-related litigation. Professor Carlson regularly makes presentations at continuing legal education programs and participates in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1976, his Master of Divinity from Yale University in 1981, and his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest in 1990.