NCLW Managing Partners to Watch Power List

MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

THE

powerLIST MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH  THE POWER LIST CATHERINE A. BARNES ........................................................23

LESLIE C. PACKER ...............................................................28

DAN CAHILL ........................................................................23

THE

REID L. PHILLIPS .................................................................28

E. BRADLEY EVANS .............................................................25

ALLEN K. ROBERTSON ........................................................28

powerLIST

TODD H. EVESON ................................................................25

MARY NASH K. RUSHER ......................................................28

JAMES R. FORREST ............................................................26

NICOLE SODOMA ................................................................29

BYRON B. KIRKLAND ...........................................................26

HEALTHCARE CHRISTOPHER C. LAM .........................................................26

MARSHALL WALL ................................................................29

PAUL C. LAWRENCE ............................................................26

MONA LISA WALLACE .........................................................29

JEFFREY P. MacHARG ..........................................................27

JUDSON A. WELBORN .........................................................30

STEVEN A. MECKLER ...........................................................27

DEVON D. WILLIAMS ...........................................................30

THE

CATHERINE A. BARNES

powerLIST MANAGING PARTNER JAMES McELROY & DIEHL CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Catherine Barnes has HEALTH distinguishedCARE herself by her devotion to consensus building among over 20 partners for most decisions. She consistently succeeds.

After selling the firm’s longtime office building, Barnes managed the process of moving its 40 employees to a smaller, more modern space in Charlotte. She also demonstrated her compassion and people skills during the retirement of the legendary Bill Diehl, a longtime partner known for his larger-than-life personality and love for practicing law.

Unique among larger firms, JMD splits its services between its large high-end family law practice and a smaller civil litigation and transactional practice. Over time, the business and transactional work has shifted into a type of boutique practice, and Barnes makes it all run like clockwork.

BUSINESS DEFENSE Known as a wise counselor, Barnes doesn’t often find herself in the limelight; rather, she is recognized as a sophisticated and detail-conscious transactional lawyer who has counseled complex generational transfers of privately held businesses and handled seven-figure commercial real estate transactions.

THE

DAN CAHILL

MANAGING PARTNER POYNER SPRUILL RALEIGH, N.C.

Recognized as a visionary with keen insights into what it takes to be successful, Dan Cahill guided Poyner Spruill through the COVID-19 crisis and maintained the firm's morale through his confidence and enthusiasm.

As managing partner, Cahill enabled the firm to thrive during the challenging pandemic by having the foresight to make Poyner Spruill cloud-based and prepared for office shutdowns.

In implementing the firm's five-year strategic plan, he focused on growth, diversity, exceptional client service and creating a culture that employees want to be part of.

Known for his ability to listen, build consensus and effectively use his communication skills, Cahill balances compassion for the people who work at Poyner Spruill with the realities of running a business. He demonstrates it every day as he walks the halls in all of the firm’s offices to greet employees. His door is always open, and he’s always receptive to hearing new ideas, new ways of doing things and how best to support everyone at the firm.

powerLIST THE

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We know two heads are better than one.

We’re not at all surprised that our Co-Managing Directors, Brad Evans and Devon Williams, have been recognized as among the Top Managing Partners by NC Lawyers Weekly. They both work incredibly hard to ensure that our culture of collaborative, client-centered teamwork defines our core value — that clients and colleagues come first. This drives how we operate and how we treat each other.

Our culture is special. We don’t do originations, we have a black-box compensation system, and we trust each other. For attorneys who enjoy being on a cohesive, hard-working, and winning team, and practicing in a truly client-centered environment, Ward and Smith just makes sense.

Brad and Devon answer their own phones. Feel free to give them a call if you’re interested in learning more about the Ward and Smith Way.

BradDevon Ad_Lawyers Weekly_7.75 x 10.25.indd 1

Brad Evans | 252.215.4025

Co-Managing Director, Litigation Attorney

Devon Williams | 919.277.9132

Co-Managing Director, Labor and Employment Attorney

11/2/23 7:20 AM

MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

E. BRADLEY EVANS CO-MANAGING DIRECTOR WARD AND SMITH GREENVILLE, N.C.

Known for his ability to bring vision and clarity to his role as co-managing director at Ward and Smith, Brad Evans is skilled at taking grand ideas and making them a reality. He clearly articulates the firm's vision, bringing it to life by breaking it down into manageable steps, which he delegates to his staff to accomplish.

These efforts help him provide his team members with clear direction, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working toward a common goal.

A leader in the legal profession, Evans was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2023. He is a former president of the Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court and serves on the North Carolina Bar Association Board of Governors.

Under his leadership and that of co-managing director Devon Williams, the firm, now with 100 attorneys, is poised for sustained growth. Through their leadership, the firm created a staff internship program in 2020 to build a pipeline for staff positions and to enhance diversity

TODD H. EVESON

MANAGING PARTNER WYRICK ROBBINS YATES & PONTON RALEIGH, N.C. As Wyrick Robbins' managing partner, Todd Eveson most recently led the firm in achieving the Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification in May, which recognizes dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. He believes DEI initiatives are not only important for the legal profession, but essential in providing the highest quality service to a diverse client base.

Under Eveson’s leadership, Wyrick Robbins has also partnered with GreenPlaces to create a carbon offset plan that will lead toward a net zero impact on the environment.

He has nearly 25 years of experience focused on capital markets, mergers, acquisitions and bank regulatory matters. He has served as counsel in connection with more than 75 merger and acquisitions in the financial services sector, many successful initial public offerings and more than 20 successful de novo bank formations.

He is a member of the Special Committee for the five-year review of the Center for Banking and Finance at the University of North Carolina School of Law and serves on the center’s Board of Advisers.

Congratulations to our dedicated Managing Partner Paul C Lawrence

on his selection to the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina List for being recognized as one of the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina.

For his recognition as one of the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina.

1925

on being named /selected as one of the TheMaking Top 20aManaging Partners in North Carolina. difference since To see how we can serve you, visit www.HedrickGardner.com.

Congratulations on being honored as one of the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina!

Congratulations to our dedicated Managing Partner Paul Lawrence

on being selected as one of the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina.

STEVEN A. MECKLER Charlotte and Greenville Managing Partner Management Committee Member

www.HedrickGardner.com

704.945.2187 smeckler@shumaker.com

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MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

JAMES R. FORREST

NORTH CAROLINA MANAGING PARTNER MICHAEL BEST RALEIGH, N.C. In addition to his role as North Carolina managing partner at Michael Best, James Forrest practices corporate law and represents faith-based organizations, helping them in all areas of governance, management and regulatory matters.

In 2011, Forrest founded Forrest Firm, and over a decade, he grew the firm to seven offices with more than 50 team members and thousands of clients. In 2022, the Forrest Firm combined with Michael Best.

Outside his law practice, Forrest dedicates his time to community leadership and support in many organizations, including First Tee of the Triangle, the Duke DREAM Campaign, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Kidznotes, the Durham Symphony Orchestra, Durham CrimeStoppers, Leadership Triangle, Leadership Durham, Mission Triangle, Corporate Chaplains of America, Duke Hospital, the Association for Corporate Growth, N.C. Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

Over the years, he has received many honors and recognitions, including membership in the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society for the last three years.

CHRISTOPHER C. LAM

CHARLOTTE MANAGING PARTNER BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS CHARLOTTE, N.C. For Chris Lam, serving as a managing partner is about boosting his colleagues and keeping the lines of communication open. He’s known as the firm’s top cheerleader.

After joining Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in 2016, Lam quickly established himself as a leader. He built a successful practice and demonstrated his commitment to the legal profession as well as civic and philanthropic organizations.

He was named managing partner of the Charlotte office in 2018.

His approach to his role is paying off. Lam has been instrumental in the success of the Charlotte office, helping oversee a 33% increase in headcount.

He championed Bradley’s participation in the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship program and recently served a term as president of the Mecklenburg County Bar. A leader in legal advocacy and access to justice initiatives, Lam served as co-chair of the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s Administration of Justice Committee. In 2019, Gov. Roy Cooper appointed him to a three-year term on the N.C. Humanities Council Board of Trustees.

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BYRON B. KIRKLAND MANAGING PARTNER SMITH ANDERSON RALEIGH, N.C.

If a law firm’s success was measured only by its wealth, Byron Kirkland’s tenure as Smith Anderson’s managing partner would be a triumph. Just three years in, he has led the firm to a 35% revenue growth.

However, Kirkland has shown that success is measured in many ways, including work-life balance for employees. Success also is reflected in the firm’s five-year strategic plan that strengthens client service, boosts team cohesiveness, builds efficiencies and provides first-class professional development opportunities for attorneys.

Under Kirkland’s leadership, Smith Anderson has evolved into a diversity, equity and inclusion leader in North Carolina’s legal community, boosted by the rigorous 18-month Mansfield Certification program, designed to help boost inclusivity, access and diversity in leadership at law firms and legal departments.

Kirkland also is known for his ability to build meaningful relationships with others, particularly younger professionals, mentoring junior lawyers for nearly 30 years. Many have become partners at the firm, cementing Kirkland’s legacy for decades to come.

PAUL C. LAWRENCE

MANAGING PARTNER HEDRICK GARDNER KINCHELOE & GAROFALO CHARLOTTE, N.C. Paul Lawrence earned significant respect from his partners and Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe and Garofalo when he was elected as managing partner, not because of his management expertise, but for being willing to learn.

He read books on leadership, attended seminars and presentations on law firm management, and sought help from a leadership coach. He also sought advice from members of the firm’s administrative team who had leadership experience.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, his diligence and hard work paid off when he led Hedrick Gardner’s shift to a remote work environment in less than three days.

Lawrence also has overseen the merger with a small firm that added new practice areas and client service capabilities.

He also led an initiative to revise billing practices and overhaul rates, resulting in boosting net annual income by six figures.

Along with his responsibility as managing partner, Lawrence continues to try cases and has completed two employment law trials this year.

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MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

JEFFREY P. MacHARG

STEVEN A. MECKLER

OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER FOX ROTHSCHILD CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Change has been a hallmark of Jeff MacHarg’s two-year tenure as Charlotte managing partner at Fox Rothschild. Last spring, he shepherded a merger with the Dempsey Law Group, which more than doubled the number of attorneys in the firm’s Charlotte office.

He also led a relocation effort, moving the office into the heart of Charlotte’s central business district and creatively using that space to keep the firm poised for future growth.

In addition to the time and effort he has put into growing the Charlotte office, MacHarg has maintained an active practice. This year, BTI Consulting Group named him to its list of Client Service All-Stars, citing his “ability to navigate complex legal issues” and for finding the “most efficient and cost-effective ways to achieve goals.”

MacHarg’s colleagues are inspired by the passion he brings to his roles. Never one for half-measures, he is fully engaged and has made a significant impact on office life and culture, inclusion, respect, client service and drive.

MANAGING PARTNER SHUMAKER LOOP & KENDRICK CHARLOTTE, N.C., AND GREENVILLE, S.C. Steve Meckler believes that successful and effective leaders will professionally and respectfully fight for what they believe in, showing opposing counsel they understand the laws, facts and rules without being brash or rude.

For these views, he has earned respect from his colleagues, clients and the bar.

As managing partner for the Charlotte, N.C., and Greenville, S.C. offices of Shumaker Loop & Kendrick, Meckler has overseen the firm’s growth and expansion.

He counsels large corporations, small businesses and individuals, never losing sight of his clients’ goals. Further, his personal mission is to help his clients achieve success as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Earlier this year, Meckler handled a case for the owners of a small business who held an option to purchase a piece of commercial real estate and were up against a large developer. The small business owners were unfamiliar with the legal process, but with Meckler’s guidance, they prevailed in their case, and that meant everything to them.

! s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C Marshall Wall

Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina RALEIGH CHARLOTTE WILMINGTON WWW.CSHLAW.COM

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MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

LESLIE C. PACKER MANAGING PARTNER ELLIS & WINTERS RALEIGH, N.C.

As one of Ellis & Winters’ founding members, Leslie Packer has served as the firm’s managing partner for 10 years. For over three decades, she has helped clients navigate disputes over health care-product liability. She loves the variety associated with her practice, and she is always seeking new challenges.

Packer is detail-oriented and known for her serious, goal-driven approach to providing legal services.

She enjoys giving back to the legal profession through leadership and volunteerism in a variety of professional organizations. In 2009, she received the Andrew C. Hecker Award, honoring the best article published in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Quarterly Packer has been active in the Special Olympics since 1999, when she was instrumental in bringing the World Games to Raleigh, provided pro bono legal services, and served on the World Games board.

She also is an athlete herself, having competed in three marathons — the New York City Marathon, the Virginia Beach Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.

ALLEN K. ROBERTSON MANAGING PARTNER ROBINSON BRADSHAW CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Growth and transformation have been Allen Robertson’s vision for Robinson Bradshaw since he took the reins as managing partner in 2015.

He led the establishment of a new Raleigh office in 2020 and is spearheading the process of relocating the firm’s Charlotte headquarters from its current home of four decades to a new Uptown office tower. In addition, the firm has increased its headcount by 48 lawyers over the past eight years.

Demonstrating his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Robertson established a firmwide Racial Justice Task Force to address racial disparities and social injustices on a broader scale. The task force has expanded into the Carolinas Social Impact Initiative and its first program, the Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses (CLIMB), which provides pro bono legal services to low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Charlotte area.

Known for his deep respect for the firm’s history and his strong vision for its future, Robertson considers the firm culture and its core ideals of excellence, professionalism and teamwork in every decision he makes as managing partner.

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REID L. PHILLIPS MANAGING PARTNER BROOKS PIERCE GREENSBORO, N.C.

Across his seven-year tenure as managing partner at Brooks Pierce, Reid Phillips has led the 125-year-old law firm with vision and a steady hand.

These attributes were important when the firm faced the COVID-19 crisis, but through it all, Phillips not only provided top-level leadership, but he also stayed focused on the future and created an environment of inclusivity and equity for colleagues. In addition to elevating the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s role, he appointed its first full-time director of diversity and inclusion, a partner-level position.

Phillips is known for his ability to lead by example and is recognized as a tireless coach and enthusiastic cheerleader who loves seeing others thrive and fully realize their potential. His imprint is everywhere at Brooks Pierce, but his hand is unseen.

Colleagues recognize Phillips as an authentic leader who skillfully leverages intellect, hard work and a clear sense of right and wrong to create solutions that drive favorable outcomes and help people and organizations thrive.

MARY NASH K. RUSHER RALEIGH MANAGING PARTNER McGUIREWOODS RALEIGH, N.C.

In addition to her role as managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Raleigh office, Mary Nash Rusher works closely with local governments, nonprofit agencies, and other organizations to finance capital improvements using tax advantage financing — primarily tax-exempt bonds.

She has played a role in nearly every affordable housing bond issue in North Carolina over the past decade that involved tax-exempt bonds and 4% tax credits, and she regularly works with local governments to find innovative ways to provide affordable housing in the state. She says she feels gratified when she can help fund the infrastructure that communities need.

In a 2019 interview with North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, Rusher said she balances work and personal commitments by limiting her involvement to activities she is especially passionate about. She treats nonwork obligations with the same importance as work events.

One of those activities is the YMCA of the Triangle, where she has served on the board of directors, including as its chair, for over a decade.

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MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

NICOLE SODOMA

MARSHALL WALL

MANAGING PRINCIPAL SODOMA LAW CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Throughout Nicole Sodoma’s 25-year career, she has built a reputation for her commitment to clients, entrepreneurship, vision and community involvement.

She is a family law attorney who started Sodoma Law in 2008, focusing on top client service.

In Sodoma Law’s first 12 months, the firm’s revenue increased by over 20%, expanded to a dozen employees and kept growing.

Today, the firm employs 28 attorneys in five offices across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Philanthropy has always been an important aspect of Sodoma’s life, and in 2014, she extended the firm’s charitable giving arm by establishing the Sodoma Law Foundation. The foundation supports organizations that improve children’s lives and well-being as well as the charitable endeavors of the region’s legal community by aggregating the firm’s pro bono work and contributed funds into areas where they can make the maximum impact.

In 2022, Sodoma added “author” to her list of accomplishments when she published her first book, “Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry.”

MANAGING PARTNER CRANFILL SUMNER RALEIGH, N.C.

From the day Marshall Wall joined Cranfill Sumner as a clerk in 1998 to his election as managing partner in 2016, he has championed growth. Now, he oversees offices in Raleigh, Charlotte and Wilmington, 73 attorneys and more than 100 staff members.

He also maintains a full-time practice and chairs the firm’s cyber liability and privacy law practice group, which was born out of his keen interest in cyber liability and internet privacy.

He frequently writes and speaks on this topic at state and national levels.

Under Wall’s leadership, the firm’s client services have expanded to six new practice areas. He also has enhanced employee benefits, including expanding online education and training programs and launching a career development program for all staff members at the firm.

Marshall is known as a natural leader who leads by example and shows others the way. As an attorney, he is a respected, trusted professional who always seeks out new growth opportunities.

MONA LISA WALLACE MANAGING PARTNER WALLACE & GRAHAM SALISBURY, N.C.

Born and reared in the small North Carolina communities of Salisbury and Spencer, Mona Lisa Wallace showed early leadership skills and excelled in high school and college, graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1979.

With a law degree in hand and her eye on litigation, she returned to Salisbury to practice law but struggled to get a job as a female trial lawyer. So, she started her career by focusing on family law and representing victims of domestic abuse. She quickly became a sought-after attorney and began representing victims of asbestos poisoning.

Her reputation grew, and she grew the firm into other practice areas, represented clients in personal injury cases and earned a strong track record of success.

Wallace is a long-time supporter of Public Justice, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization that aims to protect consumers, employees, civil rights and the environment. She also was a founding member of the American Museum of Tort Law, located in Winsted, Connecticut.

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Congratulations to Chris Lam for being named to the Top 20 Managing Partners in North Carolina Our attorneys understand that legal matters are more than contests of critical thought – they have real-world implications. At Bradley, we’re focused on providing innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness and a deep commitment to success.

Please visit our website www.bradley.com No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Contact: Christopher C. Lam, Esq., 704.338.6059, clam@bradley.com, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Truist Center, 214 North Tryon Street, Suite 3700, Charlotte, NC 28202. ©2023

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MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH

JUDSON A. WELBORN

DEVON D. WILLIAMS

MANAGING PARTNER MANNING FULTON & SKINNER RALEIGH, NC

CO-MANAGING DIRECTOR WARD AND SMITH RALEIGH, N.C.

Devon Williams is celebrated at Ward and Smith for her ability to break down barriers and bring multiple generations together in the workplace. She understands that businesses need to adapt to the needs of their employees and is committed to creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their age or generation.

She helps deconstruct silos by encouraging multigenerational employees to work together on projects and teams, creating a more cohesive work environment.

Alongside the firm’s co-managing director, Brad Evans, Williams created a successful staff internship program in 2020 to build a pipeline for staff positions and to enhance diversity.

In her employment law practice, Williams counsels human resources executives and C-suite officers, navigating them through state and federal requirements for employers to help them avoid costly litigation and improve workplace relations. As a member of the firm's Hemp Law practice group, she helps clients in the agribusiness, hemp and CBD industries navigate the complexities of labor and employment laws impacting their business.

A Durham native and lifelong resident of the Triangle, Welborn is managing partner at Manning, Fulton & Skinner, where he has spent more than two decades practicing complex business litigation and transactional matters.

Demonstrating tireless commitment to his clients, Welborn credits his mentors, the late Howard Manning and John McMillan, for his reputation as one of the more trusted and respected litigators in North Carolina.

He firmly believes attorneys are obligated to give back to the communities where they work and live, and he’s an active leader in professional and civic organizations.

Welborn serves on the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section Council and the Wake County Bar Association/10th Judicial District Bench-Bar Committee.

He also is the former chair of the Board of Trustees of Follow the Child Montessori School and a former member of the North Carolina Rules Review Commission and the Carolina Ballet Board of Directors.

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AUGUST 25, 2021

Jury awards $3.41M to woman sexually abused by father ■ BY HEATH HAMACHER A Wake County jury has awarded $3.41 million to a 23-year-old woman for sexual abuse she endured for nearly a decade.

Ian Richardson of Vann Attorneys and Daniel Barker of Barker Richardson, both in Raleigh, report that their client, Moriah Taylor, was repeatedly Barker sexually abused by her father, David Taylor, from the time she was 8 years old until she reported the abuse to her bishop when she was 17. Her mother, Toby Taylor, knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it, Richardson said.

Ordinarily, Lawyers Weekly does not divulge the names of victims of Richardson sexual abuse. But Richardson said that his client “wanted to shine a bright light on what happened, as she felt like when she was a child this was improperly swept under the rug by numerous people, including her mother.”

“I think, at least for our client, there was something powerful about facing this situation head-on,” Richardson said.

Court records show that David Taylor was convicted of attempted sexual battery in 2015, and Richardson said that David admitted to sexually abusing Moriah approximately five times, though Moriah claims she was abused “more times than she can count.”

The suit alleged negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress by Toby Taylor. Richardson said that Toby admitted to knowing that when Moriah and some of her sisters (David and Toby have 11 children together, Richardson said) were younger, David would call them into his home office “to inspect their breasts.”

“Toby told [Child Protective Services] that she knew something was going on, but couldn’t put her finger on it,” Richardson said.

Richardson said that David served just a few days in jail after pleading guilty to the offenses, time meted out

only after he violated probation by contacting Moriah.

“Therefore, we asked a civil jury to hold both he and Toby Taylor accountable for what happened and impose a punishment consistent with the nature of the abuse,” Richardson said.

David and Toby represented themselves at trial. After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated about four hours, Richardson said, before finding them liable on Aug. 19 and awarding Moriah $1,185,800 in actual damages and $2,225,000 in punitive damages.

Nevertheless, Richardson said he considers it only “halftime” in the case, since David and Toby claim that they are too poor to pay the judgment.

“But we have evidence that they own cryptocurrency and substantial precious metals,” Richardson said. “So now we’re going to go focus on collecting.”

Follow Heath Hamacher on Twitter @NCLWHamacher

2021

RISING STARS AMANDA M. CUBIT

VERDICT REPORT — SEXUAL ABUSE Amount: $3,410,800

Sodoma Law Union

Injuries alleged: Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder

Monroe

Case name: Moriah Taylor v. David and Toby Taylor Court: Wake County Superior Court Case No.: 18-CVS-12294 Judge: Graham Shirley Date of verdict: Aug. 19 Demand: $1 million

O

f all Amanda M. Cubit’s accomplishments so far in her career, serving on the board of Turning Point, Inc. has been her most important and rewarding.

Turning Point, in Union County, serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. “The mission of this organization is close to my heart as I frequently represent people who have been affected by domestic violence,” she says.

Cubit, a family lawyer with Sonoma Law Union in Monroe, received her law degree from Charlotte School of Law in 2012 after graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. She started her career practicing with Legal Aid of North Carolina.

She has happy memories of growing up near Philadelphia, where she enjoyed celebrating birthdays, holidays and important milestones with her parents, two younger siblings and extended family.

“Family has always been the most important part of my life, and I would not be who I am today without their love and support,” she says.

If Cubit could have dinner with anyone of her choosing, it would be her grandfather. She had a close relationship with him, but he passed away when she was young. “There are many questions I would love to ask him, and stories I would love to hear now that I am older,” she says.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Cubit became enthralled with the show “Below Deck” on the Bravo channel. She is still hooked and rarely misses an episode.

“My brother is captain of a yacht, and the show gives me a look into how he spends his days,” she says. “It goes without saying that we lead very different lives.”

Highest offer: $25,000 Attorneys for plaintiff: Daniel Barker of Barker Richardson and Ian Richardson of Vann Attorneys, both in Raleigh Attorneys for defendants: None

Reprinted with permission of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly

© 2021

Reprinted with permission of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly

© 2021

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