In June, I was fortunate to attend the Disaster Legal Services Workshop, where lawyers volunteered their services to help victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. This workshop was conducted in Asheville and was one of ten seminars held across Western North Carolina to assist individuals dealing with landlord/tenant, insurance, FEMA, health claims, and other issues arising from the devastation of the hurricane. Several hundred people came for help and were assisted by talented lawyers, including the Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall. These lawyers are coordinated by Pisgah Legal Services and voluntarily represent or refer to lawyers who represent the individuals in these matters. The sense of relief and joy that was everywhere at the workshop was invigorating. These North Carolinians knew lawyers cared and that they were not alone in their time of incredible need.
This program is funded by the North Carolina Bar Foundation. The Foundation is the funding body for Association civic education and pro bono programs. Like many other nonprofit foundations, the Bar Foundation receives a small percentage of the interest on the principal of the Endowment. 4ALL–Lawyers on Call, Career Fairs, Entrepreneurs Assistance Program, and the Judicial Learning Center are just a few other programs funded by the Foundation.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Administrativehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngAdministrative2025-10-23 10:33:402025-10-23 16:12:14Providing the Resources for Today and Tomorrow – NCBF Annual Fund and Endowment Fund
I am honored to serve as Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Tax Section for the 2025-2026 year. Our Section continues to play an important role in advancing knowledge, promoting collegiality, and providing opportunities for professional growth in the field of tax law.
Key Initiatives for 2025–2026
We are working hard to achieve several goals for the coming year, including the following:
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00TAXhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngTAX2025-10-20 16:59:552025-10-20 16:59:55Welcome from the Tax Section Chair – Introducing Our 2025-2026 Leadership Team
North Carolina has rather archaic laws regarding paternity and legitimization. In estate and probate matters, these issues arise when a father dies without a will (i.e., intestate) and leaves behind children born out of wedlock, where the father did not subsequently marry the mother or otherwise legitimate the child through the courts. In such cases, N.C.G.S. § 29-19(b) governs whether the child is considered an heir of the father and eligible to inherit via intestate succession.
This is significant for real estate attorneys and title searchers in determining who has title to real property owned by the intestate father. Not all biological children are intestate heirs under North Carolina law. In fact, the general rule is that children born out of wedlock, who are not subsequently legitimated, are not heirs and do not inherit from their father via intestate succession. However, there are three ways by which a child born out of wedlock can overcome this bar to inheritance, provided timely notice is given to the personal representative of the father’s estate.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00RealPropertyhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngRealProperty2025-10-20 13:20:422025-10-20 13:20:42NC Reforms Intestacy Laws for Children Born to Unwed Fathers
What law school did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
Hofstra Law, 1998.
Describe what a typical workday is like for you.
A typical workday involves reading updates on case law or on pending companion animal cruelty cases. I will have calls scheduled for any cases I am advising on and take calls for any new cases being investigated and collaborate on needs for the victims (vet care, training, housing). Additionally, I will respond to emails for needs of the companion animals of domestic violence victims if placement is needed. I may also be preparing for an upcoming presentation with research, reviewing slides and practicing presenting. If I am working on legislation, I will review and revise the language as part of the drafting process.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00womenintheprofessionhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngwomenintheprofession2025-10-20 13:17:412025-10-20 13:17:41Get to Know WIP Member Joyce Glass
Every paralegal learns about confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and never giving legal advice. These are the non-negotiables that keep our legal system fair and our clients protected. But beyond these, each of us brings something extra to the table—our own sense of right and wrong, the values we learned growing up, and the way we instinctively strive to do good. In my case, I grew up in a catholic family where we had to be the best version of ourselves every day, not only for ourselves, but for the community.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Paralegalshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngParalegals2025-10-20 13:05:472026-01-30 10:20:04The Moral Compass: Guiding Your Paralegal Journey
We are pleased to welcome McKensie G. Skeens, newly appointed Administrative Law Judge, to the bench. Judge Skeens is an accomplished attorney whose career has been defined by public service and education.
Originally from Abingdon, Virginia, Judge Skeens brings with her the values of service and community that shaped her early life. She earned her B.A., with honors, from the University of Georgia and went on to receive a J.D. from Campbell Law School.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Administrativehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngAdministrative2025-10-17 14:51:012025-10-17 14:51:01Meet New Administrative Law Judge: McKensie G. Skeens
More than a court order, reunification therapy gives families the chance to rebuild what conflict has broken.
The Human Side of Custody Disputes
In family law, some of the most painful cases aren’t about property or even money—they’re about children who resist contact with a parent. For attorneys and judges, these situations can be incredibly complex. For families, they can be heartbreaking.
Amanda Crowder, LCSW, of Calming Waters Counseling Services, said she was drawn to this work because she wants courts to better understand the mental health dynamics behind custody cases. “This work is special, and it needs to be done well,” she explained. Her colleague, Julianna Elsworth, LCSW, added that at its core, reunification therapy is about “honoring the relationship with both parents,” even when conflict has made that relationship difficult.
I hope everyone has begun to enjoy the fall and is well into the swing of the school year. While it is sad that the summer has come to an end, for those who have children, a new school year is always exciting (as is the cooler weather). Your Section Council has been busy planning and preparing for the upcoming year. With that in mind, I wanted to remind everyone that the 2025 Workers’ Compensation Fall Program is fast approaching. It is geared toward early-career workers’ compensation attorneys and will be held In-Person live or live via Webcast. It will be held at the North Carolina Bar Center, located at 8000 Weston Parkway in Cary on Thursday November 20, 2025. Jason Toups and Jesse Shapiro have been hard at work planning this event, and topics include:
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00WorkersComphttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngWorkersComp2025-10-17 12:42:312025-10-17 12:42:31Join Us on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, for the 2025 Workers' Compensation Fall CLE
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 down and helped us pick up our boots.”
This quote exemplifies the purpose behind Legal LINK and the vision for our group. We desire to help people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps by building a bridge between students and attorneys and legal professionals, and helping someone learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the profession, while also exposing students to all of the opportunities available. Students may have questions about how to prepare for law school, the process to apply to law school, what law school entails and what opportunities are available within the legal profession. In response to this need and curiosity, we want to build a bridge to expose students to litigators, trial attorneys, transactional attorneys, compliance leaders, HR leaders, law professors, government attorneys, and more because many have the misconception that attorneys are only what is portrayed on a courtroom-based TV show or movie.
It is with great gratitude and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Chair of the Litigation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association for the 2025-2026 bar year. As I look ahead, I am honored by the opportunity to lead a Section that I deeply respect—one that plays a vital role in the professional lives of so many of us across the state.
With over 1,700 members, the Litigation Section is the second-largest section of the NCBA. We represent a diverse cross-section of North Carolina’s litigation community, including seasoned litigators, new attorneys, judges, paralegals, mediators, and law students with a passion for advocacy. At our core, we are a network of professionals committed not only to the practice of litigation, but also to building relationships, improving the profession, and supporting one another in a field that demands resilience and continual growth.
As we begin this new bar year, I want to share my goals for our Section and invite each of you to be part of the work ahead.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Litigationhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngLitigation2025-10-14 14:07:382025-10-14 14:10:18My Vision for the Litigation Section in the 2025-2026 Bar Year
Providing the Resources for Today and Tomorrow – NCBF Annual Fund and Endowment Fund
Administrative LawIn June, I was fortunate to attend the Disaster Legal Services Workshop, where lawyers volunteered their services to help victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. This workshop was conducted in Asheville and was one of ten seminars held across Western North Carolina to assist individuals dealing with landlord/tenant, insurance, FEMA, health claims, and other issues arising from the devastation of the hurricane. Several hundred people came for help and were assisted by talented lawyers, including the Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall. These lawyers are coordinated by Pisgah Legal Services and voluntarily represent or refer to lawyers who represent the individuals in these matters. The sense of relief and joy that was everywhere at the workshop was invigorating. These North Carolinians knew lawyers cared and that they were not alone in their time of incredible need.
This program is funded by the North Carolina Bar Foundation. The Foundation is the funding body for Association civic education and pro bono programs. Like many other nonprofit foundations, the Bar Foundation receives a small percentage of the interest on the principal of the Endowment. 4ALL–Lawyers on Call, Career Fairs, Entrepreneurs Assistance Program, and the Judicial Learning Center are just a few other programs funded by the Foundation.
Read more
Welcome from the Tax Section Chair – Introducing Our 2025-2026 Leadership Team
Tax SectionDear Tax Section Members,
I am honored to serve as Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Tax Section for the 2025-2026 year. Our Section continues to play an important role in advancing knowledge, promoting collegiality, and providing opportunities for professional growth in the field of tax law.
Key Initiatives for 2025–2026
We are working hard to achieve several goals for the coming year, including the following:
Read more
NC Reforms Intestacy Laws for Children Born to Unwed Fathers
Real PropertyBackground
North Carolina has rather archaic laws regarding paternity and legitimization. In estate and probate matters, these issues arise when a father dies without a will (i.e., intestate) and leaves behind children born out of wedlock, where the father did not subsequently marry the mother or otherwise legitimate the child through the courts. In such cases, N.C.G.S. § 29-19(b) governs whether the child is considered an heir of the father and eligible to inherit via intestate succession.
This is significant for real estate attorneys and title searchers in determining who has title to real property owned by the intestate father. Not all biological children are intestate heirs under North Carolina law. In fact, the general rule is that children born out of wedlock, who are not subsequently legitimated, are not heirs and do not inherit from their father via intestate succession. However, there are three ways by which a child born out of wedlock can overcome this bar to inheritance, provided timely notice is given to the personal representative of the father’s estate.
Read more
Get to Know WIP Member Joyce Glass
Women in the ProfessionBy Joyce Glass
What law school did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
Hofstra Law, 1998.
Describe what a typical workday is like for you.
A typical workday involves reading updates on case law or on pending companion animal cruelty cases. I will have calls scheduled for any cases I am advising on and take calls for any new cases being investigated and collaborate on needs for the victims (vet care, training, housing). Additionally, I will respond to emails for needs of the companion animals of domestic violence victims if placement is needed. I may also be preparing for an upcoming presentation with research, reviewing slides and practicing presenting. If I am working on legislation, I will review and revise the language as part of the drafting process.
Read more
The Moral Compass: Guiding Your Paralegal Journey
Paralegal DivisionEvery paralegal learns about confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and never giving legal advice. These are the non-negotiables that keep our legal system fair and our clients protected. But beyond these, each of us brings something extra to the table—our own sense of right and wrong, the values we learned growing up, and the way we instinctively strive to do good. In my case, I grew up in a catholic family where we had to be the best version of ourselves every day, not only for ourselves, but for the community.
Read more
Meet New Administrative Law Judge: McKensie G. Skeens
Administrative LawWe are pleased to welcome McKensie G. Skeens, newly appointed Administrative Law Judge, to the bench. Judge Skeens is an accomplished attorney whose career has been defined by public service and education.
Originally from Abingdon, Virginia, Judge Skeens brings with her the values of service and community that shaped her early life. She earned her B.A., with honors, from the University of Georgia and went on to receive a J.D. from Campbell Law School.
Read more
Rebuilding Bonds: How Reunification Therapy Supports Families in Custody Cases
Family Law SectionBy
Olivia Lowery
More than a court order, reunification therapy gives families the chance to rebuild what conflict has broken.
The Human Side of Custody Disputes
In family law, some of the most painful cases aren’t about property or even money—they’re about children who resist contact with a parent. For attorneys and judges, these situations can be incredibly complex. For families, they can be heartbreaking.
Amanda Crowder, LCSW, of Calming Waters Counseling Services, said she was drawn to this work because she wants courts to better understand the mental health dynamics behind custody cases. “This work is special, and it needs to be done well,” she explained. Her colleague, Julianna Elsworth, LCSW, added that at its core, reunification therapy is about “honoring the relationship with both parents,” even when conflict has made that relationship difficult.
Read more
Join Us on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, for the 2025 Workers’ Compensation Fall CLE
Workers' Compensation SectionI hope everyone has begun to enjoy the fall and is well into the swing of the school year. While it is sad that the summer has come to an end, for those who have children, a new school year is always exciting (as is the cooler weather). Your Section Council has been busy planning and preparing for the upcoming year. With that in mind, I wanted to remind everyone that the 2025 Workers’ Compensation Fall Program is fast approaching. It is geared toward early-career workers’ compensation attorneys and will be held In-Person live or live via Webcast. It will be held at the North Carolina Bar Center, located at 8000 Weston Parkway in Cary on Thursday November 20, 2025. Jason Toups and Jesse Shapiro have been hard at work planning this event, and topics include:
Read more
Building a Bridge
Young Lawyers DivisionOne 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 down and helped us pick up our boots.”
This quote exemplifies the purpose behind Legal LINK and the vision for our group. We desire to help people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps by building a bridge between students and attorneys and legal professionals, and helping someone learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the profession, while also exposing students to all of the opportunities available. Students may have questions about how to prepare for law school, the process to apply to law school, what law school entails and what opportunities are available within the legal profession. In response to this need and curiosity, we want to build a bridge to expose students to litigators, trial attorneys, transactional attorneys, compliance leaders, HR leaders, law professors, government attorneys, and more because many have the misconception that attorneys are only what is portrayed on a courtroom-based TV show or movie.
Read more
My Vision for the Litigation Section in the 2025-2026 Bar Year
Litigation SectionIt is with great gratitude and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Chair of the Litigation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association for the 2025-2026 bar year. As I look ahead, I am honored by the opportunity to lead a Section that I deeply respect—one that plays a vital role in the professional lives of so many of us across the state.
With over 1,700 members, the Litigation Section is the second-largest section of the NCBA. We represent a diverse cross-section of North Carolina’s litigation community, including seasoned litigators, new attorneys, judges, paralegals, mediators, and law students with a passion for advocacy. At our core, we are a network of professionals committed not only to the practice of litigation, but also to building relationships, improving the profession, and supporting one another in a field that demands resilience and continual growth.
As we begin this new bar year, I want to share my goals for our Section and invite each of you to be part of the work ahead.
Read more