On July 1, 2020, Mitchell Kelling will continue her commitment to the North Carolina Bar Association as the incoming chair of the Family Law Section. Mitchell is currently the principal and practice group leader of the Family Law Practice Group (South) of Offit/Kurman. She boasts a remarkably accomplished resume beginning with her involvement in the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Section in 2002. Since then, she has volunteered on several committees and chaired both the social and the CLE committee. She has served on the executive committee for a number of years, and last year, she was Vice Chair.
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley has issued an order extending Emergency Directives 9-16 through July 20, 2020.
Relevant to criminal practitioners, these Emergency Directives provide:
No sessions of court may be scheduled if doing so would contravene current public health guidelines. Remote hearings should be used to the greatest extent possible. (Emergency Directive 9.)
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00CriminalJusticehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngCriminalJustice2020-06-25 11:15:072020-06-25 11:47:49Chief Justice Beasley Extends Certain Emergency Directives Through July 20
When I began practicing family law as a solo practitioner, short on cash and shorter on clients, I polled several colleagues for advice on which reference materials were essential. I had no budget for extras. Nearly everyone I spoke to said, “You’ve got to have Lee’s Family Law.” For many years, Lee’s Family Law was the seminal text on family law in North Carolina. Many a time in court or conversation, lawyers or judges would use the phrase, “well, Lee’s says . . .” when expounding on some area of the law. I knew the current author of the 5th edition was Dean Emerita Suzanne Reynolds, so I never gave much thought to the actual man behind the text until I received a call from Section member Carolyn Ingram.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00FamilyLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngFamilyLaw2020-06-24 16:02:522020-06-26 10:59:20From The Family Law Chair - Lee Scholarship
The winners of the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2020 Pro Bono Awards have been selected. The recipients were chosen by members of the NCBA Pro Bono Committee, chaired by Emily Moseley and Jennifer Mencarini.
Congratulations to each recipient and their nominators, who provided the background and biographical information included below for each honoree.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Russell Rawlingshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngRussell Rawlings2020-06-24 14:27:372020-08-05 12:24:462020 Pro Bono Awards Announced
Art MacCord is a patent attorney with 40 years of experience. He keeps an eye on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office for new rules and practice tips of interest to intellectual property attorneys. Find his latest updates here:
NCBA IPL Section Blog News Blasts For June 23, 2020
Copyright Office Issues Final Rule to Create Group Registration Option for Short Online Literary Works
Copyright Office Releases Updated Online Edition of Copyright Law of the United States and Related Laws Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00IntellectualPropertyhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngIntellectualProperty2020-06-24 12:35:462020-06-24 12:35:46MacCord’s List: IP News & Notices From Art MacCord
Congratulations to Catharine Biggs Arrowood, the 12th recipient of The Advocate’s Award and the first to receive the award virtually via Zoom presentation, on Friday, June 19, 2020. The Advocate’s Award is presented by the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section as merited to recognize members who are the “superstars” of our Bar.
The Advocate’s Award recognizes litigators who 1) have the highest ethical standards; 2) have shown great skill and ability as a litigator/trial lawyer and commitment to the very best work product; 3) demonstrate a true commitment of service to clients; 4) demonstrate a respect for and love of the law; 5) are held in the highest regard by both bench and bar; 6 ) are dedicated to the community and the bar with a track record of pro bono or volunteer service; and 7) serve as an example of how to effectively balance both outstanding professional performance and other life endeavors.
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.pngLitigation2020-06-24 12:11:012020-07-30 17:21:28Catharine Arrowood Receives The Advocate’s Award
My last appellate update was so long ago that I’ve got a lot of cases to review here. Hence I’m limiting (almost) every summary to 280 characters, Twitter style.
Wetherington v. NC Dep’t of Pub. Safety, No. COA18-1018 (N.C. Ct. App. Feb. 18, 2020) (State Personnel Act): In 2009, Patrolman loses hat, lies about it, fired. N.C. S. Ct. reverses/remands. Refired. Ct. App.: The “or” in the Wetherington test[1] is actually an “and.” Since not all four factors considered and ultimately met, reversed w/ instructions to impose lesser discipline.
Raynor v. G4S Secure Sol., No. 18-1773 (4th Cir. Feb. 26, 2020) (unpublished) (state law claims, Title VII race and retaliation): Big takeaway: district court can limit the presentation of evidence by imposing time limits at trial & decision will be reviewed under abuse of discretion standard. But courts should not set time limits as a “matter of course.” MSJ on Title VII and attorney’s fees award affirmed.
Parker Poe’s Charlotte Location Moves To Legacy Union
The Charlotte location of Parker Poe has moved from Three Wells Fargo Center to the Bank of America Tower at Legacy Union. Their new address is 620 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. The firm is located on floors six, seven, and eight in the new building. Legacy Union is located at the intersection of Tryon and Stonewall streets on the south side of Uptown.
While the location has changed, the firm’s phone and fax numbers remain the same. The phone number for the front desk is 704.372.9000.
The word “change” has various definitions, but my favorite expression of change is “to shift; to undergo transformation or transition.” We can certainly say that “change” is inevitable in all aspects of our lives. Thus far in 2020 alone, we have witnessed how COVID-19 and other events have caused many of us to adjust when, how, and where we work and interact with others. Also, the NCBA has had to shift its 2020 Annual Meeting in Charlotte to an online, virtual program. But “change” presents us with an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our experiences and the experiences of others in order for each of us to evolve for the better.
Although we are unable to celebrate together at the Annual Meeting in Charlotte, and we are adjusting to the change by celebrating in other (virtual) ways, we are proud to announce our 2020 Legal Legends of Color honorees: Judge Yvonne Mims Evans, Senator Dan T. Blue Jr., Attorney Anthony Fox, Professor George R. Johnson Jr., and the late Attorney J. Kenneth Lee. In order to be named a Legal Legend of Color, such person must be (1) a lawyer of color practicing (or one who has practiced most recently) in North Carolina for at least 15 years, (2) have had a legal career with a significant impact in North Carolina, (3) have demonstrated a high level of service to his/her local community and/or on an statewide basis, and (4) be a member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar (active or inactive). These five attorneys have more than satisfied the criteria for being named a Legal Legend of Color, and, further, they have all effected significant positive change in the North Carolina legal community and beyond. We are honored to share snippets of their distinguished careers with you:
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00NCBARBLOGhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngNCBARBLOG2020-06-23 13:35:202020-09-03 17:00:192020 Legal Legends of Color Honorees Announced
Emily Sherlock is a partner at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson and is the Vice Chair of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section of the NCBA. She will rise to the Chair position on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving on the board, Emily was one of the newsletter editors (back when our section had a newsletter) and served on the Section Council.
Spotlight: Incoming Chair Mitchell Kelling
Family Law SectionOn July 1, 2020, Mitchell Kelling will continue her commitment to the North Carolina Bar Association as the incoming chair of the Family Law Section. Mitchell is currently the principal and practice group leader of the Family Law Practice Group (South) of Offit/Kurman. She boasts a remarkably accomplished resume beginning with her involvement in the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Section in 2002. Since then, she has volunteered on several committees and chaired both the social and the CLE committee. She has served on the executive committee for a number of years, and last year, she was Vice Chair.
Read more
Chief Justice Beasley Extends Certain Emergency Directives Through July 20
Criminal JusticeChief Justice Cheri Beasley has issued an order extending Emergency Directives 9-16 through July 20, 2020.
Relevant to criminal practitioners, these Emergency Directives provide:
No sessions of court may be scheduled if doing so would contravene current public health guidelines. Remote hearings should be used to the greatest extent possible. (Emergency Directive 9.)
Read more
From The Family Law Chair – Lee Scholarship
Family Law SectionWhen I began practicing family law as a solo practitioner, short on cash and shorter on clients, I polled several colleagues for advice on which reference materials were essential. I had no budget for extras. Nearly everyone I spoke to said, “You’ve got to have Lee’s Family Law.” For many years, Lee’s Family Law was the seminal text on family law in North Carolina. Many a time in court or conversation, lawyers or judges would use the phrase, “well, Lee’s says . . .” when expounding on some area of the law. I knew the current author of the 5th edition was Dean Emerita Suzanne Reynolds, so I never gave much thought to the actual man behind the text until I received a call from Section member Carolyn Ingram.
Read more
2020 Pro Bono Awards Announced
Featured Posts, Pro Bono CommitteeThe winners of the North Carolina Bar Association’s 2020 Pro Bono Awards have been selected. The recipients were chosen by members of the NCBA Pro Bono Committee, chaired by Emily Moseley and Jennifer Mencarini.
Congratulations to each recipient and their nominators, who provided the background and biographical information included below for each honoree.
Read more
MacCord’s List: IP News & Notices From Art MacCord
Intellectual Property Law SectionBy Art MacCord
Art MacCord is a patent attorney with 40 years of experience. He keeps an eye on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office for new rules and practice tips of interest to intellectual property attorneys. Find his latest updates here:
NCBA IPL Section Blog News Blasts For June 23, 2020
Copyright Office Issues Final Rule to Create Group Registration Option for Short Online Literary Works
https://www.copyright.gov/rulemaking/shortonline-literaryworks/?loclr=eanco
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-22/pdf/2020-12041.pdf
Copyright Office Releases Updated Online Edition of Copyright Law of the United States and Related Laws Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code
https://www.copyright.gov/title17/?loclr=eanco
Catharine Arrowood Receives The Advocate’s Award
Litigation SectionBy Marilyn Forbes
Congratulations to Catharine Biggs Arrowood, the 12th recipient of The Advocate’s Award and the first to receive the award virtually via Zoom presentation, on Friday, June 19, 2020. The Advocate’s Award is presented by the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section as merited to recognize members who are the “superstars” of our Bar.
The Advocate’s Award recognizes litigators who 1) have the highest ethical standards; 2) have shown great skill and ability as a litigator/trial lawyer and commitment to the very best work product; 3) demonstrate a true commitment of service to clients; 4) demonstrate a respect for and love of the law; 5) are held in the highest regard by both bench and bar; 6 ) are dedicated to the community and the bar with a track record of pro bono or volunteer service; and 7) serve as an example of how to effectively balance both outstanding professional performance and other life endeavors.
Read more
Appellate Update
Labor & Employment LawJoe Murray
My last appellate update was so long ago that I’ve got a lot of cases to review here. Hence I’m limiting (almost) every summary to 280 characters, Twitter style.
Wetherington v. NC Dep’t of Pub. Safety, No. COA18-1018 (N.C. Ct. App. Feb. 18, 2020) (State Personnel Act): In 2009, Patrolman loses hat, lies about it, fired. N.C. S. Ct. reverses/remands. Refired. Ct. App.: The “or” in the Wetherington test[1] is actually an “and.” Since not all four factors considered and ultimately met, reversed w/ instructions to impose lesser discipline.
Raynor v. G4S Secure Sol., No. 18-1773 (4th Cir. Feb. 26, 2020) (unpublished) (state law claims, Title VII race and retaliation): Big takeaway: district court can limit the presentation of evidence by imposing time limits at trial & decision will be reviewed under abuse of discretion standard. But courts should not set time limits as a “matter of course.” MSJ on Title VII and attorney’s fees award affirmed.
Read more
Checking In: June 23, 2020
Checking InCompiled by Jessica Junqueira
Parker Poe’s Charlotte Location Moves To Legacy Union
The Charlotte location of Parker Poe has moved from Three Wells Fargo Center to the Bank of America Tower at Legacy Union. Their new address is 620 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. The firm is located on floors six, seven, and eight in the new building. Legacy Union is located at the intersection of Tryon and Stonewall streets on the south side of Uptown.
While the location has changed, the firm’s phone and fax numbers remain the same. The phone number for the front desk is 704.372.9000.
Read more
2020 Legal Legends of Color Honorees Announced
Featured Posts, Minorities In the ProfessionThe word “change” has various definitions, but my favorite expression of change is “to shift; to undergo transformation or transition.” We can certainly say that “change” is inevitable in all aspects of our lives. Thus far in 2020 alone, we have witnessed how COVID-19 and other events have caused many of us to adjust when, how, and where we work and interact with others. Also, the NCBA has had to shift its 2020 Annual Meeting in Charlotte to an online, virtual program. But “change” presents us with an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our experiences and the experiences of others in order for each of us to evolve for the better.
Although we are unable to celebrate together at the Annual Meeting in Charlotte, and we are adjusting to the change by celebrating in other (virtual) ways, we are proud to announce our 2020 Legal Legends of Color honorees: Judge Yvonne Mims Evans, Senator Dan T. Blue Jr., Attorney Anthony Fox, Professor George R. Johnson Jr., and the late Attorney J. Kenneth Lee. In order to be named a Legal Legend of Color, such person must be (1) a lawyer of color practicing (or one who has practiced most recently) in North Carolina for at least 15 years, (2) have had a legal career with a significant impact in North Carolina, (3) have demonstrated a high level of service to his/her local community and/or on an statewide basis, and (4) be a member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar (active or inactive). These five attorneys have more than satisfied the criteria for being named a Legal Legend of Color, and, further, they have all effected significant positive change in the North Carolina legal community and beyond. We are honored to share snippets of their distinguished careers with you:
Read more
A Profile of Emily Sherlock, Incoming Chair
Environment Energy & Natural ResourcesBy Rick Kolb
Emily Sherlock is a partner at Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson and is the Vice Chair of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section of the NCBA. She will rise to the Chair position on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving on the board, Emily was one of the newsletter editors (back when our section had a newsletter) and served on the Section Council.
Read more