Young Lawyers Section: Connections

As we head further into the spring, the Young Lawyers Section continues to stay active through service, professional development, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Greensboro Bar. Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in and support the work of the YLS—we are proud of the energy and enthusiasm our members bring to the Section.

Serving Our Community at Greensboro Urban Ministries

In early March, the YLS had a wonderful turnout for its volunteer evening at Greensboro Urban Ministries. A full team of young lawyers, including several of our newest members, came together to prepare and serve dinner for more than seventy individuals in our community.

It was a meaningful evening of service and fellowship, and we are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time to help make the event a success. Opportunities like this are a reminder of the impact our profession can have beyond the courtroom and office.

Backpack Beginnings Service Day

On March 26, the YLS participated in a volunteer service day with BackPack Beginnings, where members helped prepare and organize supplies that support children and families in our community facing food insecurity.

We appreciate everyone who took time out of their schedules to contribute. Service events like these are an important part of the YLS mission, and it is always encouraging to see strong participation from our members.

New YLS Initiative – Free Headshot Day

The YLS is also excited to sponsor a new initiative designed to support our members’ professional development: Free Headshots for GBA members at the April 16th GBA meeting.

Professional headshots will be provided onsite, with participants receiving a professionally edited digital photo following the event. See the full article with details and the signup link. We encourage members to take advantage of this opportunity to refresh their professional photos.

Spring Swearing-In Ceremony for New Attorneys

Finally, the YLS is pleased to host our annual Spring Swearing-In Ceremony for attorneys who have recently passed the bar exam and wish to be admitted to practice in North Carolina state and/or federal court.

The ceremony will be held on:

Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 3:00P.M.
United States Courthouse
324 W. Market Street, Greensboro
Courtroom 3 (Third Floor)

Any new attorneys interested in participating should email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org to request application materials.

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with the newest members of our profession!

YLS Member Spotlight: Bryan Hernandez, Chapman & Roberts, P.A.

Bryan Hernandez is an immigration attorney with Chapman & Roberts, representing individuals and families in immigration matters across the United States. Licensed in North Carolina and admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. His practice focuses on family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status matters.

What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started practicing?

One thing I wish I had fully appreciated when I first started practicing is just how important it is to consistently stay up to date on the law and policy in your specific area of practice. That means actively participating in bar associations, professional organizations, and listservs where attorneys share updates and practical insights. This is especially true in immigration law, where statutes, regulations, agency policies, and enforcement priorities can change frequently.

What skills do you think are most important for young lawyers today?

Three skills are especially important: (1) Adaptability – Staying on top of constantly changing law while managing multiple cases and balancing the demands of practice; (2) Resilience and toughness – Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable, so it’s critical to stay focused, keep moving forward, and lean on mentors; and (3) Humility – Even when things are going well and you feel like you’re “crushing it,” success is never permanent. Staying humble helps you continue learning, growing, and serving your clients effectively.

What’s one thing on your professional bucket list?

One item on my professional bucket list is expanding my practice into areas that intersect with immigration law, such as family law (including adoptions), criminal law, and employment law. These areas often overlap with immigration matters and gaining experience in them would allow me to better serve clients.

Connect with YLS

The Young Lawyers Section would like to celebrate the personal milestones and professional accomplishments of its members. Email YLS at younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org to share achievements that you would like celebrated on our social media platform and in the GBA’s member newsletter!