Bring your family (kids too!) for an afternoon of
food, fun, and BASEBALL!!!
Greensboro Grasshoppers vs. Rome Emperors
Picnic from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. Game time is 2:00 PM.
The Robert C. Cone Community Involvement Society inducted four members at the April Member meeting: Jason Hicks, Hon. Robby Hassell, Eloise Hassell, and Adam Marshall.
The Community Involvement Committee is proud to announce the creation of the Robert C. Cone Community Involvement Society. This will be for service outside of the service as contemplated by the rules of professional conduct. Like the Herb Falk Society, it will be based on service above 75 hours.
(L-R) Jason Hicks, Judge Robby Hassell, and Eloise Hassell
This award is named after deceased Greensboro lawyer and past GBA President, Robert C. Cone. Mr. Cone was a native of Greensboro, and he lived his entire life here with the notable exceptions of a year spent on an Israeli kibbutz and the years he spent in Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar attending UNC (Class of 1974) and UNC School of Law (Class of 1978).
Bob and his wife, Sally, were law school classmates. They married a few weeks after sitting for the Bar Exam, beginning their 38 years as husband and wife. They welcomed their son, Sam, in 1981 and daughter, Laurie, in 1982. Mr. Cone joined Tuggle Duggins, PA in 1986 and remained there for 31 years, actively practicing until just before his death.
Bob served the legal profession in numerous ways. He chaired the UNC Law Foundation Board, leading by example through his personal giving and participation in fundraising endeavors. He served as President of the Greensboro Bar Association (GBA) and the GBA Young Lawyers Section, as Chair of the GBA Fee Dispute Resolution Committee, and co-founder of the Herb Falk Society, which promotes pro bono service by GBA members. He served as President of the Guilford Inn of Court and as a preceptor at Elon Law School. Cone was
elected as an 18th Judicial District Bar Counselor to the NC State Bar and served from 2010 until forced to step down due to illness in 2016. Bob rarely said “no” when volunteers from the legal community were needed, as evidenced by his work on several GBA-sponsored Habitat for Humanity houses.
In 2011, Bob received the NCBA Centennial Award, presented jointly by the North Carolina Bar Association and the Greensboro Bar Association. In 2016, he was honored with the State Bar’s John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award. Bob was a lifelong member of Temple Emanuel, where he chaired the Education Committee, taught Hebrew School, and led the successful effort to save the Temple’s historic Greene Street location. He supported the Greensboro Jewish Federation in innumerable ways and was honored posthumously as a recipient of the Federation’s Benjamin Cone, Sr. Leadership Award. He and Sally served as hosts for Jewish refugees resettled in Greensboro from Baku, Azerbaijan. Bob served as a Trustee of the Jewish Foundation of Greensboro.
Within the broader community, Bob served as a Trustee of The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital (now Cone Health) for 20 years and chaired the Cone Health Foundation Board. He chaired the Greensboro Public Library Foundation Board and served as President of Rotary Club of Greensboro. He was an active Board member and supporter of Greensboro Urban Ministry. In 2016, Bob and Sally were honored as co-recipients of the North Carolina for Community and Justice Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award for their “extraordinary efforts to combat bias, bigotry, and racism and create a more compassionate and respectful community for all of us.”
Virtual CLE
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
12:30 – 1:30 PM via Zoom
One Hour of Professional Well-being Credit Pending
Free to GBA Members
Practicing law is stressful, often chaotic. Many more factors are out of our control than we care to admit. The more energy we exert trying to control the uncontrollable, the more chaotic and unmanageable our internal thoughts and feelings can become. There is hope! The good news is that resilience is a learned skill, not an innate quality. There are dozens of resilience tools, backed by scientific research, that we can practice and use to return to ourselves and a calmer state of mind and body. The resilience tools spotlighted are those the speaker(s) have actively used in life and law practice.
The presenter will be Candace Hoffman, Assistant Director of NC LAP, licensed North Carolina lawyer and recovery enthusiast.
May 28, 1937 – April 3, 2025
Ronald Barbee, Attorney at Law, of Greensboro, North Carolina, departed this life on April 3, 2025, at the age of 87. Ronald was born on May 28, 1937, and was known for his distinguished career in law and his dedication to his community.
Ronald is survived by his beloved wife, Alice M. Barbee; his daughter, Stephanie Barbee Williams; his three cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild. He will be missed by his family, extended family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
October 18, 1944 – April 7, 2025
Robert (“Bob”) Ambrose Wicker, 80, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, with his wife Judy and three children by his side. Born October 18, 1944, in Sanford, North Carolina, Bob was the eldest of six children of the late J. Shelton Wickekr and the late Clarice Burns Wicker.
Bob graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1966 and UNC School of Law with Honors in 1969 where he served on the North Carolina Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He later received an Executive Education Diploma from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in 1977, making hm a triple Tar Heel.
After graduating from law school, Bob served as a Captain, U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General Corps, where he served as trial counsel defense counsel, and military judge. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Cluster).
Since Bob’s first stop in the JAG Corps, he led the legal and business communities in many ways. He first joined the firm of Smith Moore Smith Schell and Hunter and had over 20 years of experience as a litigation attorney. He later served as General Counsel for Burlington Industries, Inc. and joined General Parts International, Inc. where he retired as the executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.
Following Bob’s retirement, Governor Roy Cooper appointed him as chairman of the North Carolina State Ports Authority in May 2018 for a six-year term. He resigned in January 2024 due to health issues.
In addition to his career accomplishments, Bob was a leader in organizations he had a passion for: past chairman of the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association, past president of both the North Carolina State Bar and the UNC Law Alumni Association, and member of the UNC Board of Visitors. He recently received the Distinguished Alumni award from the law school.
Bob’s commitment to the North Carolina community was recognized in 2012 when he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Beverly Perdue and in 2024 when he again received the award from Governor Roy Cooper.
The consummate Southern gentleman, Bob always had the highest ethical standards. He had a curiosity that fed his love of the outdoors, his passion for traveling, and his enjoyment of a good book – which was his favorite way to relax. He cherished his role as a convener of his beloved book club. Bob valued friendships, giving back to others, and supporting community projects. He was loyal, respectful, considerate, an animal whisperer, could take a nap anywhere, and never turned down ice cream.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith White Wicker, and by his three children: Davidson Sterling Wicker (Fabrienne) of Apex, Elizabeth Burns Wicker of Greensboro, and Andrew White Wicker (Lacey) of Fall City, Washington. His favorite name was “Pop” to Mayla, Grant, Sophia, Emery and Gabby.
Bob is also survived by his sister Sharon Wicker Johnson (William) and brothers, Mike Wicker (Cynthia), Dennis Wicker (Alisa), James Wicker (Teresa), and John Wicker (Connie).
Court was in session as 27 students from Brown Summit Middle School were welcomed into the Greensboro office of Fox Rothschild for a mock trial on March 19. 2025. Four teams presented their cases with confidence, critical thinking and advocacy skills before the judge. A past Brown Summit mock trial coach, Fox Associate General Counsel Becky Cacaci, led the program as host and presiding judge.
Fox Rothschild has a firmwide initiative, Generation Fox, focused on empowering youth that allows for opportunities like this that ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of lawyers.
Students from Brown Summit Middle School with mock trial presiding judge and Fox Rothschild Associate General Counsel Becky Cacaci.
At the Annual Meeting of the GBA and 24th Judicial District, the GBA’s Distinguished Service Award was bestowed upon the Hon. A. Robinson (Robby) Hassell. The Distinguished Service Award is the GBA’s most prestigious award. Established in 1993, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes lawyers 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.
Judge Hassell is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned both his undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Economics and his Juris Doctor. He grew up in Greensboro and is married to Eloise McCain Hassell, an attorney, mediator, and award-winning Senior Lecturer at UNCG. They are the proud parents of Molly and Bayly.
Judge Hassell has had an outstanding career as a judge and legal professional in North Carolina. Appointed as a special superior court judge in 2009 by Governor Bev Perdue, Judge Hassell has presided over civil and criminal cases throughout the state ensuring fairness and consistency in the judicial process. Before his appointment to the superior court, he served as a district court judge for over a decade, worked in private practice handling family law, workers compensation, and insurance coverage matters, and was an assistant public defender. With over 30 years of legal experience, Judge Hassell has earned widespread respect for his impartiality, professionalism, and dedication to upholding justice.
Throughout his career, Judge Hassell has been dedicated to serving the public and his profession. As a Regional Judicial Outreach Liaison for the ABA Judicial Division, he assists judges, transportation safety officials, and other stakeholders with public policy initiatives and educational forums. During his time as a Special and Emergency Superior Court judge, he has presided in over fifty counties in regular jury and nonjury sessions of criminal and civil superior court throughout North Carolina. He also served as a member of the N.C. Industrial Commission.
Judge Hassell is a committed member of countless professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the Guilford Inn of Court, and our very own Greensboro Bar Association where he is currently serving on the Board of Directors. Beyond his work in the courtroom and supporting the legal profession, Judge Hassell has contributed significantly to his community, serving on the boards of organizations such as the United Way and the Adult Center for Enrichment, the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts Task Force, and the Downtown Greenway Oversight Committee.
Judge Hassell exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a profound dedication to both the legal profession and his community. His lifelong contributions and steadfast leadership embody the core values and spirit of the GBA’s Distinguished Service Award, making him a most deserving recipient of this esteemed honor.
GBA President-Elect Judge Bill Davis, President Manisha Patel
As the GBA prepares for a new chapter of leadership, we take a moment to reflect — and to celebrate — the extraordinary service and impact of our outgoing President, Manisha P. Patel.
During her tenure, Manisha has not only exemplified what it means to be a leader — she has redefined it. With an unmatched level of dedication, vision, and grace, she ensured the seamless operation of the organization while simultaneously elevating it to new heights.
It has been noted by fellow leaders that under Manisha’s guidance, the workload across the board felt lighter — not because there was less to do, but because she had already stepped in to take care of it. She embraced every responsibility with such efficiency and composure that others could focus on their roles with newfound clarity and support. Her leadership has been a true masterclass in service, organization, and empowerment.
Manisha understands this organization on a deep level — it’s clear how much she cares about every part of it. From bylaws to long-term planning, she held it all at her fingertips — often quite literally, with a meticulously prepared binder in hand. She had every project mapped out down to the hour, every detail accounted for, and every leader empowered to execute with confidence. Her foresight and precision provided the structure and stability needed to allow innovation and collaboration to thrive.
And innovate she did. Manisha brought not only her own ideas to the forefront but also created a space where the ideas of others could be nurtured and realized. Thanks to her leadership, several initiatives that were only sparks of inspiration became fully realized projects that will enhance the GBA’s mission for years to come.
Her contributions extended beyond operations and strategy. Manisha elevated the caliber of GBA’s programs, bringing in a slate of outstanding speakers — including a sitting NC Supreme Court Justice — and enriching the experiences of members across the board.
Above all, Manisha led with heart. Her impact is strong, not just in what she accomplished, but in the culture of collaboration and excellence she helped foster.
The GBA extends its deepest gratitude to Manisha for her exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and transformational leadership. We are incredibly proud of all she has done — and even more grateful to have had her at the helm.
On Saturday March 29, 2025, the Greensboro Bar Association hosted its 2025 Legal Aid Fundraiser at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. This event celebrates and highlights the impactful work of Legal Aid of North Carolina and seeks to raise funds to support their unwavering efforts to give back to the North Carolina community.
Through the numerous donations and sponsorships from the local community, law firms, and members of the Greensboro Bar Association, we are excited to announce the association raised a total of $20,692.35! This is a huge accomplishment for the Greensboro Bar Association and marks its continued commitment to the goals and objectives Legal Aid stands for.
This was the second fundraiser to be held at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, where guests were treated to an evening of fellowship, entertainment, and community with local legal professionals and their families. For the first time, Greensboro Bar Association added an additional exciting component to the fundraiser—a silent auction that was opened to both membership and attendees bidding on items donated from local businesses and members of the bar. Guests were treated to heartfelt words about the vital contributions of Legal Aid of North Carolina to both our local community, as well as the statewide community on the heels of the disaster stemming from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
At the Greensboro Bar Association’s membership meeting on April 17, 2025, the proceeds raised from the fundraiser were presented to the Greensboro office of Legal Aid of North Carolina. At this meeting, thanks to the continued generosity of the members and their ongoing commitment to Legal Aid of North Carolina, we were able to raise additional funds and break the threshold of $20,000.00!
The funds raised will support their critical work in providing legal services to individuals and families who are the most vulnerable in the triad. We are so grateful to every law firm and business that sponsored the event, donated funds, purchased tickets, made bids, and attended and showed support to Legal Aid of North Carolina. We also want to thank the Co-Chairs of the event, Casey Robinson and Emily Carico, as well as the Legal Aid Fundraiser Committee for all their hard work in planning the event.
Janet McAuley Blue, Managing Attorney at Legal Aid, Fundraiser Co-chair Casey Robinson
The Greensboro Bar Association Fellows inducted its inaugural class of fellows at the April membership meeting. The Fellows program is an honorary society of attorneys, judges, and law faculty who are members in good standing of the Greensboro Bar Association, who are licensed to practice law and in good standing in any jurisdiction, and whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. By way of design, Fellows consist of less than ten percent of the GBA’s membership.
The inaugural class of Fellows include:
James W. Bryan
Barbara R. Christy
Sally B. Cone
Hon. William B. Davis
Kearns Davis
The Honorable Robert H. Edmunds, Jr.
The Honorable James G. Exum, Jr.
Kimberly B. Gatling
The Honorable A. Robinson Hassell
The Honorable Patrice A. Hinnant
Ronald P. Johnson
Afi S. Johnson-Parris
Adam G. Kerr
D. Beth Langley
Davis McDonald
Karen McKeithen Schaede
Jennifer G. Mencarini
Larry I. Moore, III
Manisha P. Patel
Jan E. Pritchett
Eric A. Richardson
Sarah H. Roane
J. Grant Sigmon
The Honorable Teresa H. Vincent
Thomas C. Watkins
Lisa M. Williford
Carolyn J. Woodruff
(L-R) Fellows Chair Jason Hicks; Fellows in attendance- Larry Moore, Jim Bryan, Sally Cone, Hon. Patrice Hinnant, Hon. Bill Davis,
Hon. Robby Hassell, Afi Johnson-Parris, Davis McDonald, Jennifer Mencarini, Manisha P. Patel, Sarah Roane, Grant Sigmon
Torts Illustrated, our young lawyers’ kickball team, has been back in action this season, bringing sharp teamwork and friendly competition to the field each Monday evening. Now nearing the end of the season, the team has continued its tradition of mixing legal minds with athletic moves—and having a great time doing it.
From close calls to clear wins, it’s been a season full of memorable moments, laughter, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit. Whether you’ve played, cheered from the sidelines, or joined for post-game hangs, thank you for being part of the fun.
Here’s to finishing strong and keeping the camaraderie going—on and off the field!
Join YLS in gathering items to donate to Hunter Elementary School’s Clothing Closet! This closet is a resource for emergency clothing needs for students. We will be accepting donations at the YLS End of Year Party on May 22nd at Oden Brewing Company, and can coordinate pickup of other donated materials upon request. To coordinate a donation, contact Jonathan M. Parisi at JParisi@SpanglerEstatePlanning.com.
Items of Greatest Need:
Click here to make a general donation to the Hunter Elementary School Fund!
Back in September, the Membership Committee challenged GBA members to participate in at least 15 events during the GBA’s 2024-25 programming year. We are happy to announce that six of your colleagues successfully completed that challenge! This year’s winners are Manisha Patel, Alex Snow, Angela Liverman, Jason Hicks, the Honorable Robby Hassell, and Eloise Hassell. The Membership Committee recognized these individuals at the GBA’s annual meeting in April with certificates of achievement, a GBA tote bag, and a GBA pint glass. Thank you to these dedicated members for helping to make this year a true success!
From left to right: Sarah Roane, Manisha P. Patel, Alex Snow, Jason Hicks, Eloise Hassell, Hon. Robby Hassell, Not Pictured: Angela Liverman
Camille Stell is President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. Continue this conversation by contacting
As solo and small firm lawyers, we’re used to wearing many hats—advocate, manager, marketer, mentor. One hat that often gets overlooked is that of the financial planner. While we expertly guide clients through their legal challenges, our own long-term financial future can quietly fall off the priority list. It’s time to bring it back into focus—because retirement is not just a financial milestone, it’s a lifestyle decision.
Retirement isn’t a distant concept—it’s a chapter of life that deserves just as much strategic attention as launching a practice or winning a case. Without proper planning, we risk trading the independence we’ve spent years building for a retirement filled with financial stress and compromise.
Most lawyers, especially those running solo practices or small firms, won’t benefit from corporate pensions or generous employer-sponsored plans. That means we are our own safety net. The earlier we start planning, the stronger that net becomes.
Time is the most powerful ally when it comes to financial planning. Starting early allows your money to grow through the magic of compound interest. Even modest, regular contributions to retirement accounts can add up over the years.
If you haven’t started yet, don’t despair. It’s never too late to take control. Begin now, and be consistent. Small actions taken today can significantly impact the quality of your retirement tomorrow.
A helpful rule of thumb: plan to need as much in retirement as you do today. Many professionals assume they’ll spend less once they stop working, but that’s often not the case. In fact, you may find you have more time for travel, dining out, or hobbies—and those things cost money.
You’ll want to factor in big-ticket items like dream vacations, family celebrations, or even future healthcare needs. Planning now gives you the freedom to enjoy these experiences later with less financial anxiety.
One crucial element of retirement planning that often goes overlooked is long-term health care insurance. As we age, the likelihood of needing assisted living, in-home care, or nursing facility support increases significantly. These costs can quickly erode your retirement savings if you’re not prepared.
The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports annual costs of $75,504 for a home health aide and $108,000 for an assisted living community in the Raleigh, NC area.
Long-term care insurance helps protect your assets and provides peace of mind that you’ll receive quality care without placing a financial burden on your family. By securing coverage while you’re still healthy and relatively young, you can lock in better rates and greater flexibility in your future care choices.
Just as our clients benefit from our legal expertise, we can benefit from financial professionals who understand the unique needs of small business owners. A financial advisor can help you:
Find someone you trust, someone who educates as well as advises.
We live in unpredictable times. Economic downturns, inflation, market fluctuations—these will come and go in cycles. But a solid, long-term financial plan cushions the impact. It’s not about timing the market, it’s about time in the market. Staying the course with a well-structured plan allows you to ride out economic waves with confidence.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be a season of reinvention, adventure, and personal fulfillment. Financial planning empowers you to retire on your terms, with dignity, comfort, and the freedom to enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to build.
Take that first step today. Whether you’re fresh out of law school or a few years from retirement, there’s no better time than now to invest in your future self.
Camille Stell is Vice President of Risk & Practice Management for Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Co. of NC and is the co-author of the book, RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans, 2nd Edition published October 2024. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualnc.com or 800.662.8843.
Tyler Nullmeyer, is President of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and Associate Attorney at Turning Point Litigation.
In April, YLS hosted a service event on April 1st at Backpack Beginnings. Thank you to our volunteers and Backpack Beginnings! The YLS kickball team continues to play on Monday nights. YLS also recently held an NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge. Congratulations to Hillary Kies (first place), Zachary Kovach (second place), and Alex Snow (third place)! In May, YLS will be hosting an end of the year celebration and a spring swearing-in ceremony. We hope to see many of you at one of these upcoming events! If you are eligible for YLS and do not currently receive our emails, please email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org to be added to our email list! Our email list is the best way to receive information about upcoming YLS events.
Allison Dunlap
Allie is a traffic and criminal defense attorney. She recently joined The Law Office of Tony Huynh. The majority Allie’s practice is based in Greensboro and High Point, but the law firm serves clients in 13 different counties. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Allie responded: “Let’s face it, most folks aren’t thrilled to talk to me. The best part about my job is the opportunity to provide guidance and clarity during a time of stress and uncertainty.”
After attending several events and playing on the YLS kickball team, Allie decided to join the YLS board. She is in her second year on the board and has been a valuable contributor to YLS. Allie specifically enjoys the fellowship and camaraderie of YLS. Allie is the proud mother of a young child, Miller. Miller and Allie’s husband, Landon, often attend YLS events with Allie.
Are you interested in joining the YLS board for the 2025-2026 GBA bar year? If so, please contact Tyler Nullmeyer at tnullmeyer@turningpointlit.com for more information and to be included on the ballot. The election of the 2025-2026 YLS board will take place on May 22nd during the end of the year celebration.
At 3:00 PM, on Friday, May 16, 2025, YLS will be hosting a spring swearing-in ceremony in the Board Chambers Room of the Old Guilford County Courthouse. If you, or a newly licensed attorney that you know, would like to participate, please email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org for an application.
At 5:30 PM, on Thursday May 22, 2025, YLS will host its end of the year celebration at Oden Brewing Company, 802 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403. Food and drinks will be provided. All YLS members and their families are invited to attend. The election of the 2025-2026 YLS board will also occur during the event. If you would like to attend, please email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org to RSVP.
For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook (Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section) or email us to be added to our email list (younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org).
YLS has a new email address, younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. YLS is taking this moment to update its email list. YLS is a free GBA section for attorneys of any age who have been practicing for 5 or less years, or attorneys 40 years of age or younger. If you satisfy one or both of these criteria and would like to be included on emails about upcoming events, please email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. We look forward to connecting with all YLS eligible members of GBA!
To provide feedback & suggestions for future events/programming, please email the Young Lawyers Section at younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook: Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.
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.
May 14 – GBA Board Meeting, 4:00 PM, Self Help Building
May 16 – Swearing-in Ceremony, 3:00 PM, Old Guilford County Courthouse [Board Chambers]
May 18 – Picnic at the Ballpark, 1:30 PM, First National Bank Field
May 21 – YLS Board Meeting, 12:00 PM, Turning Point Litigation
May 22 – YLS Year-Eand Celebration, 5:30 PM, Oden Brewing
May 28 – Virtual CLE Lunch & Learn, 12:30 PM, Zoom
Manisha P, Patel, Esq.
President of the Greensboro Bar Association
Dear Members of the Greensboro Bar Association,
As this bar year comes to a close, I find myself filled with deep gratitude and pride as I reflect on the accomplishments of the Greensboro Bar Association since June 1, 2024. It has been a true honor and privilege to serve as your President this year, and I am sincerely thankful for the trust you placed in me to lead this incredible organization.
When I began this journey, I shared that my theme for the year would be service—service to our community, to one another, and to the ideals of our profession. I am proud to say that we fully embraced this mission. From our very first member meeting in September 2024 to our most recent gatherings, our programming has been thoughtful, timely, and impactful. We were inspired by guest speakers, educated through CLEs, and connected with one another through engaging events that reminded us why the GBA is such a vital part of our legal community.
Our commitment to pro bono work was exemplified in November when Theodora Vaporis was honored with the 2024 Pro Bono Award for her unwavering dedication to access to justice. The Pro Bono Committee held the second annual MLK Ask-A-Lawyer Day in January 2025 to provide an outlet where community members could get their legal questions answered by volunteer attorneys. The 2024 Herb Falk Society was also recognized this year for pro bono legal service in excess of 75 hours in 2024. Our Community Involvement Committee organized several service projects, including a meaningful event with the Out of the Garden Project that allowed us to combat food insecurity right here in Guilford County in addition to the creation of the Robert C. Cone Community Involvement Society, recognizing GBA members who served our community outside of pro bono legal services as prescribed in the NC Rules of Professional Conduct.
In December, our annual Holiday Celebration at Elon Law brought us together for an evening of warmth, fellowship, and reflection. The event was a festive highlight, filled with the spirit of camaraderie that defines our Association.
Our Mentorship Committee continued to bridge the gap between generations of lawyers, fostering valuable connections and supporting the next wave of legal professionals. Meanwhile, our CLE Committee ensured that we remained educated and empowered in our practices, providing a slate of high-quality programming throughout the year. Our Annual CLE in February 2025 raised a record amount of funds for the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation, allowing the GBAF to award grants to local legal non-profit organizations later this calendar year.
We took lead in our community to donate to our colleagues and neighbors in Western NC after Helene. We collected funds to allow students at Jones Elementary to “buy” books at their annual book fair. We raised record funds for our Foundation through our Annual CLE seminar. We raised over $20,000 with our annual LANC fundraiser. As recognition to the outstanding contributions of our long-time GBA members, we created the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation Fellows to recognize a select 10% of the GBA membership for their contributions while raising funds for our Foundation to expand the work we do each year with our annual grants awarded to community non-profits. The GBA set a standard as one of two voluntary bar organizations in all of North Carolina to stand up for the Rule of Law with our March 31, 2025 Statement in Support of the Bar Organizations Letter with the American Bar Association.
We celebrated our members’ accomplishments, cheered their appointments and recognitions, and supported one another through challenges and triumphs alike. And behind every event, every initiative, and every success was a dedicated Board and a committed membership, working together with purpose and passion.
As I pass the gavel to the Hon. Bill Davis as your 2025-2026 GBA President, I do so with full confidence in the future of this Association. The GBA is strong because our members are engaged, dedicated, and united by a shared sense of purpose. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and I am grateful for the relationships and memories that this year has given me.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your President. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional life.
With sincere appreciation,
Manisha P. Patel, Esq.
President, Greensboro Bar Association
and the 24th Judicial Distric
The following members have been nominated to serve as officers of the Greensboro Bar Association for June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026:
GBA President Elect (24th JDB VP): Abigail E. Peoples
GBA (24th JDB) Secretary: Hillary M. Kies
GBA (24th JDB) Treasurer: Davis McDonald
The following members have been nominated to serve as directors of the Greensboro Bar Association for a 3-year term starting June 1, 2025 and ending in May 31, 2028:
Margaret A. Dudley
Elizabeth R. Robertson
Jonathan Wall
The nominations were submitted by the 2024-2025 Nominating Committee:
Gerald L. Walden, Jr. (Chair), Manisha Patel, Judge Bill Davis, Davis McDonald, Jennifer Mencarini, Tyler Nullmeyer, Nicole Scallon and Jon Wall.
Voting by the GBA membership will take place at the Annual Joint Meeting of the Greensboro Bar Association and the 24th Judicial District Bar on April 17, 2025 at Starmount Forest Country Club.
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.
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
