By Alex Gwynn, Matt Meinel and Will Robertson

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.

GaC is a statewide program that pairs law students with practicing attorneys based on their practice area(s) of interest. Discussion topics may include:

• what it is like to practice in your current area of law;

• the path you took to get where you are; and

• general advice on law school or the first year in practice.

The program is meant to be an informal, one-time, thirty-minute meeting. Attorneys and students have the option of meeting virtually or in person.

Sign-ups close on February 9. Volunteers will be notified by email with more information once they are paired with a law student.

To learn more about the Grab-a-Coffee program, check out this blog post and short YouTube video from prior participants in the program.

We look forward to a successful spring of networking!

Alex Gwynn and Will Robertson serve as co-chairs of the NCBA YLD Law Student Outreach Committee. Matt Meinel serves as the administrator of the NCBA Grab-a-Coffee Program. 

By S. Collins Saint

Dear Younger Sully,

There’s so much I wish I could share with you, especially about navigating the world as a young attorney. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way, including things that have become increasingly important — physical and mental health. Plus, there are some lessons from battles you’ve yet to face.

Firstly, let’s talk about your career. It’s incredible that you’ve chosen this path — it’s challenging, demanding, and rewarding. Remember, mistakes will happen, and they’re not a reflection of your worth. Learn from them, adapt, and grow. Embrace every opportunity to learn, whether from victories or setbacks. Every case, every client, every experience will shape you into the attorney you’re meant to become. Some things you have kept in your quiver through every stage of your life will continue to help you: your passion and compassion, your steadfast work ethic, and your ability to build connections with anyone you meet. You are better equipped than you know.

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By Mike McIntyre 

1. The most important case you have is the one sitting in front of you, because that client is there for that moment, trusting that you are going to invest yourself in his or her case.

2. Your greatest source of referrals is your fellow lawyers. Value your relationship with other members of the bar.

3. It is always easier and quicker to ask one of your senior partners a question and have them answer your concern than to spend two hours trying to look up an answer. It saves the partner and you time and money—and lessens frustration for both of you as well! Remember that older lawyers were once younger lawyers, and they actually don’t mind answering questions, because they have been there before you!

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By Justin Hill

The Young Lawyers Division and the North Carolina Bar Foundation are teaming up for the third year in a row to coordinate #GivingTuesday on November 28 and make it another one to remember!

For this year, the YLD and NCBF are raising money to fund the NCBF’s civic education and pro bono programs, including Wills for Heroes, 4ALL – Lawyers on Call, Disaster Legal Services, and many other priceless programs. We invite all those who can to make a gift to continue supporting impactful programming across the state.

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By Theresa DiCenzo, Kerry Sullivan and Zannah Tyndall

As a first-year law student, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed about securing the “perfect” internship or externship for your first summer. There is so much pressure to get valuable experience and boost your resume. However, it’s important to keep things in perspective. The reality is any legal experience you gain as a 1L will provide learning opportunities and help you develop as an attorney-in-training.

1. Don’t be worried about getting the perfect or most prestigious experience.

Rather than obsessing over landing a prestigious big law internship, keep an open mind about the range of options available. Smaller firms, government agencies, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and even judges’ chambers welcome 1L interns. The day-to-day work may vary, but every position will allow you to gain exposure to the legal field, build your network, improve research and writing skills, and clarify your own interests.

It’s understandable to have high hopes, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t obtain your top choice right out of the gate. Don’t let the process overwhelm your studies. The most valuable experiences are often unexpected. Over time, you’ll determine what areas interest you the most and what work settings suit you the best. Every position will teach you something useful for the future. The key is to stay open-minded, and don’t worry about checking boxes. Focus on pursuing genuine learning experiences, building skills, and identifying the career paths that excite you. The “perfect” job often comes from unexpected beginnings.

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