MEMBERSHIP IN MULTIPLE BARS

Wake County Bar Association members are active in our local and statewide legal community, and as a local bar, we believe that membership in our bar and others helps our members become more well-rounded lawyers and people. We asked some members what they see as the benefits of being a member of multiple organizations. WBF

“I quickly learned early in my legal career that networking and access to other legal minds would help me be a better attorney. Being a member of multiple bars has given me that access and many additional benefits. I have taken advantage of many CLEs, networking opportunities and forums that are available through the various local and state bar associations. I highly recommend for any practicing attorney to explore the different legal associations available to them.” CARLOS ROJAS

“I am a member of the WCBA and the NC Bar Association. I find membership in multiple bars beneficial, chiefly because multiple memberships create a more diverse network of professional associations and varied educational opportunities. In particular, while the WCBA offers free CLEs and social events, the NCBA has other unique offerings that enrich professional growth, such as sections of professional focus, allowing more intentional networking, as well as section educational opportunities specifically tailored to professional areas of interest. As a solo practitioner, I appreciate these opportunities to learn and grow, as I am not part of a firm that provides them.” ERIN EDGAR

“In 1999 I moved to North Carolina from South Florida and was fortunate enough to begin working with Paul Michaels. Upon arriving, I felt overwhelmed with work, the need to take another bar exam and learning the nuances of the practice of law in North Carolina. Paul and I drove together to the annual conventions for both the NC Bar Association and NC Advocates for Justice. During that car ride he strongly encouraged me to join several associations and volunteer as much as possible. Despite some reluctance I did, and it turned out to be a true blessing.

Both groups were exceptional collections of passionate lawyers from across our Great State, yet the organizations’ missions, membership makeup and dynamics were very different. I was fortunate enough to serve in leadership positions for both organizations, chairing multiple committees and serving on the boards of each.

The type of work we performed in each organization served our legal community and the residents of North Carolina in different ways, that were each gratifying. The relationships made over years with judges and influential attorneys heavily involved in the NCBA and NCAJ were invaluable and enjoyable. I am very thankful for the encouragement and mentoring that Paul gave me at a time when I needed it as a young and busy attorney. It is great to be able to reach out to a friend from across the state when I can use their expertise and it sure feels positive when opposing counsel on a big case is someone you already know, respect and have a positive relationship with.” GABRIEL JIMENEZ

“Being an active member of other voluntary bar associations has been essential to networking, building up referral sources, learning more about the practice of law and forging friendships with other fellow attorneys. In the past, I was on the board of the Durham Orange County Women Attorneys and active with the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. I am also active in the Triangle Collaborative Divorce Professionals group. It has always been both fun and educational to be involved with all of these attorney organizations, and I highly encourage everyone, particularly younger attorneys, to get active and involved.” JUDY TSENG

“The biggest benefit to being involved in multiple bar associations is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with attorneys you wouldn’t meet otherwise. Since 2018, I’ve been involved with the Capital City Lawyers Association – a voluntary bar association with mostly Black and Brown attorneys and judges. While there is certainly overlap between the membership of the WCBA and CCLA, being an active member of both has widened my professional network and my circle of friends.” ERIKA JONES

“I enjoy and value participating in multiple bars in part because of what I can learn from the various organizations. For example, taking a single topic like DEI issues, participating in the WCBA gives me a view to DEI issues and solutions within the local community. Spreading the geographic foot print, participating on committees with the NCBA gives more state-wide perspective and how the same challenge presents for other communities across the state. Participating in national bars like the ABA and NAPABA, I can get then get insights on how larger communities tackle the same, systemic issues across the country and beyond, which in turn, helps bring new ideas and voices to the state and local bars.” TARA CHO

“I have been involved as an active member of the NCBA, WCBA and NCAJ in both leadership and CLE committee roles. I have always felt that giving back to the community is one of the best things we can do with the gifts and talents we have as attorneys. Through the CLE and Techy Communication committees, I have the opportunity to not only see leadership talents grow in other attorneys, but I play a small part in helping the next generation of attorneys bloom. I enjoy sharing the wonderful work we do throughout the legal community and highlighting our great achievements throughout the bar.” ELYSIA PRENDERGRAST-JONES

“I’ve enjoyed being a member of two bar associations: the Wake County Bar Association and the NC Association of Defense Attorneys. Membership in the WCBA allows me to connect with attorneys outside of my practice area and on the other side of the “v,” keep up with old friends through the social events and to hear from the local judicial bar who regularly attend and participate in WCBA events. I also tremendously benefit from the practicespecific case law updates, CLEs, friendships and colleagues met through the NCADA. Both bars offer something different and are worthwhile to join.” NATALIA ISENBERG

“As an attorney who practices criminal and immigration law, memberships to professional associations are incredible assets to my practice. I am currently a member of the Wake County Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Membership in these organizations allow me to access a wide array of continuing education opportunities, provide countless networking opportunities with colleagues, and assist with overall professional development.” ANA NÚÑEZ

Becoming a law firm partner is a significant step in your legal career, especially when your name graces the front door. Use the list of names below to fill in the blanks of these Wake County law firms from the past and present!

Anderson Baldwin Bolton Boxley Brooks Burwell Campbell Dennis Douglass Douglass Garber Gee Gorham Greaves Haynsworth Hearn Humphrey Johnson Johnson Johnston Leonard McLendon McMillan Mercer Pierce Pinna Plyler Smith Smith Smith Teague Tharrington Vinegar

1) ______, ______, ______, ______ & ______ LLP

2) ______, ______ & ______

3) ______ & ______

4) ______ ______ ______ & ______ LLC

5) ______, ______, ______, ______ & ______ PLLC

6) ______, ______ & ______

7) ______, ______, & ______ PA

8) ______, ______, ______ & ______

9) ______ ______ LLP

10) ______ ______

YLD UPDATE

BY KENDRA STARK | 2021 YLD PRESIDENT

Happy Spring! This month, YLD is thrilled to introduce our newest platform- the YLD Blog. Connection with our members has always been a cornerstone of YLD’s mission, and that has never been more important than over the last year. This blog will serve as an additional tool for connection between YLD leadership and our wonderful members.

Each month, a different member of the Board will post a vlog, telling members a little bit about themselves both personally and professionally, explaining their role on the Board, and sharing some helpful tips for new and young lawyers in Wake County. We will also post information about all of our upcoming events, such as socials, pro bono and public service projects, and CLE opportunities.

I’m also proud to announce that this year, YLD has launched a special Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. You have probably already seen their mission in action through their heritage month commemorations in your monthly YLD email blasts. The Committee will continue that work on the YLD blog, using the platform to inform and educate our members about topics involving diversity, equity and inclusion. You can read their first blog post on Imposter Syndrome here. The Committee is also partnering with each of our longstanding committees to ensure that every YLD initiative is inclusive and representative of our membership.

Finally, we recognize that one of the best ways YLD can serve our members is by listening to and acting on your ideas and feedback. We’re so grateful to each of you who participated in the poll we sent out earlier this year, and we’re working hard to implement your suggestions moving forward. If any of you did not have a chance to participate in the poll, or if you have additional thoughts you’re willing to share, please feel free to reach out to me or any of our board members.

Be sure to check out the YLD Blog now to watch our first vlog and catch up on recent YLD news and information. We hope to see you soon. WBF