The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One – Law Day 2025

Sidney, a Black woman with black hair, wears a white blouse, black jacket and glasses.Nicholas, a white man with brown hair, wears a grey shirt, grey and white striped tie, and black blazer.By Sidney Thomas and Nicholas Sorensen

A little history about Law Day . . . President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the first Law Day on May 1, 1958, to provide an opportunity for the nation and legal community to reflect on the vital role law plays in maintaining justice and order, protecting our rights, and promoting democracy. In 1961, Congress officially designated May 1 as Law Day, a nationally recognized celebration.

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Searching for Volunteers for the Grab-a-Coffee Program – Spring 2025

Matt, a white man with brown hair, wears a pale blue shirt, grey suit, and mint green tie.Tae, a Black woman with Black hair wears a white blouse and a black blazer.By Mary Beth Davis, 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 with a law student and pass on the valuable insights you have about succeeding in law school and entering the practice of law. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this attorney sign-up form (law students can sign up with this student sign-up form). If you have signed up during a previous GaC session, you will need to sign up again.

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An Apology to Myself, Part 1: Imposter Syndrome

Tiqeece, a Black man with black hair, wears a blue shirt, plaid blue tie, and grey blazer. He is smiling and holding a book.By Tiqeece Brown

Qeece:

Bro, young Simba, I owe you a huge apology. I’m so sorry for not maximizing your potential. I am sorry for doubting you for one bit. I let you down. I let us down. I take full responsibility. I want to take this time to reflect, highlight the experiences, and remind us about giving ourselves grace. It is called the practice of law for a reason.

Candidly, our imposter syndrome didn’t come from not belonging because of intellect. We are all smart. Our imposter syndrome came from feeling like our identity didn’t mesh with the traditional standards and customs of the legal environment.

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Join Us For A Complimentary Webinar on Law School Debt

By Erin Winters 

Do you have questions about law school debt? Are you a law school student and want a look at how student debt can affect you? Are you a young lawyer interested in learning about your options on managing and handling law school debt? Well, we have a free webinar to help guide you through those questions!

The ABA Young Lawyers and Law Student Divisions are co-sponsoring a complimentary webinar on law school debt in collaboration with the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, at 1 p.m. CST. You will see a few of your YLD leaders are participating as panelists, and we hope you will join us!

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/447540327/.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Erin Winters, Section Director, Section of Legal Ed at Erin.Winters@american.

Start Here, Stay Here: Why Law Students Should Join the North Carolina Bar Association

Courtney, a white woman with brown hair, wears a beige blouse. By Courtney Latourrette 

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.

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Friendsgiving Social & Music Trivia

By Megan Reilly-Dreas

The NCBA’s Young Lawyers Division, together with the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee, are excited to host Friendsgiving & Music Trivia: an evening of food, drinks, friends, and drag, at the Velvet Hippo in beautiful downtown Durham.

Come celebrate with old friends and make a few new ones as we give thanks for another great bar year.

Open to legal professionals, law students, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community alike, we will meet at 6:30 p.m. to mix and mingle ahead of music trivia bingo beginning at 8 p.m. hosted by Vivica Coxx and guest DJs.

Thursday, November 21
Friendsgiving Social – 6:30 p.m. | Music Trivia – 8 p.m.
Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge | 119 Orange St, 3rd Floor, Durham

The purple flyer reads "Music Trivia Bingo, fun prizes, no cover, guest DJs every week, 3 rounds of fun and games, free to play all rounds! Every Thursday night at 8 p.m."

How To Lose Your Law License

MJ, a white person with brown curly hair, wears a grey shirt and olive green button-down shirt. MJ is holding a coffee cup in a brightly lit coffee shop and sitting with a window in the background.By MJ Segal 

You’re a freshly licensed North Carolina attorney. Finding your footing in the job market is hard, and there seems to be a lot of important information you didn’t learn in law school. Then you get your first copy of the ABA journal, and, wow, there’s a whole section on attorneys who have gotten disciplined for breaking various rules. But that won’t happen to you . . . right?

Let’s make sure.

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Know Your Rights

Laura, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white blouse and black blazer.Carlo, a man with brown hair and a beard, wears a white shirt, blue tie and grey suit.By Laura Merriman and Carlo Ballesteros-Flores

We will cover frequently asked questions regarding in-person North Carolina voting and special issues. If you have any questions, you should check with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (“NCSBE”) and your local county board of elections.

When can you vote?

Early Voting began on October 17 and will continue until November 3 at 3 p.m. Election Day is November 5, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. You must be registered to vote before Election Day.

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Young Lawyers Mobilize for Disaster Legal Services

Brooks, a white woman with long, light brown hair, wears a white shirt and light blue blazer.By Brooks Savage 

In response to Tropical Storm Helene, the Disaster Legal Services (DLS) Program has been activated and young lawyers across the state, and the nation, are mobilizing to volunteer.

Disaster Legal Services

Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is authorized under the Stafford Act to provide pro bono legal services for low-income individuals who are unable to secure legal services to meet their needs as a consequence of a major disaster. After the President declares a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD), DLS is authorized as an Individual Assistance (IA) Program through the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and is administered through the states in partnership with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association (ABA).

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Belonging With Purpose: The Benefits of Joining the NCBA Young Lawyers Division

Samantha, a white woman with blond hair and brown glasses, wears a white shirt and navy blazer. By Samantha Gordon

As a young lawyer in North Carolina, one of the most valuable steps you can take in shaping your career is becoming actively involved in the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD). Not only does this provide numerous professional and personal benefits, but it also opens doors to meaningful networking opportunities, professional development, and ways to give back to the community. Here’s why you should get involved, how to sign up, and why it matters.

Why You Should Get Involved

1. Professional Development

Starting your legal career can feel daunting, but the YLD provides an invaluable opportunity for young attorneys to enhance their legal skills, build leadership experience, and access mentorship. The YLD offers a variety of workshops, CLE programs, and conferences that allow you to stay updated on the latest legal trends and practice areas, which will set you up for success. Read more