By Maya Davis and Brittany Harry Breaking a barrier means overcoming or removing obstacles, whether they are physical walls, natural impediments, or unseen forces like social, cultural, or political restrictions that impede progress or action. For young lawyers entering the legal profession, these barriers are not just theoretical; they are real, personal, and often deeply […]
By Taylor Gibbs and Tia Overway Greetings, everyone! We are excited to introduce ourselves as the new co-chairs of the YLD’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. I am Taylor Gibbs, a second-year associate at Blanco Tackabery in Winston-Salem and a 2024 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law. Alongside me as co-chair is […]
By Chazlé Woodley One of my favorite legal legends is the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and one of his famous quotes is, “None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody—a parent, a teacher, an Ivy League crony or a few nuns—bent […]
By Courtney Latourrette and Alex Gwynn As the leaves change and the crisp autumn air sets in, October brings more than just pumpkins and spooky decorations—it’s also Pro Bono Month, a nationwide celebration of access to justice. Throughout the month, legal professionals “fall” into service, coming together to raise awareness about the importance of equal […]
By Tiqeece Brown Hey, come here – let me give you a hug. Yell if you need to, cry if you need to, or let’s just sit and process. Feel the full weight of what just happened. You didn’t receive the score you hoped for to become licensed. Yes, it sucks. But your hard work […]
By Sheila Spence Welcome to the 2025-2026 bar year! My name is Sheila Spence, and I am delighted to introduce myself as our YLD chair for this exciting year. It is truly an honor to serve in this role, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead for us to work together. Under […]
By Matt Meinel and Tae Storr Do you have time to grab a cup of coffee? Instead of taking this one to-go, how about spending thirty meaningful minutes with a future lawyer? A half hour of your time is all we need to make this program a success! We are seeking attorney volunteers to connect […]
By Ari Sibrey-Hughes Dear Ari, Today will be a hard day. Reading those words, “We regret to inform you that you did not pass the North Carolina Bar Exam,” will be one of the toughest times you will go through. I know it seems unfair, reflecting back to all the time you spent studying, reading, […]
By Brittany Harry, Cherell Harris, Chazle’ Woodley, Quinn Byars, Huma Khursheed, and Zack Kaplan Introduction The YLD’s Legal Link Committee has been on the move in 2025. Through nine events (and counting) in communities across the state, committee members and guest speakers have engaged with hundreds of middle and high school students in a variety […]
By Maya Davis Last month the New Lawyers in Practice Committee hosted a dynamic and honest conversation centered on growth, transitions, and the tough decisions that shape a legal career. Whether you’re a new associate figuring out your place in a firm or a seasoned attorney contemplating a major move, the event offered insights for […]