About Fred Parker
Fred Parker IV is a partner at Gardner Skelton PLLC, a boutique law firm located at 3746 N. Davidson Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. He joined the North Carolina State Bar in 2006, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice. The firm specializes in various areas, including employment law, business litigation, corporate counsel, tax law, healthcare law, and mediation. This diverse range of services allows Fred to address complex legal issues for a variety of clients. Fred earned his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2001. He later pursued further education, obtaining a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 2017.
His academic background also includes a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1992. During his time in law school, Fred worked by clerking for Judge John M — Tyson in 2004 and Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. in 2005. These positions provided him with invaluable insights into the judicial process, which he applies in his current practice. Focusing primarily on business and tax matters, Fred's expertise encompasses entity selection and formation, ownership agreements, employment contracts, and employee benefits. He is experienced in both federal and state taxation, as well as strategic planning.
In addition to these areas, Fred handles external transactions, including acquisitions, sales, reorganizations, commercial leases, and property transfers. His experience extends to working with nonprofit organizations, where he assists clients in navigating the complex federal, state, and local tax laws that regulate compliance and governance. Before joining Gardner Skelton in 2006, Fred gained significant experience in commercial litigation, which now informs his transactional work. His dedication to excellence is recognized; he was recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012 to 2014. Fred is an active member of several professional organizations, including the North Carolina State Bar, the Mecklenburg County Bar (Tax Section and Memorials Committee), the American Bar Association, and the North Carolina Bar Association. He also serves on the steering committee of NC LEAP, further demonstrating his commitment to the legal community. Beyond his professional achievements, Fred is deeply committed to community service.
He volunteers as a lecturer and mentor for various North Carolina Community College and University Programs, including those offered by the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, he serves as a volunteer attorney for the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. Fred supports numerous charitable organizations, including Pug Rescue of North Carolina, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, and the Charlotte Rescue Mission. His office can be reached at (704) 335-0350 or via email at fred@gardnerskelton.com, where he continues to make a positive impact both in the legal field and the community.
