First Quarter 2025 | Bar Flyer

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BAR FLYER

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION: A LOOK FORWARD AND BACK KIMBERLY TURNER MILLER, PRESIDENT WAKE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION | OWENS & MILLER PLLC

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APPY 100TH BIRTHDAY to the Wake County Bar Association! My name is Kimberly Miller, and I am both honored and excited to serve as your 2025 WCBA President. This year is particularly special as we celebrate the centennial of our association, marking a century of service, commitment, and community within the legal profession.

Throughout this year, we have the unique opportunity to reflect on the past 100 years. Our focus will be on celebrating the victories and milestones we’ve achieved, while also taking a moment to recognize the challenges we’ve faced. Our History Committee has worked diligently to compile stories, photos and interviews that tell the story of our bar association, from its humble beginnings to the organization we know today. These pieces will be shared with you during each of our bar luncheons, Miller providing a deeper connection to our rich history.

In April, the Lawyer’s Wellness Committee has planned a month of activities designed not only to celebrate our centennial but also to benefit all of you, our members. We’ll offer free headshots, a week of breakfast gatherings, a movie night at the Rialto and conclude with a reaffirmation of our Creed of Professionalism at the Capitol. I hope these events will foster a sense of unity and purpose as we honor our past and look forward to the future.

While we celebrate the accomplishments of the past, it’s equally important to view the Centennial as an opportunity to define what we want the next 100 years to look like. We have the chance to begin laying the foundation for the future of the Wake County Bar Association.

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VOL. LIII v ISSUE 1 FIRST QUARTER 2025

UPCOMING CLE Rules Based Mediation February 12 | In-person Breakfast Discussion Series: Pro Bono Practice in NC: Upholding RPC 6.1 Februrary 19 | Hybrid Capital City Lawyers Association Panel: Navigating Professionalism and Well-Being in the Legal Field February 26 | In-person Coffee & CLE: Positive Psychology, Attorney Financial Literacy and Handling Grievances February 26 | Hybrid Healing Transitions Tour and CLE February 27 | In-person

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 100 Years - 100 Hours of CLE Centennial Day of Service History Committee Story Our Members Speak Direct Examination Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence 11 New Members 14 Family Picnic 3 5 6 7 8 9

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS CENTENNIAL DAY OF SERVICE AT RALEIGH PARKS | March 15 MEMBER APPRECIATION BREAKFASTS | March 31-April 4 RIALTO MOVIE NIGHT | April 10 wakecountybar.org 919.677.9903 • info@wakecountybar.org

REAFFIRMATION AT THE STATE CAPITOL | April 25

WAKE BAR FLYER

TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

VOL. LIII No. 1 | FIRST QUARTER 2025

BY WHITNEY D.G. von HAAM | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Presidents

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KIMBERLY TURNER MILLER, WCBA JAKE EPSTEIN, TENTH J.D. BAR

Presidents-elect

JOHN B. WARD, WCBA LEANOR BAILEY HODGE, TENTH J.D. BAR

Secretary

TIFFANY COX

Treasurer

ERIKA N. JONES

Board of Directors

EPENDING ON YOUR point of view, change can show itself in a wide range of manners: scary, exciting, revolutionary, apocalyptic…and many things in between. We have had some change at the WCBA/Tenth offices, and we are embracing them with open arms and minds, and hopeful of the many great adventures to come, particularly as we unveil more and more of our centennial year plans.

KRISTEN L. BEIGHTOL DAVID R. BOAZ JONATHAN M. BOGUES MEREDITH P. BREWER TARA CHO JORDAN GROSS GABE JIMENEZ JOSUE JIMENEZ JENNIFER JONES DEAN J. RICH LEONARD JACOB MORSE WILL D. OWENS KENDRA N. STARK LINDSAY A. UNDERWOOD MALLORY UNDERWOOD

Young Lawyers Division President

von Haam and Perry

Executive Director

First, I am sad to wish our beloved Stephanie Perry adieu. Stephanie had been with the WCBA/Tenth for 13 years, and was my very first hire as a new executive director – I recruited her from the North Carolina Bar Association.

Through the years, Stephanie perfected her ability to handle so many projects at one time, “nag” members in the nicest way possible and keep our house and operations move forward smoothly and (seemingly) effortlessly. Stephanie was a friend to every member she came into contact with, and the best co-worker any of us could want. To me, she was not only my work “big sister,” but also my partner for spit balling new ideas or ways to run the bar. The loss is great and she will be very missed.

Replacing such a person is obviously no easy task, but you know what? I think we’ve done it very successfully.

Mandy Howard joined the WCBA/Tenth

PATRICK VANDERJEUGDT WHITNEY D.G. von HAAM

Communications Manager AMY DAVIS

Wake Bar Flyer Designer THOMAS PHILLIPS

Tenth Judicial District Bar Councilors

JUDGE JULIE L. BELL ANNA DAVIS NANCY L. GRACE EVIN GRANT JESSICA HEFFNER KIMBERLY A. MOORE JUDGE ASHLEIGH S. PARKER JUDGE ROBERT B. RADER © 2025 Wake County Bar Association & Tenth Judicial District Bar

WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

staff on January 16, and even within just a few weeks has proven to be an incredibly valuable asset to our members and her co-workers. I was lucky enough to have known Mandy for years and had considered her among the best volunteers who I had the pleasure to work with in the Junior League. Actually, when she was the co-editor of our magazine and I was the communications VP, we were both pregnant with our kids who are now in their senior years of high school.

She has been a fast learner and is eager to interact with our members.

Mandy’s background is strong in the nonprofit sector having worked at Methodist Home for Children, as a freelance writer, a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes and most recently at WRAL in their digital content department.

She’s volunteered with even more Howard nonprofits in the area, planning and coordinating events, large and small. In short, she’s fitting in great here and already proving to be a very valuable member of the team. Please be sure to welcome Mandy when you see her in upcoming weeks and months! WBF

We have had some change at the WCBA/Tenth offices, and we are embracing them with open arms and minds, and hopeful of the many great adventures to come, particularly as we unveil more and more of our centennial year plans.

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WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

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100 YEARS – 100 HOURS OF CLE

BY JORDAN GROSS | STAUFF & GROSS PLLC | CLE COMMITTEE CHAIR

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NE OF THE BEST and most valuable benefits of the Wake County Bar Association is the diverse CLE offerings that are free to all members. The CLE courses continue to improve and grow year after year to try and reach as many members of the WCBA as possible. Not only are the course offerings plentiful at all times of day and on a wide range of topics, but the cost is unbeatable. WCBA members are able to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience of other WCBA members and many other knowledgeable speakers for no additional cost. While WCBA Gross has set a high standard when it comes to their CLEs, this year is going to be the best year yet.

The centennial is upon us and with that comes 100 free hours of CLE for Wake County Bar Association members.

The CLE Committee and WCBA staff have been hard at work planning for the centennial year, and we are excited for the CLEs that we have on the horizon. You will continue to see our regular CLE offerings including the Breakfast Discussion Series that is virtual and in-person at Campbell University School of Law School as well as the virtual Lunch Over Lunch.

Both of these series are offered monthly. We will also have our regular specialty programs including the Criminal Law CLE day, the Family Law CLE, the Civil Law Update and a CLE for mediators to receive their required CME credits.

Last year in preparation for the centennial, we also started some new series that we are expanding this year, including CLE After Dark for those members who cannot make it to the CLEs during the day.

Members can learn more in our eCourts series focused on everyone’s favorite new technology and a Litigating With

While WCBA has set a high standard when it comes to their CLEs, this year is going to be the best year yet.

WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

Legends series for those attorneys seeking to sharpen their litigation skills and learn from our local bar legends. We are also launching a series of CLEs in conjunction with the Bench/Bar Committee for everyone to have an opportunity to have a view from the bench from both our district court and superior court judges focused on many different practice areas and courtrooms.

Our goal this year is not only to offer 100 hours of CLE credit, but to do so in a way that reaches all of our members and their interests. Whether you are a seasoned attorney who needs a little help learning technology from our younger members or a younger member who wants to sharpen their writing skills with our Writing Tips for Young Lawyers CLE from the YLD, our goal is to offer informative CLEs for everyone. You will be able to receive your ethics, professional well-being and technology credits throughout the year as well. We look forward to seeing you at one or all 100 of these CLE hours this year as we celebrate the Centennial with 100 hours of CLE for 100 years of the WCBA. WBF

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Celebrating 100 Years | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Last March, during the ABA’s Bar Leadership Institute in Chicago, Tenth J.D. Bar President Jake Epstein and Executive Director Whitney von Haam and I were talking with an executive director from an Ohio local bar. She asked me what my “thing” would be during my presidency. At the time, I didn’t have an immediate answer, but Whitney leaned in and said, “You already have your thing—the centennial.” She was right. This year is about celebrating 100 years of the WCBA. As I thought more about it, I realized I had two goals for my presidency: Along with celebrating our centennial, I believe we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our bar association by addressing an important issue: professionalism.

Over the course of this past year, I’ve had the privilege of attending numerous committee meetings and events, and I’ve heard a recurring concern about ensuring that professionalism is a focus within the Wake County Bar—especially in how we treat each other.

I believe we have the best and most dedicated members in the legal community, but I also recognize that with the passing of two of our pillars, Robert McMillan Jr. and Duncan

McMillan, in 2024 people may fear that this could start a decline in the professionalism they embodied. Both were examples of integrity, respect and commitment to the ideals of our profession. Their loss has led many of us to question how we can continue to uphold the values that they exemplified.

As we move through this centennial year, I encourage all of us to not only honor the legacy of professionalism left by those who came before us, but also to think about how we can elevate it going forward.

We have the power to set the standard for professionalism in North Carolina. The Wake County Bar can be the model for other bar associations to follow.

In September, I had the opportunity to listen to a speech about the eight best presidential leaders. Focus was on their leadership styles. When the speaker highlighted Thomas Jefferson, he shared that while Jefferson was not a great orator like Abraham Lincoln, he found his own way to lead. Jefferson famously opened his doors to people on both sides of the political aisle, inviting them to share a meal and engage in conversation. It was in this informal setting that

common ground was often found. Jefferson believed that by breaking bread together, people could find mutual respect and understanding, even in times of conflict.

When I heard this, I thought about our own monthly luncheons at the WCBA. We’ve already created an environment where we can gather, share a meal, and engage with one another in a way that fosters professionalism and collegiality. I hope this year, we will all take full advantage of these opportunities—not just to network or socialize, but to build stronger relationships, even with those who may have different perspectives. As our Creed of Professionalism teaches us, we are bound by a shared commitment to integrity, respect, fairness, civility and excellence.

I am truly excited for what this year holds and for the chance to celebrate our shared history with all of you. But more importantly, I am hopeful for what the next 100 years will look like for the Wake County Bar Association. Together, we can continue to build on the legacy of professionalism that has defined our bar for a century and create an even stronger future for the next generation of lawyers.

Here’s to the next 100 years. WBF

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COURTROOM BIBLE TAKEN!

BY JENNIFER PORTER | NC STATE BAR | WCBA HISTORY COMMITTEE

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n May 29, 1980, an arrest warrant was issued for local attorney Steve Smith.

The warrant was issued after Smith, described in the document as “Older than he looks,” removed a Bible — “the only one of its kind and of priceless value” —from Courtroom #9 of the Wake County Courthouse.

Among the myriad Bibles in the dozens of courtrooms in the Wake County Courthouse, what made this Bible so unique? It had been signed and inscribed by a local legal legend: The Honorable Samuel Pretlow Winborne. On the 7th day of June, 1976, Judge Winborne etched an inscription on the inside of the Bible’s front cover, imploring all who might read it, “Please do not remove from Courtroom #9. It is needed for our souls and the administration of justice.”

Unfortunately, Judge Winborne’s plea went unheeded by Smith who, the arrest warrant says, in somewhat jaded language, removed the Bible “with the intent to deprive all defendants appearing therein of the opportunity to swear upon said Bible and to present their ‘true’ account.” The arrest warrant goes on to bemoan that Smith’s removal of the Bible was Porter “in violation of the love and respect of all attorneys, officers of the Court and all people of Wake County, and in violation of the right to share in this remembrance [sic].”

Why did Smith commit this nefarious act? According to a note Smith left tucked into the Book of Genesis: “I took this Bible from what was then Courtroom #9 of the Wake County Courthouse because of the inscription on the inside cover page by Judge Samuel Pretlow Winborne, the best judge I’ve ever appeared before.”

Judge Winborne was a Raleigh City Court Judge later elected to District Court judge. He retired from the bench in 1978. Judge Winborne was well-respected by the attorneys who appeared before him. Fred M. Morelock said of him, “He drew people in. He had a great sense of humor. There was a lot of laughter in his courtroom,

WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

but never at anybody’s expense.” A. Root Edmonson added that Judge Winborne always did the right thing, whether it was in favor of his client or against. He displayed his character and dedication to justice in a case that came before him in Raleigh City Court in 1965. A young Ku Klux Klan member had been tried and convicted of assaulting of an elderly black man. While announcing his judgment, Judge Winborne rebuked the young man, the Klan and “bigots” in general.

A few nights later, Judge Winborne came home to find a cross burning on his front lawn.

Unfazed by the Klan’s Winborne terror tactics, he invited his neighbors over to roast hot dogs in the dying flames. Judge Winborne kept the cross.

The cross was first lent to the N.C. Museum of History, and then permanently gifted to the museum by his family in September 2020. Read the September 2020 News & Observer article describing the incident and the donation.

So, what happened with the “Bible theft” case? Smith was served with the arrest warrant, but the case was never called for trial. Smith kept the Bible for many years until, shortly before his retirement, he passed along the Bible and this story to younger attorney Cameron Lee, for benefit of the next generation of lawyers. WBF

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DIRECT EXAMINATION: DEBORAH HILDEBRAN-BACHOFEN

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IRECT 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.

This is the story of Deborah Hildebran-Bachofen, who has given generously to the Wake County Bar Association Foundation for this year’s Matching Challenge. Read more about why the mission of the WCBA Foundation is so important to her.

When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist or singer.

months pregnant, and I got a lot of stares from others in the courtroom. I had my first child two weeks after the hearing.

What was the most important lesson your parents taught you?

Always work hard and never give up. If you work hard, you can achieve your goals.

What was your best courtroom experience?

Again, I am not a litigation attorney but the first year I returned to Raleigh, I had a hearing in front of Judge Stephens. He granted my motion. I do not now recall what the motion was about since it was back in 1988.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

I usually do not have favorites of anything or anybody because I appreciate that things and people are different. With that said, I did like my fourth-grade teacher because she worked with me and a couple of other students to create a painting that the school hung at the entrance to the library. Also, while not my teacher, I really appreciated the high school guidance counselor. She helped get me on the right path to further my education.

Did you love or hate law school?

I cannot say that I loved the first year because I studied all the time, but I did love the second and third years.

What was your most embarrassing courtroom experience?

I am not a litigation attorney, and I tell people that if you see me at the courthouse, that is probably not a good thing.

However, for the first few years out of law school, I did some litigation. I was working as a Treasury Department employee for the district council’s office of the Internal Revenue Service and got appointed as a special assistant US attorney so that I could litigate general litigation cases in the Bankruptcy Court. In 1986 I waddled into the Bankruptcy Court with a fairly heavy brief case for a hearing when I was eight

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became a lawyer in a roundabout way.

I wanted to be a CPA since I worked at a bank during high school and summer breaks. In the summer, the bank auditors would come in and I thought that would be a good job to have. So, I became a CPA. After practicing accounting for five years, I began to think that that was not the lifelong career I wanted. So, I looked for another career which was compatible with the education and work experience that I already had. My college roommate had gone to law school so I decided to go to law school too. I think a better question for me is why I stayed with my legal career, and as cliché as it sounds, I like being a lawyer to help people.

Hildebran-Bachofen

Everyone, including the underprivileged and underserved in our community, should have access to legal services. I believe in the mission and vision of the Foundation.

What has been the most surprising or unexpected development in your career?

How collegial the estate planning lawyers are. I really enjoy my estate planning lawyer friends.

What is your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite book but there are many books that I enjoyed reading of various genres. I enjoyed “The Nightingale” and “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

I also liked all of the “Harry Potter” and

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“Game of Thrones” books. Since we are going to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, I think the next book that I will read is “The Women.”

What is your most marked characteristic?

I guess it is that I do not like being bored. I am slowing down some, but I always like being involved in a lot of activities.

What is your hidden talent?

I could not come up with anything so I asked one of my daughters. She said that although I do not like to cook and seldom do, I cook a very good turkey for Thanksgiving. Also, when the children were young, she said they loved my pancakes which

I made into animal shapes for them.

Now when I cook, which is not often, I “enhance” the recipes.

Who are your real-life heroes?

Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg When and where were you happiest?

I love to travel and I am happiest when I am traveling, exploring new countries and eating wonderful food.

I have been to more than 50 countries and all seven continents.

What does the WCBA Foundation mean to you and why was it so important to you to continue the goal and legacy of the Foundation?

Everyone, including the underprivi-

WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

leged and underserved in our community, should have access to legal services. I believe in the mission and vision of the Foundation: Mission Statement: Lawyers serving our community by promoting justice.

Vision Statement: We achieve our mission by: Providing grants to Wake County-based organizations with projects and services that serve the public, provide access to justice, or promote the rule of law; Supporting programs that enhance professionalism, well-being and collegiality among Wake County lawyers; and Awarding scholarships to law students with Wake County ties. WBF

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

BY CAMILLE STELL | LAWYERS MUTUAL

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s the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA) marks its Centennial anniversary, we are reminded of the incredible journey our legal community has taken since its founding in 1925. Over the past 100 years, the practice of law, the technology we use and the culture of the profession have evolved in ways that were unimaginable a century ago. This milestone offers a moment to reflect on where we started, how far we’ve come and the road ahead.

The Practice of Law: Then and Now In 1925, the legal profession in Wake County was deeply rooted in personal relationships. Attorneys often worked alone or in small firms, relying on handwritten notes and typewriters to draft legal documents. Legal research required sifting through hardbound volumes of case law, perhaps in the Supreme Court Law Library or local law schools.

Today, the practice of law has transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted profession. Modern attorneys leverage specialized practice Stell areas ranging from intellectual property to environmental law, reflecting the complexity of a rapidly changing world.

The shift toward collaborative law firms and multidisciplinary teams has redefined how legal services are delivered, emphasizing efficiency and client-centered solutions.

Technology: The Catalyst of Change Technology has been the single greatest disruptor in the legal field over the past century. In 1925, communication was limited to in-person meetings, letters and the occasional telephone call. Courtrooms relied on stenographers, and documents were painstakingly reproduced by hand or with early duplicating machines.

Fast forward to 2025, and technology has revolutionized every aspect of legal practice. Attorneys now use artificial intelligence for document review, case prediction and even legal drafting. Legal research platforms like Westlaw and LexisNexis provide instant access to vast databases of case law and statutes. Courtrooms are equipped with e-filing systems and videoconferencing technology, enabling virtual hearings and remote depositions—a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the way we communicate with clients has changed, with email, text messaging and virtual consultations becoming the norm.

A Changing Culture The culture of the legal profession has also undergone significant shifts.

In 1925, the WCBA’s membership was likely homogeneous, reflecting the limited opportunities for women and minorities in the profession. Over time, social progress and advocacy have led to a more inclusive and WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

The shift toward collaborative law firms and multidisciplinary teams has redefined how legal services are delivered, emphasizing efficiency and clientcentered solutions. diverse legal community, though there is still work to be done to achieve full equity.

The profession has also become more focused on work-life balance and mental health. Where long hours and high stress were once seen as a badge of honor, today’s attorneys are encouraged to prioritize well-being through resources like bar association wellness programs and initiatives.

As we celebrate this centennial anniversary, let’s look back on some of the milestones that have shaped both the legal profession.

Looking Ahead As we celebrate this centennial anniversary, we will hear stories of the Wake County Bar Association’s resilience, innovation and progress.

The legal profession continues to evolve and the next decades will undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities, but the WCBA’s commitment to excellence and service ensures that our legal community will continue to thrive.

Here’s to the next century of leadership, advocacy, and camaraderie. Happy Centennial, WCBA! WBF Camille Stell is the Vice President of Risk & Practice Management for Lawyers Mutual and the co-author of the book; RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans; available from Amazon. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 800.662.8843.

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TIMELINE OF ADVANCEMENTS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION (1925–2025) 1925

1960s

Founding of the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA): In 1920, the population of Wake County was 75,000. A county courthouse is built in 1915. Legal practice is centered around oral advocacy, handwritten legal documents and typewriters. Research is conducted through bound legal volumes in centralized law libraries.

The Paralegal Profession emerges as attorneys seek trained assistants to handle growing caseloads. Public interest law emerges as a growing field. The NC Administrative Office of the Courts is established in 1965.

The NC Court of Appeals is created in 1967 as an intermediate appellate court with 15 judges. Xerox builds the telephone fax machine in 1964.

1930s The NC State Bar is created in 1933 by the NC General Assembly as the government agency responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in NC.

1940s Early Duplicating Technology: Carbon copies and early duplicating machines begin to streamline document reproduction, improving efficiency in law offices.

Telephones become a more common method of communication between attorneys and clients.

1950s Harvey Beech, James Lassiter, Kenneth Lee, Floyd McKissick and James Robert Walker enroll in classes in 1951, becoming the first African Americans to attend UNC Law School.

1970s Formal Paralegal Programs begin to be established with certification options becoming available. The Meredith College Paralegal Program begins accepting students in 1980.

Space for county offices in the 1915 courthouse are increasingly inadequate by the 1960s and a new courthouse opens in 1970.

1980s Introduction of Personal Computers: Computers and word processors replace typewriters, revolutionizing legal drafting.

Legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis are introduced, providing a foundation for modern digital research.

1990s Email and Digital Communication: Email becomes the primary means of communication for attorneys. Online legal research tools gain widespread adoption, making research faster and more comprehensive.

2000s E-Filing Systems: Courts begin implementing electronic filing systems, allowing attorneys to file documents online. Case management software becomes a staple in legal practice, improving organization and efficiency.

2010s Artificial Intelligence and Legal Tech: AI tools are introduced for document review, contract analysis and case predictions.

Legal analytics platforms emerge, offering insights into case outcomes and judicial tendencies.

In August 2024, Wake County’s population surpasses 1 million. The Wake County Justice Center opens in 2013.

2020s Pandemic-Driven Innovation: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates the adoption of remote work technologies, virtual hearings and online depositions. Cloud-based systems and cybersecurity become critical for legal practices. By the 2020 census, population in Wake County is 1.1 million.

2025 Centennial of the WCBA: The Wake County Bar Association begins a year-long centennial celebration. Generative AI tools will provide the next great disruption in the practice of law. The profession continues to embrace diversity, wellness, and technological innovation.

Today, the practice of law has transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted profession.

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OUR MEMBERS SPEAK:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CORNY JOKE? We asked WCBA attorneys to share a corny joke or “dad joke” that could be law related or not. Here are their responses that made us chuckle and roll our eyes.

Why do crabs never give to Legal Aid of North Carolina?

Because they’re shellfish.

Ashley Brathwaite Legal Aid of North Carolina

The scene: A kitchen. Early morning. I’m standing at the kitchen island, halfway through my first cup of coffee. A bleary-eyed 5-year-old boy in Pokémon pajamas enters, stage right.

Me, exuberantly: “Good morning!”

My 5-year-old half-mumbling as he rubs the sleep out of his eyes, visibly annoyed at being confronted by a morning person: “I’m hungry.”

Me: “Nice to meet you, hungry. I’m Cameron!”

Cameron Lee North Carolina State Bar

Today I saw an ad that said ‘Radio for sale, $1. Volume knob is stuck on high.’ “I thought, “I can’t turn that down!

Erika Jones North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts

A miracle happened in my garage last week. A blind man picked up a hammer and saw.

Jason Miller Miller, Monroe & Plyler PLLC

Will you remember me in the morning?

—Yes Will you remember me next month?

—Yes Will you remember me next year?

—Yes Ok. Knock Knock.

—Who’s there?

What letter of the alphabet has the most water? The C!

WHAT YOU FORGOT ME ALREADY? YOU SAID YOU’D REMEMBER!

Chazlé Woodley Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

Deonté Thomas Wake County Public Defenders Office

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CENTENNIAL DAY OF SERVICE

BY CHRIS PEREIRA SMASH INC. | PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR

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oll up your sleeves and join your WCBA colleagues for a day of giving back to our community. The Public Service Committee is pleased to announce a Centennial Day of Service event on Saturday, March 15. As part of the WCBA’s year-long celebration of our 100th anniversary, the goal will be to have at least 100 volunteers come out for this day of park cleanup. Help us beautify four different City of Raleigh parks: Pullen Park, Chavis Park, Walnut Creek Wetland Center and Sanderford Road Park. Volunteers will be able to choose which park they’d prefer, though park assignment will be determined on Pereira a first come first serve basis in order to ensure that each of the four parks has enough volunteers. We

hope to have 25 at each location. We’d also like to welcome bar members to bring their friends and family members to help.

After the cleanup is complete, volunteers can enjoy a boxed lunch and relax after a morning of volunteering. Please join us for this day of service and fun for the whole family! WBF

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! David Alles Alles Law PLLC

Jessica Green Fox Rothschild LLP

Ava Majewski NC Court of Appeals

Erin Berry Brown Crump Vanore & Tierney LLP

Erica Greenberg

Juliana Strobing Dement Askew LLP

Matthew Boyatt NC Sheriffs Association Inc. Laura Burkett Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP James Cain Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Lawrence Dempsey IV Jackson Lewis PC Sonya DuBree Tharrington Smith LLP Theresa Sprain Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC James Whitaker NC Court of Appeals Peyton Hedrick Supreme Court of NC Donald Horton Jr. Labcorp John Hutson III Young Moore & Henderson PA

Jason Gardner Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Lewis Hallowell Williams Mullen David Heeren Ward and Smith PA

Gina Nilson Gina Nilson Siobhan Petracca North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission

Imani Johnson NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Taylor James Michael Best & Friedrich LLP John Jones Martin & Jones PLLC Caitlin Sarpal K&L Gates LLP (Raleigh)

John Heagarty

John Pittman RBC Bank

Craig Shapiro Shapiro Law Office PLLC

Donna Hart Skidmore Law Group PLLC

Matthew Quinn Lewis & Roberts PLLC

Kyndall Shaw Loebsack & Brownlee PLLC

Colin Shive Tharrington Smith LLP

James Whitaker NC Court of Appeals

Logan Shipman Skidmore Law Group PLLC

Jarrett McGowan NC Sheriffs Association Inc.

Rachel Weisz McAngus Goudelock & Courie PLLC

Shin Song Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP

Clayton Williams Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP

Olivia Suggs Triangle Law Group

Zachary Kaplan Ballew Puryear PLLC Kasey Koballa Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Charles Leslie III Huff Powell & Bailey PLLC Kathleen Miller McAngus Goudelock & Courie PLLC

Owen Willis Jr NC Judiciary Benjamin Wirzba Cauley Pridgen PA Lynn Johnson NC Court of Appeals

Alexis Strombotne Wake County Public Defenders Office Donna Wilkins Celie Richardson Richardson Law

James Rainsford

WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

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WCBA C I N C I P Y L I M FA ! e t a d w Ne

1 2 h c r a M , y Frida

Pullen Park | 4 - 6 p.m.

Register: WAKE BAR FLYER v FIRST QUARTER 2025

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