BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD WAKE BAR FLYER ......1. That the annual election of Officers and...

WAKE BAR FLYER • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 1

Upcoming Events

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR ELECTION MEETING AND LUNCHEON December 3 | Join members of the Tenth Ju-dicial District Bar at the Annual Meeting, begin-ning at 12:15 p.m. at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Inside this Issue...

3 • STEVEN T. SMITH, 2013 PROFESSIONALISM AWARD WINNER

5 • A WINDOW INTO THEIR TIMES

6 • CANDIDATES FOR TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR AND WCBA ELECTIONS

12 • TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR WELCOMES 69 ATTORNEYS

14 • JENNA WEBB WINS WCBA TENNIS TITLE

15 • YLD NEWS

15 • WELCOME KRISTIN ATHENS

16 • CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU

18 • EMAIL AND PROFESSIONALISM

20 • HOLIDAY HELP

21 • BARCARES: A VALUABLE RESOURCE

23 • WCBA MEMBER NEWS

XXXIX No. 6 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARDStephen T. Smith of McMillan & Smith

recognized for his professionalism • PAGE 3WAKE BAR FLYER

Message from the President:THOMAS H. DAVIS, JR.

THIS IS MY LAST COLUMN as President of the Wake County Bar Association and the 10th Judicial District Bar. As I end my term, I would like to share a couple of observations. First, it has been my honor to lead our two professional organizations. I have enjoyed every minute of my term. I thank you, the members of our Associations, for allowing me the privilege of serving.

I have especially enjoyed working with the many fine members of our profession I would not other-wise have known but for this office. I must single out our Director, Whitney von Haam and her excellent staff, for making me look more efficient and orga-

nized than I am. I must also recognize the support provided to me by our incom-ing President, Gray Styers. You chose well, and I look forward to his leadership.

Secondly, current events have reinforced my opinion society is best served if attorneys are fully involved in political dialogue and civic leadership. From the shutdown in Washington, caused by both parties refusing to speak to each other, to “Moral Monday” demonstrations and counterdemonstrations, our state and

Visit our new website:www.wakecountybar.org

919.677.9903 phone919.657.1564 fax

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Davis

NOTICE OF ELECTIONTO ALL MEMBERS OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR

THE OFFICERS 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:

1. That the annual election of Officers and Directors will be held on Tuesday, De-cember 3, 2013, at the North Raleigh Hilton, 3415 Wake Forest Road in Raleigh at 12:15 p.m. Lunch will be served and the cost of lunch will be borne by the Tenth Judicial District Bar at no additional cost to members. The election is for the purpose of choosing Officers and Directors for both the Tenth Judicial District Bar and the Wake County Bar Association, State Bar Councilors representing the Tenth Judicial District Bar, and Badger-Iredell Foundation Board Members.There will not be an early voting option

2. The following Officers will be elected: President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary3. The following Directors will be elected: 7 Directors (3-year term)CONTINUED ON PAGE 5BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON CANDIDATES BEGINS PAGE 6


Message from the President, continued

NEXT BAR FLYER DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2013

national leadership appear to have abandoned the concept of the honorable op-position. Instead of considering whether the opposing side may also have the best interests of society in mind (just a different method of arriving at it), the op-position is treated as an enemy to be publicly disparaged and derided. Political rhetoric which equates disagreement with evil intent and demonizes those who disagree is not new. What is new is the pervasiveness of this damaging rhetoric. The ugliness of our political discourse leads citizens to distrust and lose respect for our legal and governmental institutions. I believe we have arrived at this sad state, in part, because of a lack of attorney participation in elective government at the local, state and national level. Attorneys, with their knowledge of the law and sense of professionalism, can help provide the stabilizing influence needed for civilized political discourse and decision-making.

In his recent appearance at the Bridge-the-Gap Program for recent admit-tees to the Wake County bar, former Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. urged all new attorneys to consider running for public office. Our political system, he argued, needs the participation of individuals well-grounded in legal concepts as well as in appropriate professional demeanor. It is important that our political institutions operate as our legal ones are supposed to: fight the good fight against your opponent with as much skill and effort as you possess; recognize your op-ponent must do the same; remember the purpose of the dispute is to lead to some conclusion; and, in the end, remain respected colleagues and friends. It does not matter whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or have other po-litical leaning, your participation in the process, as a member of our profession, can only make our system better, stronger and more civil.

My grandfather was a “yellow dog Democrat,” truly a man who would vote for a yellow, cur dog as long as it was on the Democratic ballot. The summer following my first year of law school, I went to his house every Saturday morn-ing. Approaching his ninetieth decade, he was slowly succumbing to cancer. He had lost the strength and energy to work in his yard, so I came over to mow and rake. After I finished working, we ate lunch together on the front porch and drank sweet tea. We would talk and listen to the baseball “Game of the Week” on the radio.

One Saturday afternoon, our conversation turned to politics. It was the summer of the Watergate hearings. I asked my grandfather whom he thought was the greatest President during his lifetime. My grandfather did not hesitate. “Why, that would be Roosevelt of course,” he said. I told him I could certainly understand why and agreed with him. Roosevelt had pulled our country out of the Great Depression and successfully led our nation through World War II. “Yes, Franklin Roosevelt was a great President,” my Grandfather said, “but actu-ally I was talking about his cousin, Teddy. Now Colonel Roosevelt was the great-est President I have ever known, and I would have voted for him too, if he hadn’t been a Republican.” This was true respect for an honorable opponent. WBF

WAKE BAR FLYERXXXIX No. 6 • NOVEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

President, Wake County Bar AssociationTHOMAS H. DAVIS, JR.

President-elect M. GRAY STYERS, JR.

SecretaryJENNIFER A. MORGAN

TreasurerDEBORAH HILDEBRAN-BACHOFEN

Immediate Past President, Tenth Judicial District Bar THEODORE B. SMYTH

Immediate Past President, Wake County Bar Assoc.THEODORE C. EDWARDS II

Board of DirectorsCARMEN H. BANNONP. COLLINS BARWICK IIIHEIDI C. BLOOM MADISON (MATT) E. BULLARD, JR. ASHLEY H. CAMPBELLJUDGE ERIC C. CHASSEJUDGE LORI G. CHRISTIANMICHELLE S. COFIELD HOWARD J. CUMMINGS DEAN B. KEITH FAULKNER NANCY L. GRACE DANIEL S. JOHNSON THOMAS C. KILPATRICK MARK A. LA MANTIAE. HARDY LEWIS DAMION L. MCCULLERSSTACI T. MEYER WILLIAM W. PLYLER STEPHANIE GASTON POLEYTHERESA ROSENBERGPAUL A. SUHR THOMAS C. WORTH, JR.

Young Lawyers DivisionKATHLEEN PUTIRI

ABA DelegateJOHN I. MABE

Executive DirectorWHITNEY von HAAM

Wake Bar Flyer EditorLUCY AUSTIN

Tenth Judicial District Bar CouncilorsNICHOLAS J. (NICK) DOMBALISTHEODORE C. EDWARDS IIJOHN N. (NICK) FOUNTAIN DAVID W. LONGDONNA R. RASCOE SALLY H. SCHERERJOHN M. SILVERSTEINCYNTHIA (CINDY) L. WITTMER

© 2013 Wake County Bar Association & Tenth Judicial District Bar.

WCBA’S URBAN MINISTRIES FOOD DRIVEAT THE DECEMBER 3 Tenth Judicial District Bar election luncheon at the North Raleigh Hilton, the WCBA Public Service Committee will be holding a food drive to benefit Urban Ministries of Wake County.

Last year more than 100 lbs. of food was donated at the December luncheon. Let's try to make this year's goal 200 lbs! Did you know that there are more than 90,000 people living in poverty in Wake County, let's try to make a few families' holidays a little more happy and healthy. Watch your email for guidelines on specific food we are looking to collect. Contact Community Service Chair Nick Verna with questions, [email protected]. WBF


Steven T. Smith

2013 JOSEPH BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD RECIPIENT

STEPHEN T. SMITHBY WILLIAM PLYLER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

STEVE SMITH WAS BORN in Raleigh on August 26, 1947. He grew up on Poole Road and attended Enloe High long before it was a GT magnet school. Steve graduated from ECU in 1969. He served in the U.S. Army, Active Duty, from 1969-1971, and was honorably dis-charged as a Sergeant (E-5). He graduated in two years with honors from UNC-CH Law School, where he was on the Law Review.

Steve is married to the Reverend Rachel Richardson Smith, who is the Chaplain at the Rex Hospital Cancer Center and the Pastor of Stanhope Baptist Church in Nash County. Steve and Rachel have four grown children: Jason, the chef-proprietor of 18 Seaboard, Cantina 18 and Harvest 18; Shelley, a fabric artist and graduate student at the NCSU School of Design; Eleanor, a modern dancer in New York City; and Tricia, a graduate student in the School of Social Work at Hunter College in New York City. They also have a granddaughter, Sutton (5), and a grandson, Lawson (1).

From 1973 until the present, Steve has been a partner with the firm of McMillan & Smith. He has defended every imaginable type of criminal case in state and federal court. Steve has represented 37 peo-ple charged with first degree murder, none of whom has been executed or is on death row. His white collar criminal practice has taken him all over the U.S. and to numerous countries, including Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. Steve is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, N.C. Super Lawyers, and Business North Carolina Magazine’s Legal Elite and Legal Hall of Fame.

Steve was President of the WCBA and Tenth Judicial District Bar in 1992 and was Chairman of the Tenth Judicial District Bar Grievance Committee (1988-1990). He has served as Chairman of the N.C. Bar Association Criminal Justice Section and as a member of the N.C. State Bar Disciplinary Hearing Commission.

Steve was Chairman of the N.C. Environmental Management Commission from 2008-2013, after becoming a member of the EMC in 2005. He was awarded the Great Blue Heron Award by the Tar-Pam-lico River foundation in 2013 for “outstanding long-term contributions to the protection of environmental quality in the Tar-Pamlico water-shed.” He delivered the 2010 Commencement Address to the graduat-ing class of the Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, Univer-sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Steve is a long-standing member of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. He has served as a Deacon, Chair of the Personnel Committee, Chair of the Capital Campaign, and Chair of the Cuba Mission Group. He led or co-led nine mission groups to Matanzas, Cuba. He was a founding board member of the Hope Cen-ter at Pullen, providing outreach to homeless people. He also worked three years as a volunteer part-time staff member of the N. C. Council of Churches and served briefly as its interim executive director.

Space limitations do not permit a complete listing of Steve’s profes-sional accomplishments and community service. Robert L. McMillan,

Steve’s law partner and the first recipient of the Joseph Branch P rof e s s i on a l i s m Award, says about Steve, “I have never known an attorney who has contributed more to the adminis-tration of justice and to the community at large than has Ste-phen T. Smith.”

Though Steve’s accomplishments are impressive, even more impressive are his level of commit-ment to family and friends, his sense of humor and kind spir-it, and his willingness to take whatever time is necessary to meet with, listen to, and help people who are hurting.

In an effort to provide a glimpse into what makes him tick, I posed some questions to Steve.

What does it mean to you to receive the Joseph Branch Profes-sionalism Award? This award goes to the very heart of what I think being a lawyer is about, and so it’s very personal for me and means a great deal.

Did you know Chief Justice Branch? Yes, but only because the Wake bar was much smaller then. He was a warm, friendly and accessi-ble man. I would see him at bar functions and on the street or at lunch. I was often with people he knew whom he would greet and exchange stories with, and over time he came to know me by name. There were good stories about him coming along as a young lawyer in Enfield.

How do you define professionalism in the practice of law? The reason we are entrusted with licenses to practice law is to help people and to try to better society. Part of that trust means acting with integrity and treating people, including other lawyers, with respect and civility.

What was it like growing up in Raleigh in the 50’s and 60’s? I was a country boy. I grew up in what was then East Wake County, on Poole Road, but is now East Raleigh inside the Beltline. We had a mule, a cow and a chicken house with one rooster and about 30 or so hens. In


PROFESSIONALISM AWARD CONTINUED FROM PG. 3

many ways, I had a great childhood. I don’t remember not being able to roam the woods and fields at will alone or with my brother or a dog. It was a different time. We weren’t poor, we always had plenty to eat and adequate clothes, but only God knows how hard my parents worked and skimped for that. I went to Knightdale School for 5 grades before the city school district moved out to us and I could go to city schools. All of N.C. was racially segregated then. It was so totally institutional-ized and ingrained that as children it never occurred to us that it was all so horribly wrong. It’s hard to believe when I think about it now, but there’s no denying or minimizing it. It was everywhere.

Who, in your teenage years, had the greatest influence on your career path? Cornelia Tongue, a middle school and then high school teacher who started me seeing how big the world is and how available it can be; my 11th grade English teacher Thomas Walters, who went on to teach at NCSU, who introduced me to literature; and James Bundy, the Enloe High School “Boys’ Counselor,” who also went on to NCSU, and who first suggested I take the SAT and then opened up college for me by telling my parents he thought I could get a small scholarship to East Carolina College.

Why did you decide to go to law school? When I was about to graduate from what had become East Carolina University, I had done well academically and knew I wanted to get more education but didn’t know what I wanted to do. Dr. John East, who then was all a college professor ought to be and who held a law degree as well as a Ph.D. in political science, suggested I go to law school because with a law degree I would have many career options. So I did, mostly by default. It was good advice.

What caused you to concentrate your law practice in the area of criminal defense? Straight out of law school I went to work with Jim Kimzey, who had just opened a sole practitionership after 10 years with Joyner & Howison (now Hunton & Williams). Kimzey was a civil, par-ticularly commercial, trial lawyer. He suggested I sign up for appoint-ment to represent indigent criminal defendants, both for public service and to gain trial experience. There was a great need, and it was a simpler time, so pretty soon I had plenty of district and superior court criminal trial experience. I had a lot of help from a number of established law-yers, Jim Kimzey, Carter Mackie, Roger Smith, Sr., Wade Smith, Carl Churchill, George Anderson, Robert McMillan, Ray Briggs, Wright Dixon, the list goes on. I was very fortunate. During those years Jim encouraged me to take any trial work that came in so I did criminal, domestic, personal injury, commercial, pretty much everything, but I liked criminal work the most and stayed with it. What is at stake in criminal defense work was most appealing for me, and it let me work with all manner of people.

For a number of years, you have focused your practice in the area of white collar criminal defense. What do you find most enjoyable about this area of the law? I like the mix of the business side and the criminal issues, particularly in criminal anti-trust cases. I like going

into a new business and industry and learning how it works, all in the context of a criminal investigation. I like federal grand jury work. Also, usually in those investigations there are parallel proceedings and I like those challenges.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of white col-lar criminal defense? The work I enjoy most these days is in the pre-indictment stage, the investigative stage, a lot of it is federal grand jury work. In some ways it’s like mediation, except nobody’s in charge. There’s often a resolution short of indictment that meets the needs of all the stakeholders. The hard part is not getting the bit in my teeth and instead listening for and staying open to what resolutions might be possible. If not, that’s what courts and juries are for. I try to think about it as collaborative work and joint problem solving.

We hear the phrase “focus on the family” a lot these days. You have always focused on your family. How do you manage to focus on your family while also excelling in the legal profession? Rachel and I always felt it was important to be home for dinner together and at night with the children and to spend as many weekends and vacations together as we could. It helped that we could share the load.

You and Rachel are very involved in church activities and in serv-ing the community in many different ways. What motivates you to spend so much of your time, energy, and resources on service to oth-ers? There’s a world of need out there. It only feels right to try to help out where I can. There but for good fortune go I.

I know that being well-prepared for EMC meetings, including reading volumes of documents, was a priority for you. Do you feel that the discipline required to practice law helped prepare you to serve as Chairman of the EMC? Definitely. Dr. East was right - being schooled in the law lays a good base for many endeavors.

You have been a mentor to scores of young attorneys over the years. What advice do you give young attorneys starting out today? Look for people doing good work for others and for society, whether lawyers, clergy, business, public service, whatever, and learn from them. Making money is important - whoever said money isn’t everything had all of his bills paid - but it’s relationships that trump everything and have lasting value.

You often wear a straw fedora, a bowtie, and some sort of lace-up soft leather dress boot. Please explain how you came to adopt these garments as your standard attire. I’ve worn a brimmed hat, straw or felt, every day for 25 or so years on strict advice of my skin doctor. I’ve come to like it. They keep me shady in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter. When I turned 50, I decided a man my age needed to be able to tie a bow tie, so I learned how, I liked it, and I’ve worn one ever since. I remember both of my grandfathers wore high-top dress shoes to church. As a young lawyer my wife and I only had one car so I walked to work since I live only a mile and a quarter from my of-fice. I saw some of those old-style shoes at Hudson Belk downtown years ago and decided to try them. They proved to be very comfortable walking shoes and I’ve worn them ever since. A pair lasts me about 10 years. WBF


NOTICE OF ELECTIONCONTINUED FROM PG. 1

4. The following District Bar Councilors to the N.C. State Bar will be elected: 3 Council-ors (3-year term)

5. The following Badger-Iredell Foundation members will be elected by the Wake County Bar Association: 2 Foundation Members

PRESIDENT-ELECT (ELECT ONE)Mark Anderson FinkelsteinRobert B. Rader

TREASURER (ELECT ONE)Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen

SECRETARY (ELECT ONE)Ashley Huffstetler Campbell

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (ELECT SEVEN)Russell D. Babb

Michael F. Easley, Jr.John O.N. EluwaSamuel A. ForehandBill ForstnerNicolette FultonAdam GottsegenKatie JonesMeghan N. KnightDayatra (“Day”) MatthewsLauren V. ReevesJohn SzymankiewiczJason TuttleNicholas M. Verna

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR COUNCILORS SEAT VACATED BY DAVID LONG(ELECT ONE)Keith O’Brien GregoryColon Willoughby

SEAT VACATED BY SALLY SCHERER(ELECT ONE)

Heidi C. BloomLori Vitale

FOR RE-ELECTION TO SEAT CURRENTLY HELD BY NOMINEE: (ELECT ONE)Donna Rascoe

BADGER-IREDELL FOUNDATIONWCBA MEMBERS VOTING (ELECT TWO)Lucy Tatum AustinMark S. Thomas

Please see biographical information on each of the candidates beginning on the next page and continuing through page 11. We look forward to seeing you at the Election Meeting on December 3 at the North Raleigh Hilton. WBF

A WINDOW INTO THEIR TIMES HISTORICAL NOTES FOR THE WAKE COUNTY BAR

A CENTURY AGO, one of the most prominent members of the North Carolina legal profession was Chief Justice Walter M. Clark (1846-1924), who served with distinc-tion on the Superior Court and then the Supreme Court after establishing a private law practice in Wake County. Born to a prominent family in Halifax County, the teenaged Clark served as an officer of state troops during the Civil War and began his post-war years managing his family’s farms. He soon changed course dramatically, studying law on Wall Street and at a law school in Washington, D.C., and was admitted to the bar in North Carolina in 1867. He first practiced in Halifax County, but moved to Raleigh in 1873. In Wake County, the multi-talented Clark practiced law for over a decade, managed the Raleigh News, and served as a director and general counsel for two North Carolina railroads. He also began a long career as an author, publishing volumes on North Caro-lina history, handbooks on the law, and an annotated code of North Carolina civil pro-cedure. In 1885, Governor Scales appointed Clark to the Superior Court bench, where he served until 1889. That year, Governor Fowle appointed him to serve as an associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Clark ran for the Democratic nomination for Chief Justice in 1902, which was hotly contested by railroads, the American Tobacco Company and other interests which opposed Clark’s well-known views on economic and social reform. Clark won the nomination and subsequent election nonetheless, and served as Chief Justice until his death in 1924. He was long remembered for his advocacy of reforms on many controversial issues of his day, including popular election of U. S. senators, banking and railroad regulations and woman’s suffrage. WBF

[Sources: docsouth.unc.edu/nc/clarkw/bio.html.]


CANDIDATES FOR TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR AND WCBA ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Mark Anderson FinkelsteinSMITH MOORE LEATHERWOOD, LLPUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA,1985

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activi-ties: Board of Directors Member (2000-2002 and 2010-2012); Griev-ance Committee Member (2006-2009); Vice Chair of the Profession-alism Committee (2012 to Present); Chair of the Blog Subcommittee of the Professionalism Committee (2012-present); Bench-Bar Liai-son Committee; Silent Partners Program Member; Bugg Elementary School Playground Project participant; Lunch with a Lawyer Pro-gram participant (starting about 1995).

Other Bar-related Activities: President, Chief Justice Susie M. Sharp Inn of Court; Member, NCBA Law-related Education Committee; Member, Environmental and Natural Resources Section Council; Legislative Chair, Environmental and Natural Resources Section Counsel; Membership Committee, EDNC Federal Bar Association; Board Member, Carolina Legal Assistance; Chairman, Ethics Com-mittee, National Association of Environmental Professionals; Steer-ing Committee Member, 18th Annual Conference of the National Association of Environmental Professionals; Participant, Legal Aid Call4All Campaign Participant; Chairman, Raleigh Environmental Quality Advisory Board; Civil Litigation Instructor, Meredith College Paralegal Program; Supervisory Attorney, Duke University School of Law Clinical Program.

Robert B. RaderCHIEF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, 1985

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activi-ties: Wake County Bar and Tenth Judicial District Board of Directors (1996-1997); WCBA & Tenth District Justice Center Preview Lun-cheon (Co-chair, 2013); WCBA & Tenth District Bench Bar Com-mittee (2009-present); WCBA CLE Committee (2000-2006); WCBA Luncheon Speaker (2011 & 2013); YLD Bridge the Gap Program (Chair, 1990 & 1991); WCBA CLE Seminar Speaker; Badger-Iredell Foundation Board of Directors (President, 2006 & 2011).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Criminal Justice Section (Chair 1992-1993); North Carolina State Bar Board of Continuing Legal Ed-ucation (Chair 2007-2009); Wake County Academy of Criminal Tri-al Lawyers (President 1993); N.C. Association of District Court Judg-es (President 2012-2013); N.C. Family Court Advisory Committee (2012-present); N.C. Criminal Justice Information Network Govern-ing Board (Chief Justice’s Appointee 1997-2005); N.C. State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice (Chief Justice’s Appointee 2003-2008); Wake County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (1999-2009); N.C. Supreme Court Historical Society, Board of Advisors (2012-present).

Mark Anderson Finkelstein Robert B. Rader

Elect one of two candidates


TREASURERElect one of one candidate

Deborah L. Hildebran- BachofenMANNING,FULTON & SKINNER, P.A.UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1984

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Ju-dicial District Bar Activities: WCBA/Tenth Judicial District Treasurer (2013); Board of Di-rectors of WCBA (2010-2011); Swearing-in Cer-

emony Committee - Chair (2009-2010), Co-Chair (2008, 2011), Vice-Chair (2007), Fund Raising Subcommittee Chair (2010-2011), Committee Member (2003 to 2012), participant in the WCBA US Supreme Court Swearing in Ceremony (2007); Strategic Plan/Long Range Planning Committee Member, Chair of the Finance Sub-committee (2009–2010), Strategic Plan Implementation Committee Member, Co-Chair of the Finance Implementation Subcommittee, Member of the Sponsorship Subcommittee, WCBA Office Space Special Task Force (2011); Athletic Committee (2003-11); Performer in The Very Serious Wake County Bar Awards (2009), Bar Awards Planning Committee, Co-Chair (2012, 2013); Public Service Com-mittee Member (2012, 2013); Social Committee Member (2012, 2013); Lunch with a Lawyer program participant (2008, 2013); and Recipient of President’s Award (2009, 2012).

Other Bar-related Activities: Past Council Member of the NCBA Tax Section; Past Chair and Council Member of the NCBA Estate Plan-ning & Fiduciary Law Section, Past Chair of the Estate Administra-tion Manual Committee; Past Council Member of the International Law & Practice Section, Chair of the 2010 Turkey Attorney Exchange Committee, Member of the Steering Committee for 2010 Open Rule of Law Program for Russian Judges, NCBA Local Bar Services Com-mittee Member, NCBA Convention Planning Committee Member, Participant in 4ALL and Call4ALL Programs, Committee Member Business Law Section NC LEAP Entrepreneurship Subcommittee.

SECRETARYElect one of one candidate

Ashley Huffstetler CampbellRAGSDALE LIGGETT, PLLCUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 2002

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judi-cial District Bar Activities: Board of Directors member (2012 – present).

Other Bar-related Activities: Honored by the North Carolina Bar Association for Pro Bono Service to Legal Aid of North Carolina; volunteer for Campbell Law School’s Domestic Violence Project; named 2013 Rising Star in the legal profession by NC Lawyers Weekly.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSElect seven of fourteen candidates

Russell D. BabbTHARRINGTON SMITH, LLPUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1999

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judi-cial District Bar Activities: Member, Wake County Justice Center Open House Tour Subcommittee.

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA mem-ber; NCBA Sports & Entertainment Law Section Council (2004 – 05); Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers mem-ber; North Carolina Advocates for Justice member; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member; American Bar Association member; American Association for Justice member.

Michael F. Easley, Jr.MCGUIREWOODS LLPUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 2010

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Ju-dicial District Bar Activities: Professional-ism Committee (2011-Present); Co-chair of Professionalism Subcommittee on Continuing Legal Education (2013-2014); Roundtable Pro-

gram Subcommittee (2013); Wake County Bar Awards Committee (2011-Present).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Law Week Committee (2011-2014); NCBA Liberty Bell Award Subcommittee; Criminal Justice Act Attorney Panel for the Eastern District of North Carolina

John O.N. EluwaLAW OFFICES OF JOHN ELUWA, PLLCNORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, 1989

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: WCBA Membership Service Committee, Member (2007-present), Vice-Chair, (2012); Public Service Committee, Member (2001-2008); Bench and Bar Committee, Member (2004-2007); Diversity Task Force Committee

Member (2007-2008); Tenth JD Committee on Indigent Appointment, Member (few years); Served on Committee to Select the First Wake County Chief Public Defender; Tenth JD Indigent Defense Service

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8


CANDIDATESCONTINUED FROM PG. 7 (John Eluwa, cont’d)Appointment Committee, Member (2005-2012); Wake County Clerk of Superior Court Criminal Division Advisory Board Member (few years).

Other Bar-related Activities: Member, NCBA Solo / Small Firm; and Criminal Law Sections; Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Law-yer (WCACTL), Member (1998-present); Capital City Lawyers Asso-ciation (CCLA), Member (1996-present); Past Member NC Academy of Trial Lawyers / NC Advocates for Justice; Participation on WCBA-YLD’s, “Ask a Lawyer Program”; Healing Place Legal Seminar; WCBA Public Service Committee, “Wheel Chair Ramp Construction Proj-ects”; Co-Host, Legal Eagle TV Show, Raleigh Network TV – Legal Q&A Community Service; Member American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Member (1997-present).

Samuel A. ForehandLAW OFFICE OF SAMUEL A. FOREHAND, PADUKE UNIVERSITY, 2005

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Ac-tivities: Bench-Bar Committee, chair (2012-pres-ent), and Jury Commission.

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Board of Governors and NCBA Foundation Board of Directors; NCBAF Administration of Jus-tice Committee; NCBA and NCBAF Charter & Bylaws Commit-tees; NCBA Appellate Practice Section; former chair of NCBA and NCBAF Resolutions Committees; and the NCBA YLD’s Membership & Networking Committee; graduate of NCBA Leadership Academy; member, Fourth Circuit Advisory Committee of the American Inns of Court Foundation and Executive Committee of the Craven-Ever-ett American Inn of Court; vice-president and member of the Board of Directors of BarCARES of North Carolina, Inc.

Bill ForstnerSMITH MOORE LEATHERWOOD, LLPUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 2004

WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Activities: Participant in mass swearing-in ceremony for new applicants over several years, WCBA basketball league; YLD social events; manager of Smith Moore Leather-wood WCBA softball team.

Other Bar-related Activities: Serving Third Year as Co-editor of Prognosis, a publication of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Health Law Section; Annual interviewer for Character and Fitness interviews for new applicants to the State Bar for last six years; member and contributor to the Health Law Section; Presented Distinguished Service Award at Health Law Section annual meeting; Co-planner of upcoming Senior Lawyers Division CLE; Author of articles for Health Law Section and Litigation Section.

Nicolette FultonCITY OF RALEIGHCAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, 2005

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Membership Services Committee (Vice-Chair), Public Service Com-mittee, Strategic Planning Committee, Rule of Law (Chair)

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Administration of Justice Com-mittee, NCBA Law Related Education Committee, NCBA Member-ship Committee, NCBA YLD Civic Education Outreach Commit-tee (Co-Chair, 2011-2012), NCBA YLD Project Grace Committee (Chair, 2013), NCBA Government & Public Sector Section Member, Editor The Public Servant, NCBA Leadership Academy (2013), 4All Volunteer.

Adam GottsegenNICHOLLS & CRAMPTON, PAWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, 2002

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: WCBA/Tenth JD Bar Ac-tivities: WCBA Young Lawyers Division Board Member 2003-05, Chair of Ask-A-Lawyer Com-mittee; WCBA Young Lawyers Division Clothing

Drive, Firm Coordinator; Summer Clerk Orientation Program.

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA member; NCBA Bankruptcy Division Council (2013-2016); co-author NC Bankruptcy Practice Manual (2007 and 2012); Participant in Bankruptcy Section Call4All Program. Recognized as “Emerging Legal Leader” through North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly; listed as a Rising Star in North Carolina Super Lawyers®; received a Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating of AV® Preeminent™.

Katie JonesHURLEY LAW OFFICECAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, 2010

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Member of WCBA and Tenth Judicial District Bar; Member of Lawyers Support and Social Committees; Pro Bono Rep-resentation for Disability Rights of North Caro-

lina, Office of Guardian Ad Litem Services, & Legal Aid of North Carolina Volunteer Lawyers Program

Other Bar-related Activities: Board of Directors, BarCARES of North Carolina; NCBA Lawyer Effectiveness & Quality of Life Com-mittee (CLE Planner 2013-2014); (CLE Planning Committee 2012-2013); Speaker: CLE “Seasons in Practice: Finding Success and Sat-


isfaction in all Stages of a Lawyer’s Career”; Transitioning Lawyers Commission, YLD Representative; NCBA Member & YLD Mem-ber: Member of Litigation & Health Law Sections; NCBA YLD New Lawyers in Practice Committee; NCBA Volunteer Attorney for “Ask a Lawyer Day,” “Wills for Heroes,” and “Pro Bono & Poverty Issues Panel”; North Carolina Society of Health Care Attorneys, Member; Defense Research Institute, Member: Drug & Medical Device; Medi-cal Liability & Health Care Law; Product Liability; Appellate Advo-cacy; and Young Lawyers Division Committees.

Meghan N. KnightCRANFILL SUMNER & HARTZOG, LLP UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 2006

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Lawyers Support Com-mittee (Chair 2013; Co-Chair 2012, Member 2010-present); Lunch with a Lawyer (2007-2013); YLD Education Subcommittee (2007)

Other Bar-related Activities: North Carolina Bar Association, Mi-norities in the Profession Committee (2010-2012); North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys; Defense Research Institute

Dayatra (“Day”) Matthews SVP OF LEGAL, LOCAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONDUKE LAW SCHOOL, 1997

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Current Chair of Lead-ership Development Committee (2012–present), member of CLE Committee (2011-present)

Other Bar-related Activities: Executive Officer of N.C. Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA)(current Secretary); NCADA Board of Directors (2010-2013); Former Co-chair of NCADA Diversity Committee (2011-2012); NCADA Diversity Committee (2011-pres-ent); NCADA Nominations Committee (2011); NCBA Minorities in Profession Committee (2000-present); Former President of Capital City Lawyers’ Association (CCLA)(2010-2011); Member of CCLA Executive Board (2012-present); member of Defense Research Insti-tute (1998-present).

Lauren V. ReevesSMITH DEBNAM NARRON DRAKE SAINTSING & MYERS, LLPELON UNIVERSITY, 2009

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Swearing-In Committee Co-chair (2010-2013).

John Szymankiewicz LAW OFFICE OF JOHN SZYMANKIEWICZ PLLCN.C. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, 2010

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Communications Com-mittee (2011-2012), Communications Com-mittee Chair (2013), Assist in administering the

WCBA Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn presence(s).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA YLD member, NCBA Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice member, frequent NC Law Blog contributor, Capital Area Teen Court, NCBA Legislative Committee member.

Jason TuttleEVERETT GASKINS HANCOCK LLPN.C. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, 2000

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Former YLD member; Athletics Committee (2007-present); Com-missioner of Basketball League (2007-present); Lunch with a Lawyer Volunteer.

Other Bar-related activities: LANC – Call 4ALL Volunteer (2012-present).

Nicholas M. VernaLA MANTIA, MARSILIO & VERNA, PLLCAPPALACHIAN SCHOOL OF LAW, 2010

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Professionalism Com-mittee Member (2010-present), Publications Sub-committee (Co-Author: “Going with the Flow? Ethics & Professionalism in Legal Blogging”

(2013); Public Service Committee (2010-present), Komen Race for the Cure WCBA Team Captain (2011-present), Community Service Subcommittee Chair (2012-present); Recipient of President’s Award of Excellence (2012).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Member (2010-present); Capi-tal Area Teen Court Judge and Mentor Attorney (2010-present); Vol-unteer Guardian ad Litem, Wake County (2011-present).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10


2013 WCBA Holiday PartyFeaturing the sounds of Soul Play and Saxophonist Freddy GreeneFriday, December 6 • 7 - 11:30 p.m.North Raleigh Hilton, 3415 Wake Forest Road

Heavy hors d’oeuvres Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks.This event is for WCBA members and their dates only.

STATE BAR COUNCILOR SEATS

Keith O’Brien GregoryWAKE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGEN.C. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, 1994

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Board of Directors (2009-2011), Fee Dispute Resolution Committee Mem-ber (2005-2006), Keynote Speaker, WCBA Rule of Law Program.

Other Bar-related Activities: North Carolina Rules Review Commis-sion - Commissioner (2007-2009); North Carolina State Bar Con-tinuing Legal Education Committee Board Member (2004-2008); Wake County Arbitrator for Civil Claims (2006-2010)

Colon WilloughbyWAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICECAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, 1979

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Past Director and Social Chairman, Professionalism and Professionalism Award Committee, Joseph Branch Award 2010

Other Bar-related Activities: State Bar Council 1998-2006, Disciplinary Hearing Commission 2007-2011, NCBA Pe-ter Gilchrist Award 2011, Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers, Board of Directors National District Attorneys Association 1997-2002, Past President of Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers, Past President of NC Conference of District Attorneys 1992.

Donna RascoeCRANFILL SUMNER & HARTZOGUNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1993

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: State Bar Councilor (2010 – present)

Other Bar-related Activities: NC Bar Associa-tion: Education Law Section Council (2003-2006); Education Law Section; Membership Committee (2000-2001); Speaker – Law Insti-tute for Teachers (2008 and 2010); Young Lawyers Division Scholar-ship Committee, Pen Pal Program and Silent Partners Program

Heidi C. BloomWYRICK ROBBINS YATES & PONTON, LLP WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, 1995

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judi-cial District Bar Activities: Board of Directors (2011-present), Grievance Committee (Member 2009-2011; Vice-Chair 2012; Chair 2013), Ath-letics Committee (2000-2004).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Family Law Section Council Member (2008-2011), NCBA Family Law CLE Committee(Member 2004-2010; Vice-Chair 2011-2013; Chair 2013– present); Past Editor, North Carolina Bar Association Family Forum; Wake County Family Court Rules Committee; Speaker and/or course-planner for numer-ous NCBA CLE’s.

Long Seat (contested)Elect one of two candidates

Rascoe Seat (uncontested)Elect one of one candidate

Scherer Seat (contested)Elect one of two candidates

CANDIDATESCONTINUED FROM PG. 9


Lori VitaleVITALE FAMILY LAWWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, 1995

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Chair, Wake County Bar Association Professionalism Committee (2008-2012), Mediator, Tenth Judicial District Fee Dis-pute Committee, (2006 to the present), Board of

Directors for the Tenth Judicial District Bar (2007-2008). Subcom-mittee chair for Professionalism Roundtable Problem (2006-2007).

Other Bar-related Activities: Chair, Family Law Section of the NCBA (2011-2012), Chair, Family Law Continuing Legal Education Committee of the NCBA (2007-2010), Council Member Family Law Council of the NCBA Family Law Section (2002-2004; 2006-2010), Member, NCBA Legal Education Committee (2012), Participant in Call 4All/Lawyer on the Line program; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2007 to the present)

BADGER-IREDELL FOUNDATION

Lucy Tatum AustinNC COURT OF APPEALSCAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, 2008

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judi-cial District Bar Activities: Bar Flyer, Editor (2010-present).

Other Bar-related Activities: NCBA Law-Relat-ed Education Advisory Committee (2009-present) and NCBA YLD Newsletter Editor (2011-present).

Mark S. ThomasWILLIAMS MULLENWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, 1978

Wake County Bar Association / Tenth Judicial District Bar Activities: Member of the Board of Directors and Past President of the Badger-Iredell Foundation; Current chair of the Wake County Bar’s History Committee.

Other Bar-related Activities: Member and Past Chair (2003-2004), of the Labor & Employment Section of the N. C. Bar Association; Member and current Secretary of the International Law & Practice Section of the N. C. Bar Association; Member, Section newsletter edi-tor (1989-1993), of NCBA Intellectual Property Law Section. WBF

Elect two of two candidates

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ON SEPTEMBER 23, the Tenth Judicial District Bar and the Wake County Bar Association sponsored a ceremonial session of the Supe-rior Court of Wake County. In this session, held in the Meymandi Concert Hall of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, the Court was opened and called to or-der so that the Honorable Paul C. Ridgeway and the Honorable Paul G. Gessner could hear motions for the admission and subsequent swearing-in of individuals who passed the July Bar examination. These 69 individu-als are now fully and duly licensed to practice law in the courts of the State of North Carolina; please congratu-late and welcome them!

Following opening remarks by Thomas H. Davis, Jr., President of the WCBA and the Tenth Judicial Dis-trict Bar, Zeke Bridges, Director of Mentorship at Campbell Law School, informed the new attorneys of the Campbell Law Connections Men-tor Program – a program in which the WCBA and Campbell Law have partnered to enlist 100 local attorneys to serve as mentors for recent Campbell Law graduates. The program includes an orientation for mentees, and free training – including CLE credit – for mentors.

Thereafter, the Honorable James L. Gale, Special Superior Court Judge with the North Carolina Business Court, addressed the new at-torneys with words of wisdom on the subject of professionalism. At the outset, Judge Gale emphasized that although the word “professional-ism” could be defined by reference to words like civility and integrity, professionalism is more than mere words; it is, instead, a way of life.

He encouraged new attorneys to read – and experienced attor-neys to revisit – the Creed of Professionalism adopted by our local Bar, which includes the following admonition: “As lawyers, we are guard-ians for our legal system, and we have an important professional re-sponsibility to recognize, honor, and enhance the rule of law. We are in a privileged position, and therefore we work under special obligations. To forget or to set aside these obligations is to dishonor our profession.”

In noting that new attorneys have the privilege of following the path of professionalism carved out by the likes of Senator Sam Ervin, Julius Chambers, Joseph Branch, and Wade Smith, Judge Gale also cautioned that the new generation of attorneys faces a unique set of

challenges, both in terms of technology and economics. With respect to the former, he cautioned new attorneys “to let

technology be their friend rather than their captor” and to avoid falling prey to the temptation of say-

ing something electronically one would not otherwise say in person.

With respect to eco-nomics, he noted that many new attorneys enter the profession burdened by debt, and that far too often, at-torneys look to their clients’ trust accounts for assistance in times of financial difficulty. Ultimately, Judge Gale noted that “although economics and professionalism do not have to be enemies, they will always be competitors,” and attorneys new and old should “never sacrifice professional-ism for the gains of econom-ics.”

In closing, Judge Gale of-fered five suggestions for new

attorneys. First, echoing the presentation by Zeke Bridges, Judge Gale encouraged all the new admittees to find a mentor, if not multiple men-tors, noting it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to look to others for assistance and guidance. Second, Judge Gale suggested keeping a list of people who extended a helping hand along the way, such as an op-posing attorney who graciously agreed to a much-needed extension of time. Third, Judge Gale emphasized the need to ensure balance in one’s life. Much like a stool needs even and balanced legs to be strong, one’s life is strongest if all the “legs” are in balance; for Judge Gale, those legs are faith, family, health, and profession.

Fourth, Judge Gale insisted that new attorneys should never be afraid to do the right thing, including admitting one’s own mistakes, and noted that if one attorney steps up and does the right thing, others often will follow. Finally, Judge Gale suggested practicing law in ac-cordance with the Golden Rule, which, at Judge Gale’s prompting, the new admittees and their guests proclaimed in unison, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Sponsors for the new attorneys included many distinguished members of the Bar, including Attorney General Roy Cooper, Judge James Wynn of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Administra-

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT BAR WELCOMES 69 ATTORNEYS AT SWEARING-IN CEREMONYBY JESS MEKEEL, FALL CEREMONY CHAIR, SWEARING-IN COMMITTEE

Judge Gessner congratulating a newly admitted attorney.


tive Law Judge Fred Morrison of the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Committee wishes to thank the following members of the Wake County Young Lawyers Division who served as a sponsor to one or more new attorneys who were without a personal sponsor: Jim Baker, Kevin Ceglowski, Jillian DeCamp, Jena Edelman, Brodie Erwin, Laura Forrest, Nico-lette Fulton, James Hash, Robbie Howell, William Long, Maureen McDonald, Lauren Miller, David Senter, and Jill Walters.

Following Judge Gale’s address to the new attorneys, Judges Gessner and Ridgeway en-tertained motions for admission and administered the oaths, and all were invited to enjoy a reception hosted by the Swearing-in Committee of the Wake County Bar Association.

The Swearing-in Committee wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Judges James Gale, Paul Ridgeway and Paul Gessner for their participation in their ceremony, to Thomas Davis for his stewardship of our local Bar, and to North State Bank for sponsoring the event. We are also grateful for the generous assistance provided by Kristen Fetter, the Trial Court Administrator of the Superior Court of Wake County, and for the cooperation of the Wake County Sheriff ’s Office. Additionally, we are fortunate to have the dedication of the WCBA staff, including Whitney von Haam, Colleen Glatfelter, Stephanie McGee and Shaula Bran-nan, whose tireless efforts are invaluable in making this event a success each year.

A special thank you also goes out to all of the members of the Swearing-in Committee for their help in organizing this event and to those members who attended and assisted dur-ing the ceremony, including Greg Connor, Sandra Wallace-Smith, and Todd Jones. Finally, the Committee is grateful for the efforts of the following individuals who helped make the ceremony a memorable success – Christina McAlpin Taylor and Lauren V. Reeves, Commit-tee co-chairs, Lisa LeFante and Jess Mekeel, Committee ceremony coordinators, and J. Allen Thomas, YLD sponsor coordinator. WBF

Wake County Trial Court Administrator Kristen Fetter and Swearing-In Committee Co-chair Lauren Reeves following the September 23 ceremony.

G A R N E R • R A L E I G H • WA K E F O R E S T • W I L M I N G T O N

230 Fayetteville Street 919.723.2300

northstatebank.com

and the Steps from the

Capitol

Courthouse


JENNA WEBB WINS WCBA TENNIS TITLEBY WILLIAM PLYLER, TENNIS TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER | WCBA BOARD MEMBER

JENNA WEBB WON THE OPEN DIVISION of the WCBA Tennis Tournament on October 4 at the Carolina Country Club. Bob Smith was the runner-up. Randy Whitmeyer and Rik Lovett captured the title of the Championship Division for the second year in a row, beating Hart Miles and William Plyler 6-4 in the final. The other semi-finalists in the Championship Division were the teams of Alice Stubbs and Macy Fisher, and Brady Wells and Keith Satisky.

The weather and the refreshments were fantastic. The tennis was top notch. Among those who played well were Jennifer Blue-Smith, Adam Gottsegen, Gabriel Jimenez, Whit-ney Butcher, Chip Campbell, David Ferrell, Mary Asbill, Judge Lori Christian, Jeanette Con-gdon and Judge William Pittman. All champions and finalists received trophies. A good time was had by all. WBF

Top picture, Bob Smith, Runner-Up, Open Division; above, Macy Fischer (left) and Alice Stubbs; and below, Whitney Butcher paired with Gabe Jimenez in the Open Division

Above, Judge William Pittman and Judge Lori Christian, and below, Randy Whitmeyer (left) and Rik Lovette, who captured the Championship Title for the second year.


YLD NEWS2013 YLD OFFICERSPRESIDENT: KATHLEEN PUTIRI

VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY: JAMES HASHTREASURER: SAM FLEDER

UPCOMING SOCIALS

THURSDAY, DEC. 12 | 6 P.M.Napper Tandy’s new location...

Formerly Murphy’s Law @ 410 Glenwood Avenue(To be held in conjunction with annual elections.)

NOTICE OF OFFICER ELECTIONELECTIONS FOR THE YLD BOARD positions of Trea-

surer and Secretary/President-elect will take place on Decem-ber 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at the YLD Board Meeting held in connection with the December YLD Social at Napper Tandy’s, 410 Glenwood Ave.

The Treasurer is primarily responsible for monitoring and reporting on the budget for the YLD and its committees throughout the calendar year. The Secretary/President-elect is primarily responsible for attending YLD Board meetings and preparing meeting minutes as well as submitting the bi-monthly Bar Flyer submission.

If you are interested in running for either of these po-sitions, or would like to nominate someone for these posi-tions, please email the full name, contact information for the candidate and the position sought to current YLD President, Kathleen Putiri at [email protected]. Nominations should be submitted by email no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Please certify that any candidate nominated is willing to serve in the position before making the nomination and that he or she is a YLD member in good standing. All members of the YLD in good standing may attend the December meet-ing and to be heard on the issue of elections of Treasurer and Secretary/President-elect.

HEALING PLACE SEMINARTHE YLD’S POVERTY Issues Committee will be holding

a question and answer seminar at the Healing Place on De-cember 10 from 4 – 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed to answer questions in a variety of practice areas. Please contact Mer-edith Cross at [email protected] for more infor-mation. WBF

WELCOME OUR NEW TEAM MEMBER, KRISTIN ATHENS KRISTIN ATHENS HAS RECENTLY joined the WCBA as the new social media intern. She is in charge of running our various social media ac-counts including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. By expanding the WCBA’s overall social media pres-ence, she hopes to increase the acces-sibility of information and networking abilities amongst WCBA members.

Kristin is a self-acclaimed “Tar-heel Born and Bred;” she has lived in North Carolina all her life and recent-ly graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UNC this past May. While at UNC Chapel Hill, she served as a student athlete on the varsity cheerleading team and was also a member of Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity, Psi Chi In-ternational Honor Society in Psychology and Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Academic Honor Society.

Currently, Kristin balances her time between interning for the WCBA, working at a local attorney’s office and studying for the LSAT. She is in the process of applying to law schools and hopes to attend next fall. When she’s not busy working or studying, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, camping and doing yoga. She loves Tarheel basketball, Harry Potter, her dog Belle and sweet tea. WBF

January 7 - Woman's Club

February 4 - Woman's Club

March 4 - Woman's Club

April 1 - Woman's Club

May 6 - Mordecai Park

June 3 - Woman's Club

July 8 - North Raleigh Hilton

August - No meeting

September - No meeting

October 7 - North Raleigh Hilton

November 4 - Woman's Club

December 2 - Tenth J.D. Bar Annual

Meeting - North Raleigh Hilton

2014 WCBA LUNCHEONS


CAMILLE STELL is the Vice President of Client Services for Lawyers Mutual. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Camille has counseled hundreds of law firms about how to improve client communications. Contact Camille at 800.662.8843 or [email protected].

CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU

BY CAMILLE STELL

A COMMON CAUSE of reported malpractice claims and reported ethics grievances is client commu-nication failures.

A lawyer recently told me that his paralegal spent all her time on the phone talking with clients. “What do you think she’s doing? What could they have to talk about for so long? Do you think her time on the phone is legitimate?” This line of questioning makes me think my lawyer friend has never had many cli-ent conversations; I’m guessing he delegates most of this communication to his staff. I polled some of my paralegal friends and asked them – what do clients want to know?

Don’t become a discipline statistic. Here are five tips to being a better lawyer.

LOGISTICSWhat is a deposition? What will happen at a deposition? What time is the deposition? How early

should I arrive? What should I wear? How do I find the office? Will my lawyer be there? What do I do? How should I prepare? Do I need to write anything? Should I bring my file? Who will be there? Do I need to pay for anything that day?

SUBSTANTIVE LAW QUESTIONS Do I have a case? How much is it worth? How do you determine how much it is worth? Will I go to

jail? Will I lose my job? Will I lose my driver’s license? Will I have a criminal record? What are the ramifi-cations of having a criminal record? How long do I need to be separated before divorcing? Can I get child custody? Can I receive child support? For how long? How much money will I receive? My tenant has not paid her rent, can I lock her out?

BILLINGHow much will this cost? How can I pay? When will I pay? What do I get for that much money? What

can I get for less money? What do you do for that much money? Will you send me a bill? When? When is the money due?

Do you get the picture? Clients come to you knowing nothing about the process. They depend on you to guide them through the legal maze. You can certainly delegate some of these communications to your staff, but you will need to handle some communications yourself or you’ll end up with an irate client.

Compile your most frequently asked questions and post them on your website or prepare a checklist to review with your client. Make sure that your engagement letter addresses these frequently asked ques-tions. You may need to repeat the information and provide it in a variety of ways so that clients have more than one opportunity to hear it.

Make sure that your client has a good understanding of your billing procedures. Do not surprise your client with unexpected costs. If possible, talk with your client in advance of billing to provide a case update and to let them know to expect the bill. Bill frequently. A bill that arrives 10 months after the matter was resolved is less likely to be paid.

Return telephone calls in a timely manner. Do not use voicemail at midnight as a way to avoid client calls. The best time to take the call is when you see the number pop up on your phone. You are delaying the inevitable when you allow the client to go to your voicemail.

Be sure to thank your client for their business. Satisfied clients are a great referral source. Thank them in writing with your final bill. Send holiday cards or birthday cards to stay in touch with individual clients or legal alerts to business clients.

The Rules of Professional Conduct require lawyers to communicate with your clients. Do not under-estimate the value of a getting those communications right. WBF


BONNIE ANSLEY

MARGARET ATKINS

SHERRI BELK-NIANGLaw Office of Sherri D. Belk

JAMES BERNIER

MARGO CARNAHAN

MAGGIE CRAVENDement Askew LLP

CHRISTINA CRESSHedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo LLP

CHANEEN CUMMINGS-KOUASSI

JAMES FLOYD

JENNIE HAYMAN

CHRISTOPHER HEANEY

REBECCA HOLT

DAVID HUNTER

CLAUDIA HURTADO-MYERS

KATHRYN JAGODA

HOLLY KINGMahlum Law Office, PC

STEVEN KLOTZHerring Mills & Kratt PLLC

MATTHEW LIVELY

CAROLYN LOVEJOYMcWilliam Henderson & Wall, PLLC

CAROL MCLEAN

TEANDRA MILLERLegal Aid of NCAdmin Office

LISA NESBITTDisability Rights NC

THOMAS PACKER

LAURA PARKERFrye Law Offices, PC

ADAM PARKERNC Court of Appeals

JEAN RADKE

ELLEN ROSEState of NC – Judicial Department

WESLEY SHELLEY

HEATHER WARWICK

GENEVA YOURSECauley Pridgen, PA WBF

WELCOME NEW WCBA MEMBERS30 NEW MEMBERS WERE APPROVED BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE OCTOBER 2013 BOARD MEETING

LIABILITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA

LAWYERS MUTUAL919.677.8900 800.662.8843

connect with us

History. Service. Education.

I talk to claims attorneys every

day. It’s a cooperative effort.

jerry parnell

defense counsel, poyner spruill llp

See our story:

www.lawyersmutualnc.com/videos

LIABILITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA

LAWYERS MUTUAL


EMAIL AND PROFESSIONALISM:DON’T LET YOUR TAIL WAG YOUR DOG!BY MARK A. LA MANTIA, MARSILLO & VERNA PLLC | PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE MEMBER

ARE YOU MANAGING your email or is your email managing you? Do you, like me, suffer from EIADD or EIADHD (email induced at-tention deficit disorder)?

Naturally, I ask these questions a little bit tongue in cheek. I hope that all of us have by now adopted at least some practical and efficient ways of trying to deal with our inevitable email load. Also, I certainly do not mean to poke fun at anyone with a true disability. The purpose of this article is to have you consider these questions and to serve as a reminder that professionalism may demand more than simple pragmatism or efficiency when it comes to email use, handling and management. I am hoping that any one of the reminders and points provided below may provide some benefit to everyone regardless of their level of electronic proficiency and acumen.

As a matter of context, I start this article with the confession that I am not a person who really ever gets excited about receiving emails. Frankly, from a professionalism standpoint, I really don’t like email at all. For me, it is all too often: too informal; too pressured and devoid of thoughtful considerations of time or possible consequence for the recipient; a little cowardly; and too easily subject to the mis-es (misin-terpretation, mis-perception, even misdirection). From a practicality and efficiency standpoint, it is more of a love hate relationship - much like I feel about almost everything in today’s electronic age, the inter-net, my cell phone and my computer overall. I do realize that these things are ubiquitous and inevitable and that only those who learn to adapt may survive and excel.

However, as good as they can be at times is as bad and frustrating as they can be at others. Unlike Mae West, when emails are bad they are not in any way better. Worst of all, it seems that email never stops, never rests and exponentially multiplies, always serving as a feeding ground for distraction and possible mistakes. I am constantly amazed about how prolific certain people I know have become when it comes to email or social media, even though they would not have taken the time in the past to write a two line card, let alone send a letter.

If you are at the opposite end of the spectrum and really enjoy getting email, this article may not initially appeal to you but please do not stop reading - there is a big difference between true love and an unhealthy obsession, and I am really trying to help you. In this sense, email might be fairly compared to cars, or even worse really fast cars - some may not really like them and are even afraid to drive them, while others might really love them but should be even more mindful of how careful they have to be when driving on the road with others – SPEED KILLS.

So, how can we best protect our professionalism, practices and sanity when it comes to using, handling and managing email? Please

do not confuse the fact that I have volunteered to write this article with the notion that I think that I have mastered this domain or that I always follow my own advice. The following are the framework and rules to which I aspire:

1. TAKE THE TIME TO THINK. If there is one consideration or rule to take away from this article it is this one. All too often the nature of the email process seems to try to speed us up in a way that we do not feel that we can really take the time necessary to think things through – professionalism demands thoughtfulness and con-sidered action and responses regardless of the circumstances. The great basketball coach John Wooden is credited with two particular sayings that I like to try to incorporate into my thinking on a regular basis: “Be quick but don’t hurry” and “If you don’t have the time to do it right now, where are you going to find the time to do it over (right) later”. These seem particularly applicable to dealing with and managing email. I believe that it is almost always better to respond with a simple acknowledgment of receipt and the information that something will take you more time or thought than simply jotting off an ill- considered response. John Wooden also cautioned never to “mistake activity for achievement,” and in this regard the mere fact that you are responding to emails should not necessarily be confused with getting anything meaningful done.

2. EMAIL IS A POOR SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCTION. Initial meetings and substantive introductions are too important for simple email. If email is required or also advis-able, at the very least do a professional business letter and send it as an attachment. Also, use professional subject lines, forms of greetings or salutation, and signature blocks.

3. EMAIL IS NOT ALWAYS RELIABLE. Just because it is sent does not mean (a) it has actually been received or will be read even if you ask for acknowledgment, or (b) that you can reasonably expect it to be received and read (this is especially true of initial emails to persons you have never communicated with before - see Rule/Item Number 2 above). For example, for system integrity and security rea-sons, I never open or respond to unsolicited email from people I do not know. Therefore, do not assume the intended recipient will open everything or your email passed through their security protocols.Always follow up using another appropriate medium for important communications.

4. TAKE CARE IN TYPING IN YOUR ADDRESSES OR US-ING ADDRESS MEMORY FEATURES. (Email addresses change


from time to time, but your system may not keep up or your con-tact information may be outdated). Confidentiality is a cornerstone of both ethics and professionalism; any lack of care creates risk and never looks professional.

5. NEVER HIT “REPLY ALL” without first considering or care-fully applying Rules 1 and 4 above and making sure you know to whom the message will be sent.

6. BE LEERY OF FORWARDING AND EXTREMELY CARE-FUL WHEN DOING SO. For example, forwarding emails is a po-tential trap for sending an email chain that contains privileged or confidential information that you did not intend to send to the re-cipient.

7. BE TIMELY IN YOUR RESPONSES. While I do believe that a “no more than” 24-48 hour rule of thumb should generally be suf-ficient, this obviously depends on circumstances and need, so I am a little loathe to try to suggest any absolute rule here. Perhaps more im-portant is trying not to get caught up in being hasty or letting anyone else unreasonably or selfishly dictate time-lines. Inform and try to discipline your clients as to the costs and time involved in requiring responses to stream of consciousness and obsessive compulsive or overly emotional emails. Some opposing counsels - especially some of those from out of State - may need to be professionally reminded of certain court and local rules as well as informed regarding our local professionalism creed and pledge from time to time.

8. NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO SIMPLY REACT ANGRILY. The SEND button should really come with a governor or automatic form of delayed send (there are actually some programs or apps for this as I understand it). You can accomplish the same thing simply by

exercising some discipline and saving a draft and going back to it later to make sure you want to send it “as is.” Whatever you need to do to check yourself in this regard, I feel almost certain you will help your-self from a professionalism standpoint by waiting. Having someone else review such an email before sending it can also be very insightful.

9. DO NOT ALWAYS ASSUME THE WORST FROM OTH-ERS. One of my biggest problems with email, unlike most face to face personal meetings, is that it there are no subtle indicators to assist in the accurate interpretation of what is being communicated. As a result, it seems all too easy to make mistakes in this regard and I cau-tion myself against jumping to the wrong conclusions and try to give other people (especially other professionals) the initial benefit of the doubt.

10. CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR THAT EMPTY “INBOX” – MAKE CONCIOUS DECISIONS TO MANAGE YOUR EMAIL. For me, unfortunately, the “empty inbox” is as elusive as Captain Ahab’s White Whale and is obviously nothing more than a momen-tary high. Additionally, while I do believe this goal is admirable and important, I have also come to the conclusion that it can also be a little deceiving - kind of like throwing stuff in the closets or the garage before company comes and somehow coming to believe that your house is clean.

“Out of sight, out of mind” can be equally or even more danger-ous here. Whatever email management system you decide works the best for you (programmed “rules” for your system to promote im-mediate file separation, flags, colors, etc.), make your decisions care-fully and thoughtfully. The key for me is to try to make sure that I do not let things linger too long or let the sheer volume of the messages overtake or overwhelm me on a regular basis. To quote Jon Wooden one last time, “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” WBF

THE YLD IS AGAIN BENEFIT-ING less fortunate families through numerous Triangle-area chari-ties, and we need your help! From Nov. 18 through Dec. 7, we’ll be collecting used clothing from the Wake County legal community. Any donation is appreciated, in-cluding clean, used clothing and other necessary items for children and adults, such as business cloth-ing, coats and other warm cloth-ing, gloves, sleeping bags, blankets, sheets and towels.

In addition, this year John David Custom Clothier will be pro-

viding a 10 percent discount off a custom clothing order for anyone donating used suiting and shirting to the drive.

We are looking for volunteers to help coordinate the collection process (such as serving as a firm contact, locating charities in need and driving the U-Hauls of donated clothing) and to assist on the week-end of December 6 and 7 (sorting, re-bagging, and distributing the do-nating clothing).

Cntact Elizabeth Timmermans if you are willing to assist ([email protected]). WBF

EMPTY THOSE CLOSETS14TH ANNUAL WCBA YLD HOLIDAY CLOTHING DRIVE


HOLIDAY HELP

AS THE HOLIDAYS approach I begin to think about how much fun it will be to decorate the house and how I will make meals to share with friends and family that would make Martha Stewart proud. I dream of the perfect gift to share with each person in my life and how everyone will feel special and loved throughout the holiday season. Everything will be just perfect!

My reality is more like a Griswold Christmas with Jell-O molds, cats wrapped up in boxes, and forced family time that can be more stressful than celebratory . . . maybe not so perfect.

As attorneys we are all used to dealing with a certain level of stress. We have to deal with clients, associates, deadlines, court ap-pearances and we need to make sure we balance that with our family and personal lives. These stresses are normal in the life of an attor-ney and, while that can be overwhelming at times, as we approach the holiday season many people experience additional stress.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you deal with the additional stress of the holiday season:

LEARN TO LET GO. Things do not have to be perfect all the time. Enjoy the time you spend with friends and family and don’t stress if everything is not exactly as you imagined it would be. Con-centrate on the positive things and let go of the things you can not change. Chances are you are the only one that noticed the imperfec-tion anyway.

SAY NO. This is particularly difficult for me to do, but real-ize that you do not have to do everything and sometimes you just have to say no. If you see a need that another attorney might have, there is help nearby with the Lawyer Support Committee. There is a program that is a part of the Tenth Judicial District and the Wake County Bar Association called Raising Our Bar ([email protected]). This program uses our legal community net-

work to help support members of the legal community in tangible ways. If you see a need that is out there and you personally can’t help, contact Raising Our Bar and you don’t have to worry about saying no.

CELEBRATE IN MODERATION. It can be easy to fall into the holiday spirit and overindulge in eating or drinking. Exercise mod-eration and that will make dealing with the additional stress much easier. If you feel like you need help in dealing with alcohol, drug or mental health issues contact the Lawyer Assistance Program (www.nclap.org). This is a confidential program provided by the North Carolina State Bar to help attorneys deal with a variety of issues.

ASK FOR HELP. This seems like a simple thing, but many times it is hard for us to reach out when we need help. As members of the Tenth Judicial District Bar, we have access to 3 cost-free, con-fidential visits a year with a professional counselor to help deal with a variety of issues. BarCARES is a program that is designed to help attorneys. Reach out and ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season or anytime of the year. In addition, if you are a member of the Wake County Bar Association then this benefit is available not just to you, but also your immediate family. To reach out immediately call 919-929-1227 or 1-800-640-0735. You can also find out more at www.wakecountybar.org.

No matter what holiday you celebrate, I hope these tips help you make it happy holiday. Don’t forget there is help through BarCARES, LAP and Raising our Bar to help you make it through the holiday season. As a final note I would like to share this quote from Marianne Williamson, “Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” Happy Holidays! WBF

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IN THE MAY/JUNE edition of the WCBA Bar Flyer, Bettie Sousa wrote an article about BarCARES, a program provided by the Tenth Judicial District Bar that offers three free counseling sessions annually with HRC Behavioral Psychiatry & Health, PA (HRC). The program is available to the members of participating county bar as-sociations as well as law school students, faculty, and staff.

At the June meeting of the WCBA Lawyer’s Support Committee, I volunteered to write a follow-up article about BarCARES to talk about the nuts and bolts of the program and why it is so important. I was fortunate enough to talk with two psychologists from HRC, an HRC staff member, and one of the attorneys that founded Bar-CARES. Three hours and many pages of notes later, I emerged with a deep respect for both the program and the people involved with it.

BarCARES was created in the early nineties by three Wake County attorneys who were shocked by the results of a NCBA ‘qual-ity of life’ survey. The statistics revealed that lawyers experience rates of depression and suicidal thoughts well above the national average. Rather than let these findings collect dust on a shelf, they decided to take action. They approached numerous mental health practices about creating an assistance program and found one that stood above the rest, HRC. HRC has a statewide network of clinicians from a wide range of specialties, offices in both Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and allows clients to meet directly with a clinician from the start. Since then, the program has grown steadily in popularity across the state and in Wake County in particular.

Why do lawyers need counseling or therapy? First, for the same reasons as anyone else, such as career and couples counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, and mental wellness improvement, the latter of which includes practices for maximizing emotional and physical health. Keep in mind that the data demonstrates that lawyers struggle with these issues more than the average professional. By being proac-tive and taking a preventative approach to mental health, we can deal with the risk factors that can turn into major problems later on.

Second, lawyers need counseling for reasons that are singular to the practice of law. Lawyers report very low levels of satisfaction with their workplaces and interactions with other lawyers. The zero sum nature of law practice has created a culture that leaves little room for empathy. Disillusionment with practicing law, perhaps because it does not match our personalities or reasons for attending to law school, is another reason why many lawyers seek assistance. Unlike medicine, which generally has a much higher level of practitioner sat-isfaction, the law lacks a cooperative ethos; the hours tend to worsen rather than improve after law school, and there is little opportunity for us to work in various specialties before choosing one that suits us. The economy and market for legal services has also taken a toll. Most

young lawyers face crushing student debt and a miserable job market while many older attorneys have had to scale back due to a lack of business. As one of the clinicians told me, many lawyers choose to “shut down emotionally” to cope with these issues, a defense mecha-nism almost guaranteed to create problems in their personal lives.

Why should you use BarCARES for counseling or therapy? First, the program pays for the first three sessions each year, making it very easy to get started. The three sessions, which can last up to sixty min-utes each, are enough time for you and the clinician to get to know each other, gain some perspective on the problem, and either work out a solution or develop a treatment plan.

Second, HRC understands lawyers and law practice. Over the past twenty years they have helped scores of us improve our mental health. That experience means you do not have to explain the idio-syncrasies of your practice and you can trust that their advice has been proven to work. They take confidentiality very seriously and are more than happy to meet with you at both the Raleigh and Chapel Hill locations. Furthermore, HRC clinicians really enjoy working with lawyers because we are motivated, detail-oriented, and willing to follow a treatment plan. Finally, everyone involved in BarCARES cares deeply about your mental health. You can rest assured that this is a safe environment in which to get assistance.

We are fortunate in North Carolina to have programs like Bar-CARES and the North Carolina State Bar’s Lawyers Assistance Pro-gram. They have been created for and by lawyers and exist solely to help us cope with our especially stressful careers. The important thing is not what resource you use but that you take care of your emotional wellbeing and get help when you need it. WBF

BARCARES: A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR NORTH CAROLINA LAWYERSBY ROBERT N. WOOD III, TRIANGLE TRADEMARKS | WCBA LAWYERS SUPPORT COMMITTEE

BarCARESDid you know that BarCARES also

has resources for career counseling? Don’t hesitate to call -

no problem is too big or too small

A program ready to help you and your immediate family.

919.929.1227 or 1.800.640.0735


Coverage You Can Trust. Call The PROs Today.800.906.9654 • gilsbarpro.com

One or more of the CNA insurance companies provide the products and/or services described. The information is intended to present a general overview for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to constitute a binding contract. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may be subject to change without notice. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright (c) 2013 CNA. All rights reserved.

With over 50 years of experience, GilsbarPRO is the exclusive administrator for the CNA Lawyers Professional Liability Program in the State of North Carolina. CNA is the largest underwriter of lawyers malpractice insurance in the United States and is A-rated by A.M. Best. This combination is your best alternative for peace of mind in today’s challenging environment.

Experience.Strength.Service.


ROBERT J. RAMSEUR, JR., a partner at Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, has again been se-

lected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Real Estate Law (copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, S.C.). Se-lection to Best Law-yers is based on a

rigorous peer-review survey and inclusion is considered a singular honor.

JOHN M. NUNNALLY, partner at Rags-dale Liggett PLLC, has again been selected by his peers for in-clusion in Best Law-yers in America® (copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC) in two practice areas: Commercial Litiga-tion and Construc-tion Law. WBF

Coverage You Can Trust. Call The PROs Today.800.906.9654 • gilsbarpro.com

One or more of the CNA insurance companies provide the products and/or services described. The information is intended to present a general overview for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to constitute a binding contract. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may be subject to change without notice. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright (c) 2013 CNA. All rights reserved.

With over 50 years of experience, GilsbarPRO is the exclusive administrator for the CNA Lawyers Professional Liability Program in the State of North Carolina. CNA is the largest underwriter of lawyers malpractice insurance in the United States and is A-rated by A.M. Best. This combination is your best alternative for peace of mind in today’s challenging environment.

Experience.Strength.Service.

WCBA MEMBER NEWSIMMEDIATE PAST president of the Tenth Judicial District Bar Theodore (Ted) B. Smyth has joined Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP in an Of Counsel position based in its Raleigh office. With more

than 30 years of experience, Smyth focuses on insurance and personal injury litigation and has litigated hundreds of cases through-out his career. Smyth first joined CSH in 1981 and left in 1994 to start his own prac-tice, where he continued to work as a litigator for the past 19 years.

TRACY W. KIM-BRELL, General Counsel for NC Sen-ate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger ( R- R o c k i n g h a m ) from 2010 through 2013, joined Parker Poe’s Raleigh office on October 1 as a partner and co-chair of the government relations and lobbying team. Ms. Kimbrell first worked at Parker Poe beginning in 2005 as an associate in the Government & Public Policy Group. She practiced with the Firm for more than five years before her 2010 appointment to the state Senate.

DOROTHY BASS BURCH, an attorney with Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, has been chosen as a

“Leader in the Law” by the NC Lawyers Weekly magazine. This is the third an-nual award which was created to spot-light those within the legal community who go above and beyond to better the legal profession and

their community. NC Lawyers Weekly edi-

tors state, “the honorees represent the most influential individuals within our state’s legal community.” Only twenty-five North Caro-lina legal professionals are selected based on a rigorous nomination and review process.

THE NORTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS held a ceremonial session on Sept. 19 for the purpose of receiving and hanging the portrait of Retired Chief Judge Sidney S. Eagles, Jr. From 1983 to 2004, Judge Eagles served first as a Judge and later as Chief Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Prior to his service on the bench, he practiced privately in Raleigh where he regularly argued cases before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

He has argued in the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. He was Counsel to the Speaker of the House and served as a Special Deputy Attorney General. Judge Eagles cur-rently focuses his practice at Smith Moore Leatherwood on appellate litigation and me-diation and dispute resolution.

RAGSDALE LIGGETT PLLC attorney Melis-sa Dewey Brumback has been invited to join

the prestigious Claims & Litigation Manage-ment Alliance. Mem-bership is extended to select attorneys “by invitation only” from current CLM fellows.

The organization is comprised of thou-sands of insurance

companies, corporations, corporate counsel, litigation and risk managers, claims profes-sionals and attorneys who promote the high-est standards of litigation management in the defense of clients.

Raising Our Baris a service of the Tenth Judicial District Bar that enables members and their staff to join a distribution list for helping our community in times of need with non-monetary aid. If interested, send an email to the address below and you will be added to the distribution list.

[email protected]

WCBA BASKETBALL SIGN-UP

ANNOUNCING THE WCBA CHARLES BRANDON HUNT LAWYER’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE 2014

Following the resounding support of the Athletics Committee and YLD and approval by the WCBA Board of Di-rectors, the WCBA basketball league has been renamed after the late YLD President Charles Brandon Hunt, who passed away suddenly of natural causes on August 29. The league’s name change establishes a lasting tribute to Charles’ many contributions to the league, the WCBA, and the greater community, as well as his love of the game.

The 2014 League will start on Saturday, January 18, 2014, and will again be located at the J.D. Lewis Multipurpose Center, 2245 Garner Road.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Go to the Wake County Bar Website and click on the item on December 31 that says, “WCBA Basketball League”

ONLINE SIGNUPS MUST BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 31.

Questions can be directed to the Commissioner,Jason Tuttle at [email protected] or 919-755-0025.

Presorted StandardU.S Postage

PAIDRaleigh, NC

Permit No. 1665

PO Box 3686, Cary, NC 27519-3686

BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD WAKE BAR FLYER ......1. That the annual election of Officers and...

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