By Amy E. Richardson Few moments test the professionalism of lawyers and law firms more than a lawyer’s departure. While the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct — and recent ethics opinions like 2025 FEO 1 and 2021 FEO 6 — provide clear direction on what lawyers must do when a departure occurs, professionalism asks […]
By Paul B. Taylor Each year, beginning in January, the North Carolina Bar Association Professionalism Committee reviews nominations for the H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award and recommends an awardee to the Board of Governors. The award is announced publicly and given to the awardee at the North Carolina Bar Association annual meeting in June. […]
By Kris Hilscher I started practicing law the same year that the iPhone 3G came out, and everyone thought the economy was just taking a long weekend. A lot has changed — Zoom hearings, e-filing, the fact that associates now ask for “mental health days” instead of pretending they have the flu, just to name […]
By Jimbo Perry Goal: “Always leave your campsite better than you found it.” — Allan Head I am excited to serve as Chair of the NCBA Professionalism Committee. The Professionalism Committee has 40 members this year. Each member is committed to promoting professionalism and civility across the state and leaving our profession better than we […]
By Jeremy Sugg A few years ago, I ran into a law school classmate in the courthouse elevator. In discussing where we were headed, I let her know I was on my way to a hearing on a motion to dismiss. She wished me good luck as we reached her floor, and I responded, “Oh, […]