19 minute read
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
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.
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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
PRESIDENT-ELECT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES
WCBA/Tenth JD Bar 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 Other Bar-related Activities
• 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
DIRECTORSJUDGE 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.
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:
• 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. Other Bar-related Activities
• Legal Aid of North Carolina •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
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 • 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
BAR COUNCILOR - OPEN SEAT ELECT 1 OF 2 CANDIDATES
WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities:
I am currently a member of the Swearing-In Committee and have served as a Bar Candidate Interview Committee member. Other Bar-related Activities
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.
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.
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
BADGER-IREDELL CANDIDATES ELECT 2 OF 2 CANDIDATES
LEONARD T. JERNIGAN, JR.
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
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.
