Holiday Party Save the Date

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GBA HOLIDAY PARTY

Save the Date

Elon Law School

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Your Donation is Needed for the Elementary School Book Program

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The book program at Jones Elementary School is a wonderful Greensboro Bar Association tradition! This year, GBA member donations will be used to allow the children in grades K-5 of the Traditional English program to select a book of their choice ($8 or less) at the school’s Book Fair, to be held the week after Thanksgiving. We will also provide a gift book for all “graduating” 5th graders in the spring, both in the Traditional English and Spanish Immersion programs. GBA volunteers are welcome to help children shop at the Book Fair this fall, and to deliver the 5th grade graduation books to the students next Spring.

Donate now online, or mail your check made payable to the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation, with “Elementary School Project” in the memo line, to:

Greensboro Bar Association Foundation
P.O. Box 1825
Greensboro, NC 27402

To volunteer or for more information, please contact Elementary School Project committee co-chairs Ashley Canupp or Erin Reis. 

Donations are tax-deductible, with receipts sent to each donor. Thank you in advance for your continuing support – the children and teachers at Jones thank you too!

Click to Donate Online Now

The Hon. Ralph A. Walker and Attorney Donald R. Vaughan Receive Prestigious GBA Distinguished Service Award

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Service to others is one of the core values of the Greensboro Bar Association.  In 1929, the GBA was established to encourage the assembly of its members for the transaction of business that furthers the public good and that maintains honor and dignity of the profession of law.

Although it is no secret that Judge Walker and Attorney Vaughan resemble the true meaning of those words from the GBA Constitution, they were certainly caught by surprise at GBA’s October 19th membership meeting when they were introduced and celebrated as the recipients of the GBA Distinguished Service Award.  Having dedicated decades of gracious service to their communities, in various capacities, Judge Walker and Attorney Vaughan continue to commit themselves to the Greensboro community, its legal profession, and the GBA.

GBA President Gerald L. Walden, Jr. and NC Bar Association President, Patti Ramseur, honor Judge Ralph A. Walker with Distinguished Service Award

The Honorable Ralph A. Walker has demonstrated selfless service in many roles over the course of his lifetime.  In his nearly sixty years of legal practice, he has served as a Guilford County solicitor, the Guilford County attorney, a partner of a private practice law firm, a Superior Court judge, and a judge for the North Carolina Court of Appeals.  Judge Walker is a veteran of the United States Army and North Carolina National Guard.  He has been a public member of the NC Medical Board, is a past board member of the Greensboro Urban Ministry, was a member of the Greensboro Mental Health Association, and is actively involved in his church.  It is apparent that Judge Walker has truly dedicated his life to serving the legal profession and his community.

GBA President Gerald L. Walden, Jr. and Judge A. Robinson (Robby) Hassell, honor Donald R. Vaughan with Distinguished Service Award

Attorney Donald R. Vaughan is a Greensboro native and Wake Forest University alumnus.  From Eagle Scout to zealous legal advocate, it is without doubt that Attorney Vaughan has been committed to public service since a young age.  Early in his career, his quest to serve led him to seek elective office—first being elected to an at-large position on the Greensboro City Council and ultimately serving two terms as Greensboro’s Mayor Pro Tempore. His term was followed by his election to the NC Senate for two terms.  Attorney Vaughan’s private law practice over the last several decades has afforded him opportunities to help others, whether in the halls of traffic court or the cells of our prisons, where he has devoted time in post-conviction clemency matters.   Attorney Vaughan is an adjunct professor at Wake Forest and Elon Law Schools.  His presence in the community is one that illustrates the true meaning of selfless service, and it is a badge of service worn well.

Are You Ready for 2024?

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Camille Stell
is President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualnc.com or

The end of the year is barreling towards us – are you ready? If not, here are a few tips for tidying up the financial side of your law practice.

Financial Management

For many lawyers, financial management is the business area of practicing law that provides the most heartburn. It’s completely understandable. But it is to your own detriment that you don’t understand the financial fundamentals better. Hire financial advisors to aid you in better understanding your business. Too many lawyers delegate responsibility to employees who have not been properly trained.

Be aware of potential landmines. A major red flag is having one employee who has all financial responsibility: check writing, bookkeeping, trust account management, financial reconciliation, as well serves as the gatekeeper for all communication with your financial partners and bank. Checks and balances are key. Often, there is no ill intent on the part of the employee, just a lack of knowledge. If, as the owner, you do not understand the process, you will have a hard time finding the flaws in your system or properly supervising.

Analyze Your Cash Flow

Brenda Barnes, law firm consultant and compensation expert, has this to say about law firm finance, “A good system of cash flow management can spell the difference between a successful business and a failed one. You need positive future cash flow to meet your debt commitments. Strong cash flow management also provides the ability to invest in growth. Getting to a position of excess cash flow helps your company operate in a strategic, proactive way, and can help keep you from operating on the defensive. Year end is an excellent time to document your cash flow, prepare a cash flow budget, and look for areas of improvement.”

Financial Review

Here is a checklist for law firms to strategically maximize profitability in 2024.

  • Review realization rates and compare to prior years
  • Review client profitability to assist with determining billing rate adjustments
  • Review attorney and paralegal billing rates to determine whether an adjustment is necessary. If so, establish a communication protocol with your clients to discuss.
  • Set timekeeper budgets including billable hours, collections, and origination goals
  • Review your general ledger and correct coding adjustments as necessary
  • Review your Profit & Loss report. Where do you stand? If you have a larger than expected profit, are there any major purchases (investments in your firm) you should make now that can be depreciated? Make sure you have the cash. Talk to your CPA tax advisor.
  • Verify loan accounts and clean them up if necessary
  • Reduce your receivables – follow up with clients to get paid
  • Write off bad debt if necessary but work on getting paid first
  • Make SEP IRA or 401k contributions and donations to charity to reduce taxable income. Talk to your CPA tax advisor.
  • Verify your 1099 information is set up properly in your accounting system. Ensure you have W9’s and Tax ID numbers for issuing correct tax forms.
  • Begin to think about year-end bonuses. Will you give these this year or in January?
  • Review benefits that should be reported on W-2’s such as health and life insurance, transportation subsidies, moving expense reimbursements, and education debt or education reimbursement programs
  • Create budgets for 2024
  • Focus on your balance sheet – verify all your account balances

Strategic Look Ahead

Continue to examine how the pandemic and current economic market has impacted your law firm.

  • How is your area of practice performing? Are your clients able to pay their bills timely? Are your rates supporting your practice?
  • How are your employees faring? Are your work from office / work from home protocols meeting the firm’s needs? How stable is your remote work plan? Does your post-pandemic work force plan need further adjustment?
  • How is your personal mental health holding up? Do you have the support you need to continue to serve your clients? Are you able to support and encourage your team members?

Too often in our busy lives, we don’t take time for reflection. Schedule time to reflect on the current state and future of your firm. Ask your employees for input as their front-line communications with clients may reveal stresses or successes that don’t see from your point of view. 

Conclusion

Use a year-end review to see how your law firm performed under pressure and to make the changes necessary to strengthen your practice. With an objective look back, you can plan for moving forward.

Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and the co-author of the newly published book, RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans available from Amazon. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 800.662.8843.

Young Lawyers Section: Connections

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An Update from YLS

YLS is dedicated to hosting at least one event each month. In September, we hosted our “kick off” event at Abbey Taphouse and planned our Fall Swearing-In Ceremony. The Swearing-In Ceremony took place on October 27, 2023, at the Old Guilford County Courthouse and we enjoyed the opportunity to welcome newly-licensed attorneys to the profession and to tell them about the GBA! 

The YLS Board recently met with Assistant Principal Oneeka Lockhart to discuss the needs of Hunter Elementary School students and to discover ways we can serve this well-deserving school. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them this year! 


YLS Happy Hour “Kick Off” Event at Abbey Taphouse

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, YLS hosted a Kick-Off Party at Abbey Taphouse. We welcomed some familiar friends and welcomed some new faces! This was a successful networking and service event.  Alongside the networking fun, we raised school supplies for Hunter Elementary School to be delivered in the following weeks.


Casey Robinson

Casey Robinson

YLS Member Spotlight: Casey Robinson, Board Member

Casey practices Family Law at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson. She handles domestic matters such as child custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, and divorce cases in Guilford County, Randolph County, and Rockingham County here in North Carolina.

Casey’s favorite part about her job is being there to help people going through some of the toughest times of their lives. She states, “Navigating the legal process can be difficult, especially revolving around something as important as one’s family. My goal is to help people navigate the system, advocate for their needs, and work to a resolution that meets their goals.”

Upcoming YLS Events: 

In November, YLS is hoping to host a “bowling night” social event. Stay tuned for details! 

For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook: Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.

Connect with YLS:

To provide feedback & suggestions for future events/programming, please email the Young Lawyers Section at info@greensboroyls.org. 

The Young Lawyers Section would like to celebrate the personal milestones and professional accomplishments of it’s members. Email YLS at info@greensboroyls.org to share achievements that you would like celebrated on the YLS Facebook page.

Attention RE Lawyers!

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Join the Real Estate Section for a great meal, drinks and discussion on the growing market for build-to-rent products with Eric Friedman, Build-to-Rent Development Manager with Crescent Communities.  This meeting will be held at 5:30pm on November 9th at the office of Tuggle Duggins (400 Bellemeade Street, Suite 800).  To make a reservation, please call Martha Bailey directly at 336.271.5202 or send an email to mbailey@tuggleduggins.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

New Members Approved October 11, 2023

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Jacob W. Parrott
Schell Bray PLLC
Adrianne Edmonds Poe

Madison L. Boyer
Tuggle Duggins P.A.
Michael J. Wenig

Allison M. Burke
Teague Rotenstreich Stanaland Fox & Holt, PLLC
Joshua C Rotenstreich

Mason P. Butner
Tuggle Duggins P.A.
Michael J. Wenig

Anupama Pal
Elon University School of Law
Alan D. Woodlief, Jr.

Cory A. Rayborn
Tuggle Duggins P.A.
Michael J. Wenig

Claire E. Thompson
Tuggle Duggins P.A.
Michael J. Wenig

Wellness Corner

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BarCARES is a confidential, short-term intervention program provided cost-free to members of the 24th Judicial District Bar and other participating judicial district bars, voluntary bar associations and law schools. If you would like additional information about the program and/or its availability in your area, please contact the BarCARES coordinator at 919.929.1227 or 1.800.640.0735 or click on the icon below.

November 2023 Calendar Notes

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November 8 – GBA Board Meeting, 4:00 PM, Self Help Building

November 9 – Real Property Section Meeting, 5:30 PM, Tuggle Duggins

November 15 – YLS Board Meeting, 12:00 PM, CR Legal Team Office

November 16 – Member Lunch, 12:30 PM, Greensboro Country Club Register for GBA Lunch Here

November 20 – Submission Deadline for November Newsletter

Click to keep up with GBA Events Online

Click Here for Legal Community Events

Message from the President, November 2023

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Gerald L. Walden, Jr. President of the Greensboro Bar Association

Gerald L. Walden, Jr.
President of the Greensboro Bar Association

Hello GBA Members!

With this month being November and Thanksgiving fast approaching, I want to share something I am thankful for – the GBA. 

The following events of the last two weeks have led me to reflect on when I first began my career as an attorney 22 years ago:

  • Witnessing the GBA’s recognition of Judge Ralph Walker as one of two Distinguished Service Award winners – a man who was serving on the NC Court Appeals and was so welcoming to me when I began my judicial clerkship there immediately following graduation;
  • Hearing seasoned GBA attorney, Margaret Dudley, share a personal story from her time at law school during our October member meeting which culminated in her advising the members to not let the practice of law prevent them from making time for family and friends; and
  • Participating in the swearing-in ceremony of newly licensed attorneys to the NC Bar hosted by the GBA’s Young Lawyers Section. 

When reflecting on my early years, I realized that I was practicing law for nearly a decade in Greensboro before connecting with the GBA. As someone who went in-house directly after my clerkship, there really was no business need for me to engage with local attorneys since literally none of the matters I worked on were tied to the Triad area. Nevertheless, I am thankful to former GBA president, Afi Johnson-Parris, for personally reaching out and asking me to join the GBA. Since that time, I have enjoyed my membership in the GBA immensely – developing personally and professionally along the way. 

I’ll close with a portion of the remarks I shared during the swearing-in ceremony I mentioned above; remarks I wish I had heard earlier in my legal career:

New lawyers, you are joining a legal community that, while adversarial at times when defending and advocating for clients, is quite collegial and wants to see you succeed as your success is a win for the profession. Never is that more evident than through the members of the Greensboro Bar Association. . . . It has been a place where I have found mentors and mentees, been given and offered advice, received opportunities to give back to my community and take on leadership roles, and simply connected with like-minded individuals who have become great colleagues and friends. 

 

Gerald L. Walden, Jr.

President, Greensboro Bar Association 2023-2024

New Members, Approved September 2023

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Charles F Royster III
Charles F Royster III
Endorser: Sarah H. Roane

Jeremiah Kwame Opata
City of Greensboro
Endorser: Polly D. Sizemore

Courtney Bachman
Deuterman Law Group
Endorser: Daniel L. Deuterman

Alexander Dawson III
District Attorney’s Office
Endorser: Randle L. Jones

James Patrick Ellington
Elon University School of Law
Endorser: Peter R. Lamm

M. Gray Styers, Jr.
Fox Rothschild LLP
Endorser: Amy S. Klass

Jason Francis Hicks
Guilford County Attorney’s Office
Endorser: Andrea Leslie-Fite

Taylor Squires
Kreider Attorneys at Law
Endorser: Jonathan G. Kreider

Lance W. Behnke
Lance W. Behnke
Endorser: Susan Liemer

Christopher C. Barnes
Law Firm Carolinas
Endorser: Carole R. Albright

Jordan Terry
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Endorser: Janet McAuley-Blue

Camila Rivadeneira
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Endorser: Emily V. Carico

Dara Longoria
McKinney Immigration Law
Endorser: Sarah H. Roane

Mary Jean Charlene Segal
Not Your Average Law Firm
Endorser: Melissa A. Duncan

Raven C. Ash
Revolution Law Group
Endorser: Karen McKeithen Schaede

Jesse Offchiss
Schell Bray PLLC
Endorser: Andrew D. Steffensen

Beth Harshman
Endorser: Sarah H. Roane

Joel R. White
Fox Rothschild LLP
Endorser: Lisa M. Williford

John W. Cox
John W. Cox, Attorney at Law, PLLC
Endorser: Carole R. Albright

Volunteers Needed for the GBA Welcome Wagon 

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The Membership Committee (Judge Bill Davis and Sarah Roane) needs your help!  In an effort to encourage new members to participate in the GBA’s programming and meet other members, we are once again initiating the Welcome Wagon program where we pair existing members with new members who are attending their first lunch or dinner meeting.  Your participation would involve contacting the new member to introduce yourself and make arrangements to meet at the meeting, as well as taking the new member around during the social hour to introduce them to other members.  If the new member prefers, you could also sit with them during the meeting.  You would not be expected to be available for every meeting, you would just be volunteering to be in a pool of folks who we would reach out to as needed to see if a pairing could be made.

If you would like to participate, please reach out to Sarah Roane at sarahroane@gmail.com.

In Memoriam: James Barnes Weeks

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James-Barnes-Weeks James Barnes Weeks

June 23, 1941 – September 14, 2023

James (Jim) Barnes Weeks, age 82, died peacefully on September 14, 2023, following a courageous battle against cancer.  He was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, on June 23, 1941, and throughout his remarkable life, touched the hearts of many.

Jim’s journey was one of dedication, resilience, connection and fun.  Jim graduated as valedictorian from Hobbton High School, then graduated in 1963 from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in political science.  Although he initially did not pursue the study of law, he began building his family’s foundation and relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1965.  It was there that he embarked on a highly successful career as a salesman for Scientific Products.  However, Jim’s true passion beckoned, and in 1976 he graduated from the UNC School of Law, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney.  He and a classmate, Joe Turner, established a successful law practice in Greensboro.  Throughout his 46-year career, Jim helped countless individuals in achieving their dreams of home ownership and developing their estate plans, while assisting those in need.  He spent much time volunteering with several organizations in Greensboro, while finding great joy in being an active part of the community.  Jim also had a fun, quick wit.  He was beloved at the courthouse and an admired mentor for countless law students.  

A dedicated member of West Market Streeet United Methodist Church, Jim found purpose in teaching Sunday School.  He was an avid Tar Heel fan, and seldom missed a game.  He also had a zest for travel and, at the age of 60, took up the game of golf with enthusiasm.  

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Louise (Sutton) Weeks, his wife, Linda Willis Weeks, his son-in-law Toby Skemp, and his cherished friend, Matt Hunoval.

He is survived by his four devoted daughters:  Lisa Weeks (Jay Cole), Lori Boldt (Terry), Kelley Tucker (Steven), and Shelley Roupas-Cantrell (Todd).  He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Cox, and nephews Alan Cox and Ken Cox (Samantha), and several grandchildren:  Jack, Luke, Liz, and Patrick Boldt; Mackenzie and Austin Tucker; Thomas and David Roupas; and McLaren and Baxter Cantrell, as well as nieces Lindley and Kate.  

Three Carruthers & Roth Attorneys Named 2024 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” in the Triad

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Carruthers & Roth, P.A. announced today that three of the firm’s attorneys have been named Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas in the Triad area. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this accolade particularly significant.

  • June L. Basden – 2024 Triad “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law and for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law 
  • J. Scott Dillon – 2024 Triad “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Richard L. Vanore – 2024 Triad “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
June L. Badsen

June L. Badsen

June L. Basden is both an attorney and a Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of experience in commercial finance and insolvency law. She represents national, regional and community banks, financial institutions and commercial lenders in a variety of finance transactions, with a special focus on commercial lending and creditors’ rights.

June was also listed in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for her work in Commercial Finance Law and Commercial Transactions / UCC Law. She was previously recognized by Best Lawyers as Triad Commercial Finance Law “Lawyer of the Year” in 2021 & 2023, among other esteemed recognitions.

J. Scott Dillon

J. Scott Dillon

J. Scott Dillon is the senior attorney in Carruthers & Roth’s Business, Tax and Estates department. He has a broad-based business, corporate, and transactional practice that includes handling personal and estate-related matters for the owners and their families. Scott has 40 years of experience dealing with legal issues affecting businesses and counseling with business owners on such matters, as well as drafting and negotiating business contracts.

Scott was also listed in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, and was previously recognized by Best Lawyers as Triad Employee Benefits (ERISA) “Lawyer of the Year” for 2021 & 2023, among other esteemed recognitions.

Richard L. Vanore

Richard L. Vanore

Richard L. Vanore is a 50-year litigator experienced in professional malpractice, health law, personal injury, commercial disputes and other areas of civil litigation. Richard is also certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct Mediated Settlement Conferences in Superior Court cases and utilizes his litigation experience to assist conflicting parties in resolving their disputes through effective facilitation. 

Richard was also listed in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants. 

Carruthers & Roth also recently announced that 12 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to 2024 Best Lawyers and four additional attorneys were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America lists. 

Ron Johnson of Carruthers & Roth Named to NC Bar’s Legal Practice Hall of Fame

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Ron-Johnson

Ron Johnson

GBA member and Carruthers & Roth attorney Ron Johnson has been inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association’s Legal Practice Hall of Fame – a recognition honoring outstanding lawyers who exhibit the highest standards of ethics, professional competency, and service to both the bar and the community.

The award was announced during the June annual meeting of the North Carolina Bar Association, and an induction ceremony was held on September 14.

Davis McDonald, a Carruthers & Roth colleague who nominated Johnson for the award, says he clearly meets the Hall of Fame criteria.

“During his nearly five decades as an attorney, Ron has become well known in Guilford County and beyond for his knowledge, work ethic and generosity,” McDonald says. “He has become a trusted advisor to thousands of loyal clients and to a wide range of civic groups and charities.”

At Carruthers & Roth, Johnson works closely with clients on matters involving estate planning, estate administration, business law and nonprofit corporations. He is board certified in estate planning and probate law and is a former board member and past president of the Greensboro Estate Planning Council. He also has been repeatedly recognized by Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite” — ranked by his peers for his excellence in tax and estate planning.

In addition to his commitment to his profession, Johnson is well-known for his commitment to the broader community. He has been honored by many charitable and civic organizations for his service, including the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Family Services of the Piedmont, Triad Health Project, Guilford Green Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, AuthoraCare Collective, Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro, and Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women. 

Before joining Carruthers & Roth, Johnson was a founding member of Johnson Peddrick & McDonald, a Greensboro-based law firm. He and his partners joined Carruthers & Roth in 2021.  

Jon Wall Named to 2023 Power List of Employment Lawyers

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Jonathan “Jon” Wall

Jonathan Wall

Higgins Benjamin attorney Jonathan “Jon” Wall was named to the 2023 Power List of Employment Lawyers in North Carolina.  This year, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly recognized 25 lawyers throughout the State on the Power List of Employment Lawyers.  Jon also currently serves as the co-chair of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee.

Wall’s practice includes wage & hour class actions, WARN Act class actions, noncompetition agreement litigation, discrimination, and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy.  For more information, go to https://nclawyersweekly.com/2023/08/23/power-list-employment-2023/.

Of employment law, Wall said “The law is more fluid and developing than in some other legal pursuits, and interesting legal questions are raised in almost every case.”

Abigail Seymour Selected by Goldman Sachs for Prestigious Small Business Program

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Abigail-C-Seymour

Abigail C. Seymour

Camino Law, a bilingual women-owned family law firm, is honored to announce that its founder and GBA member, attorney Abigail C. Seymour, has been selected to participate in the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program.

One of 170 entrepreneurs nationwide chosen for the program’s National Cohort, Seymour will engage in highly specialized training designed by the banking and investment company, in collaboration with Babson College, designed to empower small businesses around the country.

Seymour, a second-career attorney who graduated from Elon University School of Law in Greensboro at age 50, founded Camino Law in 2019. Her all-female firm is one of the few bilingual family law firms in the Triad. (Seymour herself is fluent in Spanish after living in Spain in her 20s, and the majority of her staff are native Spanish-speakers.) The firm’s name derives from her experience walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago across Spain in 1995. 

Now with a staff of 7, and having tripled revenue since 2020, Camino Law is known for its innovative approach to the traditional law firm experience. “Many of our clients are parents, and often have to bring their kids to the office, so we have a bright and cheerful playroom for them and a Little Free Library,” says Seymour. The entire office, a converted Victorian house near Blandwood Mansion, is decorated with artwork, some of it by Seymour, a former photographer and artist. “We represent and advocate for our clients, and sometimes that means helping them avoid litigation entirely. Overall, we want to let them know that our number one priority in everything we do is for the best interests of their children,” says Seymour.

As part of the highly competitive 12-week Goldman Sachs program, which is offered to participants for free, Seymour will join other entrepreneurs in 120 hours of training and mentorship in key areas such as business strategy, financial management, marketing, and leadership development. In addition to the invaluable knowledge gained from the curriculum, Camino Law’s participation will also grant access to a vast network of peers, industry experts, and mentors who will provide guidance and support throughout the journey.

“Camino Law remains committed to helping families stay out of court, stay friends and raise happier kids,” says Seymour. “Goldman Sachs’ program will help us to scale and grow in a way that will allow us to assist even more families in focusing on the well-being of their children rather than battling each other in court. Our participation in this program aligns perfectly with our long-term vision for success. We are excited about the possibilities this program offers and look forward to sharing the benefits with our clients, employees, and the community.”

The Unseen Benefits of Volunteerism

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Camille Stell
is President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualnc.com or

In the mid-1980’s I graduated from Meredith College and the Meredith College Paralegal Program and began my career as a bright-eyed paralegal. I loved everything about what I was doing, but I especially enjoyed volunteering and building relationships through professional associations.

Fun with Volunteer Work

Sometime during those early years, a group of paralegals and lawyers from the Wake County Bar Association and the Raleigh-Wake Paralegal Association volunteered with a local Boy Scouts chapter in the Law Explorer program. The Law Explorer program was created to allow high school students to learn various roles in the legal profession.

These students approached the Wake County Bar Association with the goal of participating in a mock trial. There were both teenage boys and girls who participated in this project, and parents who served as chaperones.

After rallying our volunteers, we ordered a mock trial kit, and we meet on weeknights with the kids. We took turns hosting the coaching events at the law firms where we worked, and we chipped in for pizza for practice that often lasted several hours.

In no time, we were in the Wake County Courthouse coaching and cheering our teams on to victory. The kids had a blast, the parents were pleased as punch, and we took pride in our role of helping them accomplish their goal.

Today, as I write this, I wonder if any of those kids went on to paralegal school or law school? Even if they didn’t, they left with a better understanding of our justice system and they had the confidence-building experience of leading a trial team, making arguments in court, and hopefully they saw our role as volunteers as something to emulate as well.

Building Relationships

At the time, I couldn’t begin to see what a 40-year career looked like, and it certainly never occurred to me that my friends would go on to become outstanding leaders in their field. 

The paralegals in this group were among my closest friends and Debbie Lawrence is still my “ride or die”. Laura Powell Lee and Tricia Diltz Millward were long-time paralegals at Smith Anderson, and both served in local and state paralegal associations in leadership roles, as well as volunteering within their communities. 

The volunteer lawyers rose to the top of their profession as well serving as the Assistant U.S. Attorney EDNC (Dan Boyce), Clerk of Court at the N.C. Court of Appeals (John Connell), practice group leader of the Medical Malpractice Defense team at Smith Anderson (John Madden), Senior Resident Superior Court Judge of the 10th Judicial District (Paul Ridgeway), and Assistant U.S. Attorney EDNC (Kieran Shanahan).

I didn’t find a study that said helping high school students produce a mock trial correlated to winning a judicial election, but it’s no coincidence that those who give of themselves, and their time are also those who are preparing themselves for career and life opportunities.

Health Benefits of Volunteering

Psychology and Aging published a four-year study on the benefits of volunteering in adults 50-years-old and over. The study showed that those who volunteered at least 200 hours the year prior to the study were less likely to develop hypertension.

A CNN Health article reported that volunteering has shown benefit in reducing pain, minimizing stress, improving depression, reducing the risk for cognitive impairment, and that volunteering will help us live longer. 

Loneliness and isolation are recognized as epidemic in our world today. Volunteering allows us to feel closer to one another, expand our community, and strengthen bonds between co-workers, friends, and family. One study found that people who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people in the U.S. and find volunteering a way to counteract the effects of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Conclusion

Volunteerism is the engine that keeps our communities healthy and vibrant and makes us healthier and happier. In my personal experience, volunteering expanded my relationships within the legal community which helped me as my career developed and expanded my friend circle.

There are so many opportunities for giving back. Find the opportunities that work for you and reap the rewards of volunteering!

Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and the co-author of “RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans” published in December 2022. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 919.677.8900.

Young Lawyers Section: Connections

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Elizabeth Robertson, is President of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and Personal Injury Litigation Attorney at CR Legal Team, LLP

Elizabeth Robertson, is President of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and Personal Injury Litigation Attorney at CR Legal Team, LLP

An Update from YLS

During the month of August, YLS hosted an event at the Grasshoppers game (see below) & had a blast. The YLS board also hosted its first meeting and discussed the following goals for the year: 1) Establish the strength of YLS in the GBA & the community; 2) Promote YLS members; 3) Create a YLS experience that is meaningful throughout all stages of life. 

I hope you will notice our action plan to reach these goals starting with this newsletter’s inclusion of our first YLS Member Spotlight. We look forward to highlighting our members and their personal and professional achievements. Additionally, you will see young lawyers wearing YLS pins at the next GBA meeting. If you are an attorney under 40 years of age or have been practicing less than 5 years, please grab a pin to wear during the meeting. We would love to connect with you! If you have questions about YLS or how to get involved, please speak with someone wearing one of these pins! 

YLS X Greensboro Grasshoppers 

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, YLS enjoyed one of the last Greensboro Grasshoppers games of the year! Members and their families enjoyed being reunited after Summer!

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, YLS enjoyed one of the last Greensboro Grasshoppers games of the year! Members and their families enjoyed being reunited after Summer!  

YLS Member Spotlight: Allison Dunlap, Board Member 

Allison Dunlap

Allison Dunlap

Allie handles DWIs, traffic and criminal defense cases at Minick Law, P.C. She practices in the following counties: Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Forsyth, Davidson and Davie.

Allie’s favorite part about her job is getting to help good people in their darkest hour. Allie states, “facing a traffic or criminal offense is stressful and giving people the information and encouragement they need to get through the process is rewarding.”

Fall Swearing-In Ceremony

Each year, the Young Lawyers Section sponsors a Fall Swearing-in Ceremony for the admission of newly licensed attorneys to the state and federal courts. This year, the Young Lawyers Section is hosting its Fall Swearing-in Ceremony on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 3:00 pm. The location is to be determined.

We welcome the support and attendance of the members of the GBA at the Fall Swearing-in Ceremony to support our newly licensed attorneys. Friends and family are also invited to celebrate the occasion. If you are a newly licensed attorney, or you know a newly licensed attorney, please email Tyler Nullmeyer at tnullmeyer@turningpointlit.com to receive application materials.  Applications are due by October 20, 2023.

For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook: Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.

Connect with YLS:

To provide feedback & suggestions for future events/programming, please email the Young Lawyers Section at info@greensboroyls.org. 

The Young Lawyers Section would like to celebrate the personal milestones and professional accomplishments of it’s members. Email YLS at info@greensboroyls.org to share achievements that you would like celebrated on the YLS Facebook page.

Wellness Corner

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BarCARES is a confidential, short-term intervention program provided cost-free to members of the 24th Judicial District Bar and other participating judicial district bars, voluntary bar associations and law schools. If you would like additional information about the program and/or its availability in your area, please contact the BarCARES coordinator at 919.929.1227 or 1.800.640.0735 or click on the icon below.

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.

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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

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