By Sophia Blair
Wake Forest University School of Law, 2018.
I love the challenge and daily variety of my work as a commercial litigator at Wyrick Robbins. Typically, I am researching, writing, advising clients, preparing for and attending hearings and depositions, consulting with my colleagues, and supervising and mentoring younger attorneys.
This summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
During my internship, I was involved in a range of activities that exposed me to the complexities of criminal defense and post-conviction advocacy. One of my key responsibilities was to assist with various post-conviction assignments, including the preparation of a mitigation packet. This involved reviewing case files, researching legal precedents, and drafting documents that could be used to argue for reduced sentences or other forms of relief for incarcerated clients. I also had the opportunity to observe court hearings and trials, which allowed me to see firsthand the legal strategies used by attorneys and the decision-making processes of judges.
As you know, Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact on Western North Carolina. Recovery from this disaster will take years, and residents who have suffered losses from the storm need legal help getting back on their feet.
The North Carolina Bar Foundation has several ways that North Carolina litigators can offer assistance.
Consumer Protection Cases. First, DLS anticipates an increased need in the area of consumer protection and contractor fraud. Hurricane victims are being targeted by scammers, which has given rise to consumer/contractor fraud and related cases. Please use this DLS Volunteer Sign up Form to offer assistance on these matters. (There is a specific place on the form where you can indicate your willingness to assist with these matters.)
By WIP members
As part of a monthly blog series, we’ve invited members of the NCBA Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee to share their insights on common challenges faced by women in the legal profession. As you will see in their answers, each member brings a unique perspective and personal experience, resulting in varied responses to the same questions. This diversity of thought underscores that there is rarely a single “right” answer to any given situation. We hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for other female attorneys navigating similar dilemmas in the legal workplace.
As a law student, there are many activities and organizations available for students to join, including Moot Court and Law Review. Law students attending American Bar Association (commonly referred to as the “ABA”)-accredited or provisionally accredited law schools are eligible for complimentary membership in the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. The NCBA offers many valuable resources and opportunities for law student members, including Networking events, Pro Bono Opportunities, Practice Seminars, and so much more.
Compiled by Jessica Junqueira
Gwendolyn Lewis has joined the firm’s litigation section in the Charlotte office. Her practice is focused on civil litigation, complex labor and employment litigation and advising and professional liability litigation. Lewis has practiced law for more than ten years. She represents both individuals and corporations and has provided counsel to clients on a range of issues before the United States Department of Labor and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lewis has also represented and defended medical providers and hospitals before state courts and administrative agencies. Lewis served as a judicial extern for the North Carolina Supreme Court for Justice Paul M. Newby. She graduated from Elon University School of Law, where she later served as alumni director and an adjunct professor. She holds a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in criminal justice from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Craig T. Almond is now an associate attorney with the firm, where he is a part of the firm’s litigation practice group. He will represent clients in matters of commercial litigation, business litigation, employment, construction, real estate, and estate disputes. He previously worked as a summer and fall law clerk with Carruthers & Roth. Almond earned his J.D., cum laude, from Elon Law School in 2023. While in law school, he served as the articles editor for the Elon Law Review and competed on the Moot Court team. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.
Katrina L. Hauprich received her J.D. with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2024. During law school, she worked as a comments editor for the North Carolina Law Review. Before attending law school, Hauprich worked for public and private institutions of higher education in admissions, alumni relations, fundraising and student affairs. She received a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and Hispanic linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more
In the legal field, the term “pro bono” refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without payment. While most people think of attorneys when they hear about pro bono work, paralegals play an equally important role in providing these services. In North Carolina, pro bono paralegal work not only supports access to justice but also enriches the professional and personal lives of those who engage in it.
Pro bono work involves offering legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services. This can include a wide range of services, such as preparing legal documents, conducting research, and providing assistance in court. For paralegals, pro bono opportunities allow them to utilize their skills while contributing to their communities. Pro bono service must be completed under the direct supervision of an attorney licensed in the State of North Carolina in accordance with Rule 6.1.
This summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
This summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
By Shane Murphy 
Working as an intern at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to the critical work of investigating post-conviction claims of innocence. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the meticulous process of seeking truth and justice. This is the type of role that I believe is only possible in a public-sector position, where an agency like the Commission can operate on their charge without financial motives.
One of main responsibilities I had during my internship was assisting in the evaluation of innocence claims. This process is far more intricate and demanding than I initially imagined. Each claim requires a thorough, objective analysis that often involves sifting through mountains of documentation. When a new claim comes in, we would start by reviewing the initial application. This document provides an overview of the case and the basis for the innocence claim. From there, we dive into the case files, which include trial transcripts, police reports, forensic analyses, and any post-conviction filings.
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