District Court Schedule Update
Chief’s Report and Memo 3-23-20
Changes to District Court and office schedules are effective Monday, March 23, 2020.
Amended Admin Order COVID-19 (Filed)
Amended Admin Order COVID-19 (Filed)
Effective Monday, March 16th, we will not be holding court unless there is an emergency situation for Superior Court Civil matters in Guilford County. Therefore, all matters, trials and motions, currently scheduled to be heard from Monday, March 16th through Monday, April 13th in Superior Court will be postponed. If you believe your matter falls under an emergency circumstance, such as requesting a Civil Temporary Restraining Order, please contact Brittany Robinson (Greensboro) at Brittany R. Robinson or Wendy Stuart (High Point) Wendy J. Stuart for direction and scheduling concerns.
Attention: Attorneys who currently have motions scheduled during this time period will need to reschedule those motions once a definitive reopening of the Courts is confirmed.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter and for your cooperation/patience during this time as we work through the next few weeks on rescheduling matters in Guilford County Superior Court.
March 19 Member Meeting Canceled
In light of statements issued by Governor Cooper and Chief Justice Beasley regarding the coronavirus outbreak, we found it prudent to cancel the member meeting scheduled for Thursday. We will evaluate our ability to reschedule this event in the future.
Margaret Kantlehner Presented with 2019 Centennial Award
The 2019 Centennial Award for outstanding and exemplary community service was presented to Margaret R. Kantlehner at the GBA member meeting on February 20, 2020.
While attending Campbell Law School, Margaret was the Editor for the U.S. Supreme Court cases in the Campbell Law Observer. She later served as the North Carolina Young Lawyers Division Chair and on the Board of Governors for the North Carolina Bar Association.
Margaret has served the Greensboro Bar Association in a wide array of leadership roles that include Newsletter Editor, 4ALL Attorney Volunteer, and BarCARES Volunteer, and served as the Elon Law School Liaison to our Board of Directors for over 10 years.
It has been said that Margaret loves to pull from many different places to help people with their problems. Seeing various opportunities to meet a need in the community, Margaret has shared her talents with the Corporation of Guardianship. For years, she built houses, organized food for volunteers, and helped with pro bono loan closings for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro. She used her love of art and became an officer and then president of the Board of Directors at UNCG’s Weatherspoon Art Museum. She helped lead Greensboro Bound and has helped organize the annual Greensboro Literary Festival. She worked to engage law students in community leadership by co-creating and leading the Elon Law School Preceptor program for almost a decade. These, however, are merely the highlights, as the list of organizations to which she has contributed is long.
We are pleased to recognize Margaret Kantlehner for her dedicated service to the community and her commitment to making this world a better place for all.
Photo L-R: Davis McDonald, Eloise Hassell, Margaret Robison Kantlehner, Robert Kantlehner, Kitty & Goerge Robison, Ron Johnson
Election of District Court Judicial Nominees Results
24 & 24H
February 13, 2020
Results:
Kelvin D. Smith- 59
Gavin J. Reardon- 52
Andrea L. Davis- 6
Tab C. Hunter- 5
Herb Falk Society 2019 Submissions Due Feb. 15
The Herb Falk Society was established to honor those members of the Greensboro Bar Association who contribute at least 75 hours of pro bono service each calendar year. The deadline for reporting pro bono work done in 2019 is February 15, 2020. The reporting has been simplified in recent years. Complete and mail this Mail-in Report Form to the GBA office. This year, you can also report your hours online! Fill out the HFS Online Report Form for as many pro bono activities you completed in 2019.
To assist in tracking your 2020 pro bono hours, please use this Template Spreadsheet to keep up with all of the work and contributions you make in 2020.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to Herb Falk Society Chair Manisha P. Patel.
Special Joint Meeting (Election) 2-13-20
Election of District Court Judicial Nominees
February 13, 2020
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM
Election begins at 3:30 PM
Commissioners Meeting Room, Old Guilford County Courthouse
301 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Click Special Election Notice to view the notice in its entirety.
PURPOSE: Selection of Nominees for District Court Judge.
VOTING ELIGIBILITY: Members of the 24th or 24H Judicial District Bars MUST RESIDE in their respective district to be eligible to vote. An attorney is not authorized to vote if he or she is merely practicing but not residing in either district.
CANDIDATES – DISTRICT COURT JUDGE:
Williams Receives Distinguished Service Award
The Greensboro Bar Association established the Distinguished Service Award in 1993 to annually recognize a lawyer for exhibiting a deep devotion to the legal profession and an enduring contribution to the administration of justice and the public good through unselfish service. The recipient for 2018-19 is Joseph A. Williams.
Attorney Joseph “Joe” Williams of Joseph A. Williams, P.A. is a trial lawyer, practicing with his own firm in Greensboro. Joe graduated from North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University (NCAT) in 1972 and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law in 1975.
L-R: Hon. Robby Hassell, Ken Johnson, Joe and Georgia Williams, Eloise Hassell
He became an Assistant District Attorney for Guilford County in 1975 and District Court Judge of the 18th Judicial District in Greensboro from 1977-1980. Williams became partner of the Law Firm of Lee, Johnson & Williams in 1980 until 1983, when he started his own law firm. Joe is a former member of the Board of Trustees for NCAT, former member of the Board of Directors for the National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont (NCCJ) and former member of the Board of Directors for Greensboro National Bank.
Joe was the first African American to serve as President of the Greensboro Bar Association (2002-2003) and former Second Vice President of the NCCU School of Law Alumni Association. Joe is a Founding Member of the C.W. Lawrence Masonic Lodge and former President of the Greensboro Men’s Club.
Joe currently serves on the Board of Directors for First Citizens Bank and is Community Coordinator for the Greensboro Violent Offenders Task Force. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Greensboro Young Men’s Club, and NC Guardsmen, Inc. His numerous academic publications include “A Crow-Jim, the Saga of Inverse Discriminations,” among others.
Joe has received various awards and accolades throughout his life including: the American Juris Prudence Award of Academic Excellence in Health Law; the Law Week Award for Scholastic Achievement in Senior Year; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine State of North Carolina awarded by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.; the NC Association of Black Lawyers Community Service Award; the Greensboro Young Men’s Club Man of the Year; and most recently the Lifetime Community Service Award from the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.
Special Election Results 10-23-19
Election of Public Defender and District Court Judicial Nominees
Public Defender Nominee to be submitted:
John F. Nieman, Jr. – 216
James Swisher – 21
Judicial Nominees Submitted to the Governor:
Mark Tyrey – 177
Ashley Watlington-Simms – 85
Stephanie Goldsborough – 69
Daniel Harris – 65
Michelle Lee – 62
Judicial Nominees Not Submitted:
Tab Hunter – 16
Eric Hamner -11
Special Joint Meeting (Election) of 24th and 24H Judicial District Bar
Election of Public Defender and District Court Judge Nominees
October 23, 2019
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM
Election begins at 3:30 PM
Commissioners Meeting Room, Old Guilford County Courthouse
301 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Click Special Election Notice to view the notice in its entirety.
PURPOSE: Selection of Nominees for the office of Public Defender for the 18th Defender District pursuant to standing regulations for nominations of candidates for the Office of Public Defender for the 18th Defender District and the selection of Nominees for District Court Judge.
VOTING ELIGIBILITY: Members of the 24th or 24H Judicial District Bars MUST RESIDE in their respective district to be eligible to vote. An attorney is not authorized to vote if he or she is merely practicing but not residing in either district.
CANDIDATES – PUBLIC DEFENDER:
James L. Swisher
CANDIDATES – DISTRICT COURT JUDGE:
Opioid Summit – 6 Hrs. CLE Credit
The North Carolina State Bar is hosting an Opioid Summit on Friday, October 4, 2019 at the State Bar building in Raleigh, NC. Attendees will hear from leading experts and practicing lawyers about the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and how it affects the legal profession. In this day-long CLE, attendees will hear from experts on the State’s response to the epidemic, the science of opioid use, and the implementation of recovery courts, while also hearing individual stories from lawyers about the disease’s impact on family members and clients. The program is bookended by a morning keynote address from Attorney General Josh Stein and an afternoon panel discussion with practicing lawyers offering practical guidance. Details about the summit are included below:
What: Broadcast of the North Carolina State Bar Opioid Summit
When: October 4, 2019
Where: Fox Rothschild LLP
Time: 9am to 4pm
CLE Credit: 4 hours general, 1 hour ethics, 1 hour substance abuse/mental health
Cost: $25 to be paid at the door (for full day attendees)
For those who cannot attend the entire program, attending any one hour of the CLE will earn the substance abuse/mental health credit, attending any two hours will earn the substance abuse/mental health and ethics credits, and any additional hours will earn the general credits. Attendees are responsible for paying the $3.50 per credit hour they attend. Lunch will be provided so please register in advance.
Tickets for GBA Night at CTG – “Memphis”
Join the Greensboro Bar Association and the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers at our joint outing, attending the musical “Memphis” at Community Theatre of Greensboro.
Friday, September 20
Pre-show cocktail reception at The Studio at CTG (next to theater) at 6:30.
“Memphis” at 7:30.
From the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee, comes the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, “Memphis” looks at the American civil rights movement through the lens of the emergence of rock and roll onto the American cultural landscape. The show revolves around a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves- filled with laughter, soaring emotion, and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.
Sponsored by Necessary Marketing, Eric Richardson Law, and the Campaign to Re-Elect Bill Davis.
Thanks for Supporting The Human Race 2019
The Human Race was a great success. Twenty two GBA members walked in the April 27th 5K event organized by the Volunteer Center of Greensboro. Many others donated which spurred us to raise over $2,100 for non-profits in Greensboro.
It is not too late to participate! You can still donate by logging onto thehumanrace5k.org. Thanks to the donors and all who participated in the race.
GBA Brings Home Trivia Trophy
There had been rumblings about who would win the Second Annual Bar Association Trivia Battle. At the High Point Bar Association Meeting, they mentioned at every meeting how they would keep the trophy at home. Greensboro Bar Association members discussed preparations months in advance.
The winning team answered an entire category correctly. Our own Sharon Dunmore was able to assist her team in correctly distinguishing spells and charms from Harry Potter from obscure terms that have appeared in legal opinions over the years. Mutatis mutandis, anyone?
Members of the GBA and HPBA worked together to plan a location, to create a budget, and to bring everything together, including a host. Trivia topics included Expecto Patronus or Ex Post Facto; general knowledge; famous law school graduates; and Child’s Play.
From the platform where the host announced the questions, it was apparent that spirited discussions and debates were taking place. Laughter could be heard over drink orders and, often, over the trivia hostess. Even the staff at WiFi Wine Bar joined in. Jokes were made at the expense of those who didn’t attend – all in good fun, of course.
The trophy now resides in Greensboro, thanks to a group of young lawyers. More importantly, however, it was obvious that this event bridged gaps between groups – attorneys and judges, old and young, litigators and transactional attorneys, and GBA and HPBA.
Fred Lind Receives Caswell Award
Congratulations to Guilford County Public Defender Fred Lind, who was honored with the prestigious Caswell Award in recognition and appreciation for 45 or more years of dedicated, extended service to the State of North Carolina.
The ceremony was held Tuesday, April 2, at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh and honored 21 employees across state agencies and branches. Lind became the assistant public defender in September 1974 and then Guilford County’s chief public defender in 2011.
Thank you for your service, Fred!
Phillips to Receive NCBA Public Service Award
Reid L. Phillips has been selected to receive the 2019 Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. Public Service Award at the NCBA Annual Meeting in Asheville.
His name was placed in nomination by the Past Presidents’ Council and approved unanimously by the NCBA Board of Governors at its spring meeting in Wrightsville Beach.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1974) and the University of Texas School of Law (1977), Phillips has practiced his entire career with Brooks Pierce, serving as managing partner since 2016.
He has provided leadership to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro and the LeBauer Park Steering Committee, and in 2015 served as chairman of the War Memorial Commission which oversees the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
Notice of District Bar Renumbering Effective Jan. 1
Recently passed legislation redistricts relatively few counties, and our district’s current county makeup remains unchanged. However, the new law removes sub-district lettering from prosecutorial districts (e.g.,19A) and provides each prosecutorial district with a unique number (e.g., 19A becomes 25). As you know, judicial district bars are coterminous with prosecutorial districts (except for the High Point District Bar). All district bars other than Districts 1, 2, 10, and 26 have been re-numbered. You can find a revised district bar list on the North Carolina State Bar website at https://www.ncbar.gov/media/730478/redistricting-table.jpg.
Effective January 1,2019, our district’s new number is 24.
Note: As of this writing, the Superior Court and District Court numbers have not been changed to match the new Prosecutorial District numbers. Therefore, we will have a different Superior and District Court number than our Prosecutorial District. Guilford County will be District 18 for Superior/District Court, but District 24 for Prosecutorial District/District Bar.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact me directly at 336-378-0300.
Hon. Teresa H. Vincent, President, 18th Judicial District Bar
Holiday Party to be Held as Planned
Our holiday celebration will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM tomorrow, December 12 at Elon Law as planned.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the Greensboro Bar Association and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, members, legal professions featured or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Find Us
Physical Address:
Greensboro Bar Association
24th Judicial District Bar
122 North Elm Street, Suite 805
Greensboro, NC 27402
(336) 378-0300
Mailing Address:
Greensboro Bar Association
24th Judicial District Bar
PO Box 1825
Greensboro, NC 27402