Issuu

Meet the Candidates Get to know this year’s slate of nominees for Tenth & WCBA Leadership.....4 ___________________________________ _

VOL. LXI • ISSUE 4 | FOURTH QUARTER 2021

BAR FLYER A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP

BY RUSSELL D. BABB | PRESIDENT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR ROGER SMITH, JR. AND I had the privilege recently of trying a murder case with our senior partner, Wade Smith. As the trial date approached, I was practically vibrating with nervous energy. I had reserved a conference room in our office known internally as the “war room” to meet with my partners to divvy up responsibilities. I had notes scribbled all over the dry erase board, dog-eared books strewn across the tables and potential exhibits in rows and stacks. Roger was the first to arrive and I launched into my presentation, even though Wade had not yet arrived. I was in such a frenzy I barely noticed Wade enter the room. He came in and sat down quietly, holding a strange looking paperback in his hand. He waited patiently for me to draw a breath. When I eventually stopped, Wade asked politely, “Russ, may I say something?” “Well sure you can, Wade.” “I appreciate all you two have done to prepare us for this occasion. You have clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect of our case, and I’m grateful. But before we proceed with our discussion of the facts and who will do what at trial, I want to encourage both of you to buy and read this book cover to cover.” Wade lifted the book so that Roger and I could see it. “This is The Art of War by Sun Tzu. We have tried to work this case out for our client, and we have not succeeded. We therefore must go to war with our opponent. I want you to study this book as much as you study our case. I want you to internalize its many important teachings, including:

UPCOMING EVENTS WCBA VIRTUAL LUNCHEON HONORING 2021 BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD RECIPIENT ROOT EDMONSON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 12:15 P.M. LEARN OVER LUNCH: BASICS OF FILING A GUARDIANSHIP PETITION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 | 1 – 2 P.M. LEGAL AID FUNDRAISER: BACK TO THE BAR AWARDS – VIRTUAL! THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 | 7 P.M. ADA COMPLIANCE BASICS FOR LAW FIRMS & ATTORNEYS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 | 1 P.M. WCBA GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 9:30 A.M. WCBA HOLIDAY PARTY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 TENTH JD BAR & WCBA ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 12:45 P.M.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

3 BRANCH AWARD – ROOT EDMONSON

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

5 CANDIDATE INFORMATION

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” Wade concluded his overview: “If your enemy expects you to attack from the East, you attack from the West.” A strange calm permeated the room. Roger and I just stared at Wade, then at one another. It was an awesome moment, and one that I will never forget. I learned a lot during that trial, but the most enduring lesson was from Wade that day in the war room. I did not realize he was instructing us about excellence in leadership. Perhaps Sun Tzu says it best: “Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” Our client was found not guilty of the murder charge after an all-out war. WBF

14 DEI – THE PLATNUM RULE 16 DIRECT EXAMINATION 17 THE LEADERSHIP PLAYBOOK 19 LEGAL AID VOLUNTEERS 22 THE DARK SIDE OF POLITENESS 23 2021 WCBA TENNIS CROWN 24 NEW MEMBERS

WAKE BAR FLYER VOL. LXI | ISSUE 4 | FOURTH QUARTER 2021

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BY WHITNEY D.G. VON HAAM | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATON

Presidents DAVE HOLM, WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION RUSSELL D. BABB, TENTH J.D. BAR Presidents-Elect YVONNE ARMENDARIZ, WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION DAYATRA MATTHEWS, TENTH J.D. BAR Secretary MEREDITH BREWER Treasurer JUDGE ASHLEIGH P. DUNSTON Immediate Past Presidents CARMEN H. BANNON, WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION ADAM M. GOTTSEGEN, TENTH J.D. BAR Board of Directors TIFFANY COX JEAN CARTER ANNA DAVIS JAKE EPSTEIN DAVID FERRELL WILLIAM FINN JR. NIYA T. FONVILLE EVIN GRANT JUDGE SAM HAMADANI KATIE H. KING DEAN J. RICH LEONARD (EX OFFICIO) KELLIE MYERS KIMBERLY MILLER BRIAN P. OTEN SARAH PRIVETTE JUDGE VINCE ROZIER, JR. KRISTINA THOMPSON JESSICA VICKERS JOHN WARD BENJAMIN O. “BOZ” ZELLINGER Young Lawyers Division President KENDRA N. STARK

I LOVE MY JOB. In fact, this fall celebrates 11 years of my serving as executive director of the Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar, and 21 years of working in the bar association world. However, like many jobs, this field has its quirks. These quirks are exactly what I love about my job: Instead of having a weekly or even monthly work flow, ours is an annual wave of favorite events, meetings and milestones. I think that is how so many years have flown by, and it still feels fun and fresh to me. Possibly the biggest quirk is getting a new boss – or, excuse me, bosses – every year with the election of presidents of the Tenth and WCBA. We have been so very fortunate to have great leaders stepping up to the plate to lead these organizations, and I have loved getting to know each and every one of them and their quirks. Some insist on daily phone calls – or even a weekly catch-up call every Friday at 4:30 p.m. Some presidents prefer to communicate solely by text or email. Some want to meet in person in the afternoon over an adult beverage, some feel like a 7:30 a.m. coffee meeting is the way to go. All of them – except sadly for this year’s presidents Dave Holm and Russell Babb – have had the opportunity to travel with me to the ABA’s Bar Leadership Institute and various conferences of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. It is an intense two years of volunteering, and the relationship that these leaders build with me during that time creates an enduring friendship. I’m not going to lie: there are some years that ended far too quickly and others that couldn’t end soon enough. But, in all cases, our presidents have been committed and concerned, passionate and proactive. I’ve loved getting to know the ones we’ve had, and can’t wait to see what our future leaders bring to the table! WBF

Young Lawyers Division President-elect JONATHAN BOGUES Executive Director WHITNEY D.G. von HAAM Wake Bar Flyer Editor CANDACE B. MARSHALL Communications SARAH L. JUSTICE

Wake Bar Flyer Designer CLAIR S. SMITH Tenth Judicial District Bar Councilors JULIE L. BELL HEIDI C. BLOOM WALTER E. BROCK THEODORE C. EDWARDS II KATHERINE A. FRYE FRED T. MORELOCK JUDGE ROBERT B. RADER WARREN T. SAVAGE © 2021 Wake County Bar Association & Tenth Judicial District Bar.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ROOT EDMONSON RECEIVES THE JOSEPH P. BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD BY L. THOMAS LUNSFORD, II | RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NC STATE BAR

A. ROOT EDMONSON has been selected to receive the Joseph P. Branch Professionalism Award for 2021. It is an altogether fitting tribute to a man who dedicated virtually his entire career to the organized Bar and the legal profession. For more than 41 years leading to his retirement last year, he represented us with great distinction as a lawyer with the State Bar’s highly respected Office of Counsel, serving as attorney for the Grievance Committee, the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee and the Client Security Fund. In so doing, he personified the agency, practicing the law of professional responsibility with great effectiveness and skill tempered by extraordinary empathy and decency. ROOT EDMONSON MEETS WITH FORMER VIET CONG RESISTANCE FIGHTERS IN VIETNAM. A complete recitation of his involvements and honors would be impressive and not out of place Root Edmonson was and is all about peace and reconciliation. here. After all, the Branch Award winner is expected to have a great On many occasions during his practice with the State Bar, Root was resume. And Root does, having served his church, his community summoned to appear in cases around the state in which courtroom and his profession at the highest levels. He has, for instance, served civility had deteriorated to the point where judges and lawyers were as president of the National Client Protection Organization and Saint seemingly incapable of proceeding with any sort of professional Saviour’s Center here in Raleigh, and as chief of the local YMCA’s decorum. Time after time, he was able to restore order in explosive Guides and Princesses program. He has served on the vestry of St. situations as a sort of mediator, often, it would seem, simply by bringing Michael’s Episcopal Church and on the boards of several other nonhis incomparable personality to bear. The plain fact of the matter is that profit organizations. And he has received the President’s Award twice lawyers found it hard to be unprofessional in his presence. from the Wake County Bar, and the President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Organization of Bar Counsel. But these A few years ago, Root decided to take a trip to Vietnam. He wanted services and recognitions, as significant as they are, only hint at this fine to revisit some of the scenes of his military service there as a combat man’s surpassing dedication to the high ideals of our profession. soldier during 1968 and 1969—before he became a lawyer. His moving account of his return to Vietnam was published in the State Bar For most of his tenure on the State Bar’s staff, Root was a prosecutor Journal and was widely praised. Although the account was not intended of disciplinary cases. In that role he was a zealous advocate who never to serve as a tutorial in professionalism, it bespoke the magnanimous forgot that his primary obligation was to do justice. For Root Edmonson, character of its author. The thing I appreciated most about the piece the only victory in a disciplinary case was an outcome that fairly served was Root’s account of a social encounter he had with a couple of former the public interest, while taking fully into account the possibility of Viet Cong resistance fighters. With the assistance of an interpreter, reformation. He unfailingly honored the humanity and dignity of accused he and his erstwhile enemies managed to take the measure of each attorneys, and consistently attempted to make professional discipline other as human beings. They quickly and finally got beyond whatever meaningful rather than mean. More than once he was thanked by the differences might have existed or persisted, and then parted for the lawyers he tried for the caring manner in which he prosecuted them. first and, presumably, last time as friends. A photograph of the former combatants is published with this article. The guy on the left is a lawyer, Not surprisingly, Root was an outstanding mentor to the young a most professional lawyer. WBF lawyers he supervised and those he opposed. His tools were example and exposition. He modeled compassion, not condemnation, and invariably insisted on doing the right thing, even when there was a significant cost associated with that course of action. And any novice attorney smart enough to be paying attention would certainly have noticed that Root was always willing to do his client the great service of telling her what she might not have wanted to hear.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS NOTICE OF ELECTION TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE reviewed all submitted applications and member recommendation forms and selected candidates for available positions. There will be an electronic vote to affirm the slate and contested elections at the December Annual Meeting and Luncheon. The officers of the Tenth Judicial District Bar and Wake County Bar Association hereby give notice pursuant to Article XII of the By-Laws of the North Carolina State Bar. WBF

1. The annual election of Officers will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, via Zoom. A to-go lunch option will be provided, and the cost of lunch will be borne by the Tenth Judicial District Bar at no additional cost to members.

2. The election is for the purpose of choosing Officers for both the Tenth Judicial District Bar and the Wake County Bar Association, State Bar Councilors and Badger-Iredell Foundation Board Members.

3. The following officers will be elected: President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary: PRESIDENT-ELECT (ELECT ONE)

TREASURER (ELECT ONE)

SECRETARY (ELECT ONE)

Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston James M. Hash

Elysia Prendergast-Jones

Meredith Pace Brewer

4. The following State Bar Councilor positions will be elected by the Tenth Judicial District Bar. Those who are running for a second or third term are running unopposed as a continuation of their current position:

STATE BAR COUNCILOR | BROCK

STATE BAR COUNCILOR | EDWARDS SEAT

STATE BAR COUNCILOR | FRYE

Walter E. Brock, Jr.

Kimberly A. Moore J. Patrick Williams

Katherine Frye

STATE BAR COUNCILOR | MORELOCK SEAT

STATE BAR COUNCILOR | SAVAGE SEAT

Ashley H. Campbell Elizabeth “Biz” Harrison

Warren Savage

5. The following Directors have been selected by the Nominations Committee and will be affirmed by electronic vote (three-year term): DIRECTORS (PRESENTED AS A SINGLE VOTE SLATE) Phillip H. Cowan Leanor Bailey Hodge John Hoomani Stephanie N. Robinson Judge Christine Walczyk

6. The following Badger-Iredell Foundation members will be elected by the Wake County Bar Association: Two Foundation Members. BADGER-IREDELL FOUNDATION | WCBA MEMBERS VOTING (ELECT TWO) Leonard T. Jernigan, Jr. Deborrah L. Newton

Please see biographical information on candidates inside this issue of the Bar Flyer. We look forward to seeing you online for the annual meeting and luncheon on December 7. More details on to-go lunch options and Zoom information will be provided by email in November.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS CANDIDATES FOR TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR & WCBA ELECTIONS WE ASKED EACH CANDIDATE TO SUBMIT A CREATIVE PHOTO AND ANSWER A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER.

PRESIDENT-ELECT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES JUDGE ASHLEIGH PARKER DUNSTON

Wake County District Court Judge NC Central University School of Law, 2012 A Change During COVID that may stick: I love the flexibility of zoom meetings. Zoom meetings have saved me travel time and allowed me to be able to participate more often with my court schedule. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Never sacrifice who you are for where you want to be.” Favorite Career Highlight: My favorite career highlight was completing my Judicial Juvenile Certification Training, which took over three years! Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: I have too many WCBA annual events that I love to list, but my favorite part of being a WCBA member are the numerous committees that I have had the opportunity to serve on and the wonderful friends and relationships that I’ve built thanks to the WCBA. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Mint and Cookies and Cream.

WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:

• • • • • • •

Treasurer, Tenth JD Bar/WCBA 2019-2021 Board Member, Tenth JD Bar/WCBA 2016-2018 Member, Professionalism Committee Member, WCBA Joseph Branch Professionalism Award Committee Member, WCBA Endowment Scholarship Committee Former Vice-Chair, WCBA Endowment Committee Former Chair, WCBA Public Service Committee

Other Bar-related Activities

• • • • • •

Member, NC State Bar CLE Committee Member, NC Legal Civil Needs Assessment Committee President, NCCU School of Law Alumni Association 2019-2021 Member, NC CRED Co-Founder, CCLA Law Day National CLE Speaker

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS PRESIDENT-ELECT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES JAMES M. HASH

Everett Gaskins Hancock LLP Campbell University School of Law, 2008 A Change During COVID that may stick: Working from home at least a few days a month. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given and understand that it is your responsibility to make the most of them. ” Favorite Career Highlight: Being presented to the SCOTUS Bar by my legal mentor, Ed Gaskins. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: BBQ Picnic. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Pralines and Cream.

WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:

• • • • • •

Other Bar-related Activities

Board of Directors for WCBA and Tenth Judicial District, 2016-18 Strategic Plan Implementation Committee Chair, 2019-21 Communications/Technology Committee Chair, 2016-18 Public Service Committee, Vice Chair 2014 Editor, Wake Bar Flyer, 2009 WCBA Young Lawyers Division • President, 2015 • Secretary, 2014 • Treasurer, 2013 • Swearing-In Committee, Co-Chair, 2011-12

• Campbell Law Alumni Association, Board of Directors, 2015-2017 • Craven-Everett American Inn of Court, Treasurer, 2013-2016 • North Carolina Bar Association • Litigation Section Council, 2017-20 • Leadership Academy, Class of 2013 • NCBA Young Lawyers Division - Pro Bono/Poverty Issues Committee, Co-Chair, 2013-15 - Legal LINK Committee, Co-Chair, 2012-13

TREASURER ELECT 1 OF 1 CANDIDATE ELYSIA PRENDERGAST-JONES

Legal Aid of NC, Raleigh Office NC Central University School of Law, 2008 A Change During COVID that may stick: My pups were already spoiled, but I think during COVID, I have been more obsessed with them and ordered everything I could for them. I added a new pup to our family. I don’t think I will stop my obsession. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “If you are going to do something be the best: I strive to put everything I have into whatever task or case I am doing.” Favorite Career Highlight: I want to say it was winning a case or being published in the Court of Appeals; however, I think it was seeing the clients I helped, who felt hopeless when they first saw me, and later come back and tell me they feel free, happy and able to take care of their family. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Lunch with the young aspiring people, I love the pro bono event and the opportunity to take what I do and inspire others. Favorite flavor of ice cream: As a kid, butter pecan, now pistachio.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS SECRETARY ELECT 1 OF 1 CANDIDATE MEREDITH PACE BREWER

Dysart Willis Wake Forest University School of Law, 2017 A Change During COVID that may stick: Using a lot more sanitizer. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Always stay true to your values.” Favorite Career Highlight: Joining the WCBA/Tenth Board! Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: May Picnic/access to an incredible network of dedicated professionals. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Strawberry.

DIRECTORS PHILLIP H. COWAN

Hatch, Little & Bunn NC Central University School of Law, 2006 A Change During COVID that may stick: Friday nights have become pizza/movie night at our house. I also wouldn’t mind if WebEx calendar calls stuck around. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Be the best YOU that you can be, be authentic” Favorite Career Highlight: Being able to call Howard Cummings and Colon Willoughby mentors. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Carolina Surf and Turf (The fall Oyster Roast and BBQ). Favorite flavor of ice cream: Baskin Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip.

LEANOR BAILEY HODGE North Carolina State Bar Temple University, 1996

A Change During COVID that may stick: Taking long walks. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Never forget that justice requires one to see not just the conduct, but both the individual and the action.” Favorite Career Highlight: Oral argument before the Appellate Court of Illinois. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Bar Awards/Collaborating and working with other members for the benefit of the profession and community. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Salted caramel.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS DIRECTORS JOHN HOOMANI

N.C. Department of Insurance Campbell University School of Law, 1997 A Change During COVID that may stick: I think the thing that sticks out to me during the age of COVID is to really appreciate what I have both personally and professionally. During this pandemic we have seen both the best and worst of people. We have seen how the measures taken by our leaders have affected people personally and financially, and I am thankful every day that my family has stayed healthy and that I have been able to continue working in a career that I love. It has really given me a new perspective on work and life and taught me to really appreciate everything in a new way. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “It wasn’t necessarily one of my mentors, but it’s something I try to live by every day – “Don’t’ sweat the small stuff – and it’s all small stuff.” There are always going to be times during your day when things happen that may seem at the time like it’s the end of the world – it’s always good to take a step back and evaluate the situation. It’s never as bad as it seemed at the time. And, if you let those little things that happen throughout the day/week/year define you, it’s going to be a sad existence.” Favorite Career Highlight: While working at the NC Department of Commerce, I was fortunate to be working with a great Secretary of Commerce, Sharon Decker. During that time, I assisted Secretary Decker implement her vision of privatizing the marketing and business development aspect of the Department of Commerce – the result was legislation that I worked with legislative staff in drafting that created what is now known as the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. I got to witness this from start to finish – taking an idea and putting that idea into writing, watching it move through the legislative process and be signed by the governor, and then getting to see if actually put into action by the great team at EDPNC. It’s rare that an attorney, especially a state government attorney, gets to see something of such great magnitude from start to finish, and I was fortunate to be in that role at that time. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Member-Only Oyster Roast. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey (I can’t choose just one).

STEPHANIE N. ROBINSON

Deputy General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Transportation NC Central University School of Law, 2009 A Change During COVID that may stick: Virtual meetings must stay FOREVER! Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Never let anyone take you outside of your box. You only come outside of it when you are good, prepared and ready.” Favorite Career Highlight: Getting a favorable disposition for a client that was a long-term victim of domestic violence. During a very long litigation process she wanted to give up several times. She didn’t realize that watching her conquer her fears and triumph through what was one of the worst situations I had ever seen, was the most inspirational things I had ever witnessed. Helping her through it was the highlight of my personal career. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Holiday Party Favorite flavor of ice cream: Cookies and Cream.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS DIRECTORSJUDGE CHRISTINE WALCZYK JUDGE CHRISTINE WALCZYK Wake County District Court UNC-Chapel Hill, 1995 A Change During COVID that may stick: In 2020, in an effort to keep the number of individuals at the courthouse to a minimum, we started using the Cisco WebEx Meetings software for some civil calendar calls. With AOC’s assistance, we were able to set up individual virtual courtrooms and publish user-friendly login information. I hope we continue to offer this service. It allows attorneys the ability to “be in two places at once” and it prevents unnecessary travel to the courthouse. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “When I first started as a district court judge, another experienced judge told me simply to “listen more than you talk” and “make the best decision you can with the information you have.” Favorite Career Highlight: In 2007, I was serving on the Women in the Profession Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association. This group hosted an event at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville called “The Changing Face of Justice: A View from the Bench.” The event featured an unforgettable on-stage interview by Suzanne Reynolds of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. All of the female chief justices from around the nation were invited, and many of them, including Chief Justices Sarah Parker of North Carolina, Jean Hoefer Toal of South Carolina, Kay McFarland of Kansas, Mary Mullarkey of Colorado, and Betty Dickey of Arkansas, participated. The collegial exchange of leadership advice and mentorship by those amazing women, and the connections I made with my colleagues while we planned the event had a tremendous impact on my career. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: When I was younger, I enjoyed the athletic events like indoor soccer, golf tournaments and the softball league. The Oyster Roast is now my favorite annual event. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Butter Pecan.

Nelson Mullins welcomes

Joshua Walthall in Raleigh

Joining after nearly a decade as a prosecutor at the North Carolina State Bar, Joshua is an experienced trial attorney who brings a professional licensing background to the Raleigh office, representing lawyers, physicians, nurses, dentists, land surveyors, engineers, real estate agents, accountants, and other professionals in legal proceedings before administrative licensing boards.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Attorneys & Counselors at Law nelsonmullins.com

JUDGE WALCZYK ENJOYING THE FRESH AIR ON A BIKING ADVENTURE.

WAKE BAR FLYER

GlenLake One | 4140 Parklake Avenue Suite 200 | Raleigh, NC 27612 919.329.3800

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS BAR COUNCILOR - OPEN SEAT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES ASHLEY H. CAMPBELL

Campbell Law School and Ragsdale Liggett, PLLC UNC Chapel Hill, 2003 A Change During COVID that may stick: I became inspired by Alice Waters to plant a great big vegetable garden. I loved tending to my plants every day and growing my own food. I had an enormous cucumber crop and tortured my poor family with never-ending cucumber recipes (chilled cucumber soup, cucumber sandwiches, cucumber water, cucumber dip, cucumber tarte etc.) Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Take two full weeks of vacation every year.” Thank you, Mary Hulett. Favorite Career Highlight: Serving as President of the Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar in 2017. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Seeing all of my new and old friends at the May luncheon picnic. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough.

WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Other Bar-related Activities

• Legal Aid of North Carolina

Endowment Committee Vice-Chair 2020-2021 Professionalism Committee Chair 2019 Sponsorship Committee Chair 2018 Nominating Committee Chair 2018 Immediate Past President 2018 President 2017 President-elect 2016 Secretary 2014-2015 Board of Directors 2013-2018 Pro Bono Committee Member 2012-2019 Professionalism Committee Member 2016-2021 Strategic Planning Committee Member 2015 I was a member of every committee and attended at least one meeting of every committee while I was President-elect and President.

WAKE BAR FLYER

•

• •

• President-Elect of the Board, 2021-2022 • Fundraising Co mmittee Chair, 2020-2021 • Board Member, 2018-present North Carolina Bar Association • NC Bar Foundation Development Committee, 2016-2018 • Access to Justice Committee, 2017-2018 • Access to Justice Leadership Council, 2016-2018 North Carolina State Bar • Communications Committee, 2018-present • Regulatory Reform Committee, 2019-present • Student Practice Rule Revisions Committee, 2017-2018 North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Committee Member, 2017-present North Carolina Faith and Justice Alliance Member, 2019-present

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS BAR COUNCILOR - OPEN SEAT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES ELIZABETH “BIZ” HARRISON

Fidelity National Title Company Campbell University School of Law, 1995 A Change During COVID that may stick: Finding time with my teenagers to binge-watch together a few streaming series. A true feat when most teens do not want to hang with their mom. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: My dad who is an attorney in Wilson, NC, early on in my practice said often, “There is always more work to be done.” This was his way to impress upon me the importance of work/life balance. We all as lawyers want to just keep working to get it all done. You have to make a concerted effort to stop at a reasonable time regularly to spend time taking care of yourself and being with your loved ones. Balance makes you a better lawyer. Favorite Career Highlight: The experience of chairing the NCBA Real Property Section 2014-2015 as a sole practitioner ended up being one of the most rewarding of my career. At the time, my children were both in elementary school. I was concerned that with the chair responsibility that I would not be able to keep all the balls in the air with my practice and home responsibilities. Good things happen when you stretch outside a comfort zone. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: Friends, referrals and mentors – my closest friends to this day are friends that I met through my involvement with the WCBA Young Lawyers Division. The majority of the best referrals to my practice came from members of the Wake County Bar. In my early days as a sole practitioner, I could call another member of the Wake County Bar cold and say “I am a young Wake County lawyer working on X matter. Would you mind talking with me about your experience in that area.” Those Wake County lawyers often became mentors and would associate on a case just to help me get the experience I needed. What a gift to have a bar that does not hesitate to help other members. Especially with the size of the WCBA, it is truly amazing. Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream: Tonight Dough at Ben & Jerry’s. WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:

Other Bar-related Activities

• Board Member, Wake County Bar Association, 2002-2004, 2010-2012; • • • • • • • • • •

Member, WCBA Grievance Committee 2003-2006; Chair WCBA Swearing In Committee 2002; Member WCBA Social Committee 2002-2003; Member WCBA Directory Committee 2000-2001; President, Wake County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2000-2001Chair WCBA YLD Ask a Lawyer Day 1997; Co-Chair WCBA YLD, Social Committee 1998; Member WCBA Memorials Committee 2011-2013; Chair WCBA Facilities Committee 2015-2017; Member, WCBA Professionalism Committee 2018-present

WAKE BAR FLYER

• Chair, NC Bar Association Real Property Section 2014-2015; Council Member

• NCBA Real Property Section 2009-2016; Treasurer NCBA Real • • • • • • •

Property Section 2012-2013; NCBA YLD Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for 2002-2003 Tri-Chair, NC Closing Attorney Best Practices Task Force 2013-present; Chair NCBA YLD Community Relations Committee 2002; Division Director NCBA Young Lawyers Division, 1999-2002; Member NCBA Strategic Planning Committee 2002-2005; Member NCBA Legislative Advisory Committee 2016-2019; Member Land Records Task Force 2014-present; Member NC SOS-NC Electronic Recording Advisory Committee 2018-present

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS BAR COUNCILOR - OPEN SEAT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES KIMBERLY A. MOORE

Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of North Carolina NC Central University School of Law, 1994 A Change During COVID that may stick: While it is no substitute for in-person interaction, the use of video conferencing with clients who are incarcerated in facilities that may be located over 100 miles away has helped me manage my time more wisely and created a better work life balance. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: “Be kind to everyone in the courthouse, especially the clerks of court.” Favorite Career Highlight: I have two actually: Serving as a Deputy Special Master for the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund and serving as the US DOJ Resident Legal Advisor to the US Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: My favorite event is the swearing-in ceremony. The best part of being a WCBA member is sharing my experiences in the legal profession and serving as a mentor to new attorneys. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Salted Caramel. WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:

Other Bar-related Activities

I am currently a member of the Swearing-In Committee and have served as a Bar Candidate Interview Committee member.

Prior to the pandemic, I served as a NITA instructor during trial advocacy trainings at Loyola University School of Law in Los Angeles and in the Caribbean countries. I still serve as a prosecutor consultant in the Caribbean where I focus on enhancing trial advocacy skills among the prosecutors, streamlining case management systems promoting plea negotiations.

J. PATRICK WILLIAMS

Batch, Poore & Williams, PC Campbell University School of Law, 2005 A Change During COVID that may stick: Remote client interactions and expedited transition to a paperless office. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: To temper client expectations on case outcomes as over promising can put attorneys in positions that breed client distrust and can impact settlement of cases.” Favorite Career Highlight: Winning my first jury trial. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: WCBA Holiday Party. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Chocolate WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities: • Former Tenth JD Bar Grievance Committee Member Other Bar-related Activities • NC State Bar Communications Committee Member

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

ELECTIONS BADGER-IREDELL CANDIDATES ELECT 2 OF 2 CANDIDATES LEONARD T. JERNIGAN, JR.

Jernigan Law Firm NC Central University School of Law, 1976 WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities: • Former Wake County Bar Association • Memorials Committee Chair • Served on WCBA Board on two prior occasions • Vice Chair of the History Committee • Currently serving on History Video Project Committee • Recipent of the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award, 2014 Other Bar-related Activities • Author of NC Workers’ Compensation Law & Practice • Adjunct Professor of Workers’ Compensation Law at NCCU School of Law • Past President of Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy group (WILG), a national organization of workers’ compensation attorneys

DEBORRAH L. NEWTON

Newton Law Campbell University School of Law, 1999 A Change During COVID that may stick: Keeping my kids even closer. Best Piece of Advice a Mentor Ever Gave You: 1. “How do you eat an elephant?” “A bite at a time.” From my law school dean, Patrick Hetrick, on my first day. 2. “The truth needs no rehearsal.” Finally, from Joe Cheshire, “People’s perceptions are their reality.” Good to remember. Favorite Career Highlight: I must say it was the Yarn argument at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Otherwise, clearly my year with former Justice Mark D. Martin at the Supreme Court of North Carolina was a privilege. Favorite WCBA annual event/best part about being a WCBA member: It was the luncheons, a time to see colleagues and catch up. Now, our connections virtually via listservs and committees provides the forum for discussion and new perspectives. Favorite flavor of ice cream: Christian says it is coffee (of course), but I hold out for strawberry.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

COMMITTEE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION THE PLATINUM RULE A TOOL TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL BY GRACE PENNERAT (SHE/HER/HERS) | ATTORNEY, SHWARTZ & SHAW PLLC

MOST, IF NOT ALL OF US, HAVE HEARD OF (OR BEEN SCOLDED BY AN ADULT IN THEIR LIFE TO LIVE BY) THE “GOLDEN RULE.” The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” In other words, treat others the way you want to be treated. However, the Golden Rule fails to acknowledge that the way one person wants to be treated may not be the same as the way you, or another person, may want to be treated. Enter the “Platinum Rule.” The Platinum Rule is certainly not as well-known as the Golden Rule. I was only just introduced to the Platinum Rule this week in the context of creating more inclusive workplaces. The Platinum Rule states, “treat others the way they would like to be treated.” The Platinum Rule invites us to ask others how they would like to be treated, supported, or addressed. While the Platinum Rule is applicable to all professional and personal relationships, it is particularly relevant when working with our clients and colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+. On February 22, the American Bar Association (ABA) adopted a resolution encouraging individuals within the legal profession to use the pronouns consistent with an individual’s gender identity. As stated in its resolution, the ABA encourages the use of pronouns consistent with an individual’s gender identity during mediations, court proceedings, and in pleadings. The ABA further resolved that all courts and tribunals implement rules about respecting the use of pronouns consistent with a person’s gender identity “so as to promote full and equal participation.” The purpose of the ABA resolution is to make the legal profession and justice system “more welcoming to (and less exclusionary toward) individuals of all gender identities.” In its report, the ABA describes gender as a “spectrum,” not limited to the female/woman and male/man binary that society is accustomed to. The ABA acknowledged that there has been a rapid change in attitudes about gender identity, particularly among younger Americans. A 2016 study showed that 50% of Millennials (individuals ages 18 to 34) believed that gender is a spectrum. Moreover, all states in the United States allow changes to gender as designated on driver’s licenses and most permit changes to gender designations on birth certificates. Recognizing that gender is a spectrum, it is important that we use language that is respectful and inclusive of all gender identities. As WCBA member Amily McCool (she/her/hers) stated in a recent CLE Presentation titled, “LGBTQ+ 101: Ethical Considerations for Working with Clients & Colleagues,” we, as attorneys, have an ethical obligation to “seek improvement of the law, access to the legal system, the administration of justice and the quality of service rendered by the legal profession.” Acknowledging and respecting an individual’s name and pronouns is one way to make the legal system more inclusive and accessible to all. Simply asking someone how they want to be called, practicing the Platinum Rule, will help us fulfill that obligation. As Brandon McPherson (he/him/his), former chair of the NCBA’s Education Law Section and current ABA YLD Representative for North Carolina, shared, “supporting access to justice for all begins with recognizing and acknowledging people for who they are.” WBF You can access a copy of Amily McCool’s presentation here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.wakecountybar.org/resource/collection/1DC55D03-672E-49E38586-75ED58EF1B4C/9.15.21_CLE_materials_LGTBQ101_Ethical_Considerations.pdf. A copy of the February 22, 2021, ABA Resolution and accompanying report is available here: https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/directories/policy/ midyear-2021/106a-midyear-2021.pdf.

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

BarCARES

BarCARES can make a difference for Judicial District & Local Bar Members! BarCARES is a confidential short-term counseling, coaching and crisis intervention program created as a cost-free way of helping attorneys locate assistance to deal with the problems that might be causing stress. BarCARES is provided cost-free to members of bar groups that establish a BarCARES program. A number of judicial district and local bars, law schools and other bar related groups across the state have already chosen to offer this program. BarCARES of North Carolina, Inc, (BCNC) is a nonprofit corporation that works to expand the program to attorneys throughout North Carolina, and it monitors the overall BarCARES program operation. BarCARES, endorsed by the North Carolina Bar Association, is made possible by funding from bar groups that establish a BarCARES program, BCNC, the North Carolina Bar Association and its Foundation, and Lawyers Insurance Agency. BarCARES can be used for problems such as: Personal Issues • crisis intervention • depression and anxiety • substance abuse (drug or alcohol) • financial concerns • career counseling

Family Issues • marriage or relationship issues • children or adolescents • parenting • family conflict

Work Functions • professional stressors • course related stress • conflict resolution

BarCARES provides members of established programs in judicial districts, bar associations, law schools and organizations up to three free visits each year. In some programs the visits may be available to family members. Contact the BarCARES Program Coordinator for information about which BarCARES services are available to you. BarCARES Initiative extends a statewide program offer to any member of the NCBA who lives in an area where BarCARES is not yet available. This is a one-time benefit of three sessions under the program. You may contact the BarCARES Coordinator for information about which BarCARES services are available to you. BarCARES sessions can be used to provide assistance in resolving problems or accessing the appropriate source of help. Sometimes three sessions will be enough to take care of a problem. If it looks like the problem may require a longer term solution, the initial visits may be used to help identify the problem, to develop goals and a plan, and to access an appropriate resource, often covered under your health insurance plan. Every effort will be made for you to see a counselor who is also an approved provider under your group insurance in the event you wish to continue after the program visits are used. BarCARES is a confidential program, no one will know if you access the program but you and anyone you choose to tell. No personally identifiable information is shared with the BarCARES Board; the associated state, local voluntary or judicial district bar association; or any other entity without the permission of the BarCARES client/ user. Additionally, any health related information included in the sessions will follow federal HIPAA Privacy & Security Rules as stated in HRC’s HIPAA Privacy & Security statement. BarCARES program benefits are accessed by contacting the BarCARES Program Coordinator at HRC Behavioral Health & Psychiatry, PA, at 1.800.640.0735. You may also contact the BarCARES Program Coordinator just to ask questions about the program and the services it provides.

confidential counseling for the legal community and their families 1-800-640-0735 | barcares.ncbar.org

DIRECT EXAMINATION: JUDGE NED W. MANGUM

DIRECT EXAMINATION IS THE FIRST opportunity for the jury

to meet a witness. An effective lawyer will use the opportunity to personalize the witness, making the witness appear both likeable and credible. At the end of the day, the direct examination is a party’s best chance to tell his or her story.

8. What has been the most surprising or unexpected development in your career? It has to be the time the governor asked me to serve as Wake County district attorney. The governor’s office called me and asked me if I would do it and my first response was “really?!” Colon Willoughby was standing next to me. I got off the phone with governor’s office and told Colon and his response was “really?!” 9. What is your favorite book? The first Star Wars movie. My older brother took me to see it. It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. And now my three boys love all of them. It so much fun when we all go to watch a new one.

1. When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? I was convinced I would play pro football, baseball and basketball. After that I wanted to be a scientist. Both of those were out of my head by middle school. 2. What was the most important lesson your parents taught you? To be self-sufficient. Mom and Dad were “hands off” in their parenting style. They pretty much they let me do what I wanted. With that came the responsibility of doing things yourself. If you want a driver’s license, then figure it out yourself.

10. What is your most marked characteristic? I am pretty hard core about being on time. Just ask my wife and kids. If we have a flight to catch, I’m like “let’s leave three hours early so we can get a bite to eat” and we always sit there for two hours with my wife and kids rolling their eyes at me.

3. Who was your favorite teacher and why? Bonnie Love in fifth grade at Frances Lacy. She was strict but also one of the most caring people I have ever met. After 35 years, we are currently Facebook friends. 4. Did you love or hate law school? Maybe a bit of both. I was 22 when I started and very naïve about what I was getting myself into. Met some great friends though. 5. What was your most embarrassing courtroom experience? Has to be the time a Defendant was screaming in court during a sentencing hearing and called me a “big greasy porkchop.” Somehow that was newsworthy as the N&O wrote an article about it the next day.

11. Who are your real-life heroes? My brother-in-law, Hughie Freel was a Navy SEAL for his 20-year career in the Navy. As a kid, I got to spend a lot of time at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, Calif., where the SEALs train. Their sacrifice and dedication is just incredible. They just decide that they will never quit in spite of all circumstances. That’s a life lesson for all of us. My youngest son, Hughie, is named after him. 12. When and where were you happiest? When I am driving my wife, Robin, and my two younger boys, Gus (13) and Hugh (10), up to see my oldest son, Bear (17), play football for Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Va.

6. What was your best courtroom experience? Have to say every time I get to swear in a new lawyer is special. The highlight is several months ago, when I had the honor of swearing in our newest district court judge, Rashad Hauter. 7. Why did you become a lawyer? I wish I had a better answer for that other than I have always wanted to. It wasn’t until my third year of law school that I realized I wanted to be inside a courtroom. I realized that I could help people do something I really enjoy. WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

THE LEADERSHIP PLAYBOOK BY CAMILLE STELL | PRESIDENT, LAWYERS MUTUAL CONSULTING & SERVICES

‘Tis the season for the Tenth Judicial District / WCBA elections. You may have thrown your hat in the ring at the urging of friends and colleagues. Or perhaps you are stepping out for the first-time volunteering to be a leader. Congratulations to those of you willing to place your name on the ballot. Here are five tips that will help you evolve and thrive as a leader.

1. DATA DRIVE DECISIONS Associations today are in a state of evolution. What do our members want? What are our members willing to pay for? How can we compete against the myriad of associations, alumni organizations and online communities vying for our money and our time? Great leaders recognize gathering data is a key component to building an association that will thrive. Data shows up in surprising places such as the registration lists for your CLE programs. What events garner the largest registration? What venues attract the highest turnout? What content drives registration numbers? Collecting and analyzing data is key for the health of your organization and great leaders make sure that we avoid the trap of “we’ve always done it this way” to make room for data-driven decisions. 2. SHARE THE DATA No one likes change. But when the data requires change, be sure to tell your members what you are doing and why. Then tell them again. The more information your members have, the more they will be willing to invest in the organization. Great leaders make decisions, then communicate clearly and as quickly as possible. 3. FOLLOW THROUGH ON ASSIGNMENTS This week, a colleague sent me an agreement to sign. I had agreed in theory to the concept, now the document needed to be signed. When I opened it, it was many more pages than I expected. With a few more clauses than I had expected. I immediately closed the document because I was busy and didn’t have time to figure out what was there. Later in the week, I received an automated email, a reminder to sign the document. Which I deleted. Then I received a phone call, “hey, just checking in. I’ve noticed you haven’t signed the agreement. How can I help?” I was able to express my concerns and suggest another way for us to get to the same result. After some back and forth, we reached a solution, I signed the document, and I was able to get back to the business of serving clients. However, I missed an opportunity to be the first to pick up the phone. I missed the opportunity to follow through with my obligation timely. My concerns were valid, and the phone call was necessary. But I let the immediate fire get in the way of my responsibility to my colleague. People are busy and we all juggle more than we’d like to. Be respectful of your fellow leaders’ time. When you agree to serve, it means you agree to listen, to offer advice, to make decisions and to do it all in timely manner. Great leaders don’t wait for others to remind them, they follow through on their obligations. WAKE BAR FLYER

4. GREAT LEADERS HAVE Camille Stell is the president EMPATHY of Lawyers Mutual Consulting When people express fear, worry or & Services. Continue this anger, great leaders have empathy. conversation by contacting Great leaders do not retaliate. Great Camille at camille@ leaders do not mock. Great leaders lawyersmutualnc.com or do not discount others’ emotions. 800.662.8843. We can improve our empathy muscle. Walk in other peoples’ shoes. Challenge yourself to tackle experiences that take you outside your comfort zone. Seek feedback from people in person and have conversations though they may be uncomfortable. Examine the emotion presented, not just the data. Ask questions. Examine your biases. Great leaders recognize that when people have an unexpected reaction to your decision, you must lean into empathy. This doesn’t mean your decision necessarily has to change, but expressing empathy is what keeps your fellow leadership teammates following you even when they disagree with you. 5. GREAT LEADERS RE-ASSESS Where were you when the pandemic started? I was five business days away from hosting my signature annual conference. A conference that allowed me to display my skills, bring in valuable speakers from across the country, which would provide consulting work to me for the remainder of the year. The week before the conference, I was on the phone with my venue, my speakers, my caterer and my sponsors. I sent out an email telling registrants the conference was moving forward. Within two days, the situation deteriorated quickly. Cancellations due to COVID-19 included schools, universities, sporting events and more. The next morning, I was back on the phone with my venue, my speakers, my caterer and my sponsors. Within 48 hours of the “moving forward” email, I sent out an email telling registrants the conference was canceled. In a fast-moving situation, great leaders continue to re-assess the situation and make changes as necessary. to those of you who win and those of you who were vulnerable enough to put your name on a ballot. Effective leadership will enable the Tenth Judicial District Bar / WCBA to evolve and thrive. If you exercise the skills in this playbook, you will become an effective leader, not just in association life, but in your workplace as well. Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and works with law firms to modernize their law practices through strategic planning and succession planning. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@ lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 919.677.8900.

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

A MISSION TO HELP. PEOPLE WHO CARE. PROTECTION THAT COUNTS.

TODD JONES, ANDERSON AND JONES HOPE LINE MURAL, RALEIGH

Lawyers and murals have a lot in common. They’re both diverse and creative. Each is unique. Each tells a story. Lawyers Mutual has helped tell the story for North Carolina lawyers since 1977. It’s a story of people who care and a mission to help.

919.677.8900 800.662.8843

www.lawyersmutualnc.com

It’s a story of people, protection, and a mission. IT’S A STORY THAT KEEPS GETTING BETTER. WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

LEGAL AID VOLUNTEERS BY PAMELA THOMBS | MANAGING ATTORNEY, LEGAL AID OF NC RALEIGH OFFICE

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA’S RALEIGH OFFICE HAS HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF HAVING INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS. Today, we’d like to say thank you to all the attorneys who have provided your assistance during 2020 and 2021! The volunteers who are highlighted below have been professional, committed, dedicated and nothing short of extraordinary.

RHONDA TO THE RESCUE It’s 5 p.m. when Legal Aid needs assistance with an emergency case. One phone call, text or email to Rhonda Young and without a thought, the answer is “Yes.” This “Yes” response is common for Rhonda. Rhonda has taken cases for LANC’s Raleigh office, for TCA-Raleigh and now even TCA-Durham. Rhonda has taken on difficult Guardian ad Litem cases even when faced with the threat of criminal charges. Rhonda has sometimes made pro bono work a priority over cases for pay, when working on emergency cases for Legal Aid. Rhonda’s work on custody cases, DVPO’s and TCA cases have made a major impact on the lives of our clients. A 2008 graduate of NC Central University School of Law, Rhonda’s career has been an example of “Truth and Service.” Rhonda is the managing attorney of Young’s Law Offices, PLLC. There are not words to express the gratitude that Legal Aid of Raleigh and TCA have for all the great work done by Rhonda Young for our clients and our mission. Thanks again, Rhonda!

BILL-LESS, BILL MOORE LANC’s longest serving attorney for its Raleigh office is not an employee: William (Bill) Moore, Emeritus, has been volunteering for Legal Aid for more than 20 years. It is no wonder, with all of Bill’s experience in Legal Aid, that he handles elder law cases, unemployment cases, social security benefits cases and even advises the work of our younger attorneys. Bill moves as quietly and confidently through our Raleigh and Durham offices as any employee without even the smallest expectation of reward or recognition. Bill’s work continued and increased during the pandemic when others stepped away from volunteer service. Bill has served as associate corporate counsel at SAS Institute and has managed and negotiated intellectual property and contracts at IBM. Bill is graduate of NC Central University School of Law and epitomizes “Truth and Service.” Legal Aid is thankful to Bill Moore for being a committed, dependable member of our staff!

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

DAVIS AND TORTORA Jaime Davis and Carrie Tortora are both family law attorneys at Gailor Hunt Davis Taylor & Gibbs, PLLC, in Raleigh. Both of these experienced attorneys generously contributed their time and expertise taking pro bono cases through the Child’s Advocate, a special project of Legal Aid. Recently, Jaime provided direct representation to a young client caught in a contentious custody case. She made sure the client’s voice was heard and her interests were protected, and thankfully, a child-centered resolution was reached. Carrie recently represented a teenager in a custody case involving relocation of a parent. Carrie skillfully litigated the case getting a decision that reflected the child’s preferences. Together, Jaime and Carrie have donated almost 200 hours to giving clients a meaningful voice in custody litigation. Legal Aid greatly appreciates the access to justice that they have provided to our clients. Volunteers like Jaime and Carrie enable The Child’s Advocate to serve all the children for whom the Court appoints an attorney. Jaimie Davis is a board-certified family law specialist with 20 years of exclusive, family law experience. She is a managing co-partner and also hosts a podcast titled “A Year and a Day: Divorced Without Destruction.” She has also authored a book by the same name. Carrie Tortora is a board-certified family law specialist with an accounting background. Carrie’s unique skill set provides expertise in financial cases such as valuing and dividing business interests, financial support issues and analyzing property distribution. Thank you to all our volunteers! WBF

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE THE DARK SIDE OF POLITENESS BY LEANOR BAILEY HODGE | DEPUTY COUNSEL, NC STATE BAR

THE WAKE COUNTY BAR is a collegial bar. It is an association of lawyers in which friendship and social engagement among colleagues is encouraged. Another noteworthy characteristic of the Wake County Bar is politeness. It is one of the first things I noticed about the members of this bar when I moved here from the Midwest. At first, I thought this was indicative of all bars in North Carolina; however, after traveling across the state throughout my years of practice, I have come to appreciate that it is one of the things that can make practicing here pretty special. If you have ever practiced law outside of Wake County, particularly in other areas of the country, you know that politeness in zealous advocacy is not widely cultivated and is not practiced everywhere. Especially in the litigation context, pulling off strong advocacy while maintaining politeness is a skill. It is not a skill that is taught in law school, but rather, a training that most typically occurs through mentorship – something else that is a hallmark of practice in Wake County. At its best, politeness is the outward display of respect and consideration for others. But what about when it isn’t? What about when it is used as cloak to cover the need to address critical issues that require discussion to move toward a solution?

Politeness can make difficult situations more bearable and feel better. However, it can also be the facade behind which we hide to avoid difficult discussions about important and necessary topics. To be polite is not always synonymous with, or the exclusive province of, best. Sometimes it is the audacious group that moves the needle forward. The ones who dare to speak when no response could be presented and accepted as the polite thing to do are, at times, the persons who advance us closer to our aims. I believe people can be audacious, daring, and polite. We all certainly can think of someone, whom we regard as polite and kind, that made a bold move and was key to the group reaching a very lofty goal. Politeness has value and contributes to good, but we would be wise to remember its dark side. The dark side of politeness is revealed when, in the name of politeness, we avoid tough conversations about vital subjects. In the legal profession, we must guard against the dark side of politeness because discourse is essential to our problem solving. Different professions solve problems in different ways. For example, engineers solve problems by (1) reasonably defining the problem, (2) observing and investigating to ascertain what is known, (3) determining what tools are available and appropriate and (4) then applying such tools to generate a solution. As lawyers, we are trained to solve problems differently. We are presented with a claim, then through questioning, and sometimes interrogation, we dialogue to determine the validity of that claim and settle on an answer. We all have at least one memory of a first-year law school class in which we were first introduced to the Socratic Method. From the very beginning of our careers, we were conditioned to obtain resolution through questioning and discourse. As a society and a profession, we have some important societal ills that continue to plague us that we often use the dark side of politeness to ignore. As our Bar continues to do its part to foster and further diversity, equity and inclusion, conversations about the vestiges of racism and gender bias will be essential, and at times, uncomfortable. It may be tempting during the difficult moments to seek shelter on the dark side of politeness. If you find yourself trending toward the dark side of politeness as an escape during such moments, remember that as lawyers, an important part of our contribution to the ability to solve a problem is to discuss it. For us, if we are too polite to discuss the challenging issues, we are not likely to make strides toward a solution. My hope is that we will use politeness to help us HAVE difficult conversations, not as a cover to hide the fact that such discussions need to occur. WBF

WAKE BAR FLYER

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

WHITMEYER AND HARRISON CAPTURE 2021 WCBA TENNIS CROWN The annual WCBA Tennis Tournament at Carolina Country Club on October 1 was once again a great success. Good weather, good refreshments and a good time was had by all. Randy Whitmeyer and Webster Harrison won the Championship Division doubles title, beating John McCabe and Vance Jennings in the final. Mary Marshall Easley won the Open Division, and Duane Hall was the runner-up. The incredible thing about Mary Marshall Easley’s championship is that she was 7 ½ months pregnant! Talk about an amazing accomplishment! WBF

WAKE BAR FLYER

WEBSTER HARRISON AND RANDY WHITMEYER

VANCE JENNINGS AND JOHN MCCABE

MARY MARSHALL EASLEY AND HUSBAND MICHAEL EASLEY

DUANE HALL

FOURTH QUARTER 2021

Jenna Alexander | Eldreth Law Firm, PC

Susan Hanley | Susan K. Hanley, Esq.

Jacob Arthur | The Law Office of Jacob T. Arthur

Anne Harvey | Law Offices of F. Bryan Brice, Jr.

Milton Barba | Barba Law Firm PLLC

David Hasenauer | Moore & Alphin PLLC

Claudia Barcelo | Law Student - Campbell

Scott Hazelgrove | Ellis & Winters LLP

Dhruvi Barot | Megerian and Wells

Anne Hogewood

Erin Berry | The Forge Law Group

Garret Kirkpatrick | Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers LLP

Erica Bing | Alliance Health

Saverio Longobardo

Mysty Blagg | Poyner Spruill LLP

Elizabeth Lunn | Lunn & Forro PLLC

Rachel Boyd | Young Moore & Henderson PA

Heather MacDonald | Northwood Ravin LLC

Ethan Carpenter | Millberg Gordon & Stewart PLLC

Jessica Mantekas | Forrest Firm PC

Erin Catlett | Fox Rothschild LLP

Kelsey Mellan | Jackson Lewis PC

Regina Chavis | Legal Aid of NC

Michael Moyer | PNC Private Bank

Thomas Cole | RCSC PC

Devon Newton | Hatch Little & Bunn LLP

Payton Collier | Ward and Smith PA

Polycarp Omollo | NC State Government

Morgan Cutright | Campbell University School of Law

Dianna Owen | Brady Boyette PLLC

Johnell Daye | Legal Aid of NC - MFP/EJI

Christopher Pereira | Wells Fargo

Derek Dittmar | Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, LLP

Allison Persinger | Local Government Federal Credit Union

Jeffrey Dobson | Ricci Law Firm PA

Lindsey Reedy | Hill Law, PLLC

Leonard Elder | NCREC

Kaytlin Ruzicka

Nicholas Fernez | Jordan Price Wall Gray Jones and Carlton, PLLC

Jennifer Snider

John Finn

Eugene Soar | NC Court of Appeals

Toya Flynn | Trinity Law

Nicholas Sorensen | The Law Offices of John Austin PLLC

Diane Ford | Law Student - Campbell

Alexandra Southerland | Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc.

Kara Foster

Catrina Spagnualo | Law Student - Campbell

Alexander Fowler | NC Dept of Labor

Sarah Spangenburg | Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman

Jennifer Fredette | Consilio LLC

Christina Stone | Riddle & Brantley LLP

Melissa French-Lindsey | Oklahoma Public Defenders office

Dale Ton | Legal Aid of NC - Raleigh Office

Sandra Fried Fogleman | WCBA

Clayton Trice

Jackie Gallion | NC Department of Commerce-DES

Ravyn Tyndall

William Gaught | Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Cheyenne Van Leeuwen | Triangle Divorce Lawyers

Jacquelyn Gauntlett | Capitol Financial Solutions

Shelby Wellmon | Pennington Brienzi Law PLLC

Michael Goldsticker | Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

John Whipkey | Block & Associates LLC

Edward Gray | Federal Public Defender’s Office

James Williams | Barlow & Williams PLLC

Emily Hager | Law Student - Tulane

Hunter Winstead | NC Supreme Court

John Hahn | Mayer Brown LLP

Nevin Wisnoski | Wisnoski Law Joseph Wobbleton | Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan LLP