In line with our goal of increasing visibility within the NCBA, we are excited to share an upcoming virtual event that we’d love for you to attend. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 12, from 5 to 6 p.m. for “Bridging the Gap: Wisdom from the Bench & Bar.”
Imagine you have a new client who comes to your office seeking help following an auto accident that involved a family member. During the initial consultation, they inform you that the police have everything on tape. As the attorney for this new client, you want to review the entire police file as part of your case investigation. The issue then becomes getting access to the recordings held by the local police department. This blog post outlines the steps an attorney must take to obtain recordings held by a police department in the State of North Carolina.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00GovernmentandPublicSectorhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngGovernmentandPublicSector2025-11-07 12:39:012025-11-07 12:39:01The Law on Tape: How to Secure Police Recordings the Right Way
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 found it. Committee members are involved with subcommittees as reflected in this post. In order to accommodate our 19 members who practice west of the Triangle, we will be holding an in-person meeting at the Charlotte offices of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. on January 27, 2026. Other quarterly meetings will be held at the North Carolina Bar Center. A Zoom meeting option will be provided.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00professionalismcommitteehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngprofessionalismcommittee2025-11-06 16:16:392025-11-07 10:19:49NCBA Professionalism Committee Strategic Plan for 2025-2026
Breaking a barrier means overcoming or removing obstacles, whether they are physical walls, natural impediments, or unseen forces like social, cultural, or political restrictions that impede progress or action.
For young lawyers entering the legal profession, these barriers are not just theoretical; they are real, personal, and often deeply rooted. From the quiet pressures of tradition to the loud demands of performance, every step forward can feel like a negotiation — not just with clients or courts, but with themselves.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00NCBA YLDhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngNCBA YLD2025-11-04 12:08:442025-11-04 12:10:53Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success for the Next Generation of Lawyers
My name is Jasmine McGhee. I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the NCBA’s Government and Public Sector Section this year. The work of the Section is already underway. On October 16, the Section co-sponsored a social event with the Administrative Law Section. If you weren’t able to join us, stay tuned for more membership engagement opportunities.
Our next event is our Joint Legislative CLE on Friday, November 14, again with the Administrative Law Section. You can join us in person or virtually. More information, including topics and speakers, is available online.
The Government & Public Sector Section members held a social on October 16 with members of the Administrative Law Section. Clockwise, from back center, Latoya Caesar-Crawford, Liz Sharpe, Administrative Law Vice-Chair Charla Burill and GraceAnna McCray.
In addition to membership engagement and CLE, this Bar Year, we are looking forward to the work of our Pro Bono, Ethics/Legislative, Professionalism, Communications, and Opportunity, Inclusion & Scholarships Committees. We are always accepting volunteers and ideas for the Section! To get involved in our Section, please send an email to our Communities Manager, LaSara Carter.
NCBA members Creighton Knight, center, and Tracy Harris, back left, at the social event held on October 16.
In this challenging time for all levels of government, whether you’re in government or private practice, your work as a government attorney is as important as ever. Thank you for all that you do.
Jasmine S. McGhee serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Governor Josh Stein. In that role, her portfolio includes Policy, Boards & Commissions, Intergovernmental Affairs & Outreach, VolunteerNC, and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, she was Senior Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Consumer Protection Division at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ). Jasmine also established the Department’s Civil Rights Unit. Prior to serving as Senior Deputy, for six years she directed the Department’s Public Protection Section, which handled public safety and victim policy, outreach, and related litigation, including on gender-based violence, criminal justice reform, and consumer protection.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00GovernmentandPublicSectorhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngGovernmentandPublicSector2025-11-04 11:53:472025-11-04 11:54:01A Note from the Government & Public Sector Section Council Chair!
Over the next coming weeks, the Criminal Justice Blog will feature several outstanding recipients of the NCBA’s 2025 Annual Summer Internship Scholarship. These spotlights will showcase law students passionate about careers in government, public service, and criminal justice, offering an inside look at their Summer 2025 internship experiences. We hope you enjoyed the post spotlighting Liz Sharpe, a 2L at Campbell Law School, and her summer internship experience at the North Carolina Department of Justice. Stay tuned for our next post spotlighting Aleah Wordsworth, a 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
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, I’m just local counsel,” while smiling in recognition of the stress-free afternoon ahead.
Fast forward one year, after learning a lot more about the underlying facts of the case, I found myself questioning whether I had satisfied my professional obligations in permitting my signature to appear on the initial pleading. To say the least, it was no longer a stress-free endeavor.
Nicholas Lee, a Litigation Partner at Parker Poe, handles mainly complex business litigation in federal and state court. He has worked on various pro bono projects over the years, including wills clinics and Guardian Ad Litem appeals. However, over the past decade, his primary focus has been helping North Carolinians get a second chance by clearing their criminal records through expunctions.
Nicholas has handled dozens of expunctions over the past ten years. Expunctions help low-income individuals by removing old or dismissed criminal charges or convictions from their records. It offers individuals a clean slate and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other benefits.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Pro Bonohttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngPro Bono2025-10-29 14:11:322025-10-29 14:12:28Pro Bono Spotlight: Nicholas Lee
Elizabeth “Liz” Sharpe is a second-year law student at Campbell Law School in Raleigh. Liz has long believed in the power of government to make a difference. Her commitment to public service runs deep—it’s rooted in a lifelong desire to help others and strengthened by her early professional experiences.
After earning her degree from Meredith College, Liz began her career at the North Carolina General Assembly as a Legislative Assistant, where she worked on public policy and constituent services. The experience not only deepened her understanding of how law and governance intersect but also showed her firsthand how fair and effective government can improve the lives of everyday citizens.
Elizabeth Sharpe
Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community, Liz spent the summer of 2025 interning at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) in the Special Litigation Section. There, she conducted legal research across a range of complex issues and contributed to drafting a section of a criminal appellate brief — a project she calls one of her most meaningful experiences. Her supervising attorneys encouraged her to take ownership of the argument’s development and structure and to think critically, helping her strengthen her legal writing and analytical skills while exploring new areas of law.
Liz found her experience at the NCDOJ deeply rewarding. Working alongside talented and experienced attorneys who dedicate their careers to public service reinforced her own commitment to pursuing justice through the law. As the first in her family to enter the legal profession, Liz valued the opportunity to learn from dedicated public servants and gain insight into meaningful legal careers in government. Her internship further solidified her goal of working in public service, and she encourages other law students interested in this path to seek out similar opportunities—especially at the NCDOJ.
The North Carolina Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee hosts an annual 1L Summer Associate Program (1L SAP) that offers corporate offices and law firms an opportunity to recruit for summer internships from a candidate pool of some of the most talented students. 1L SAP candidates are well-rounded students with outstanding academic credentials and a demonstrable ability to enhance employers’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and excellence.
Members of the MIP 1L SAP subcommittee are working diligently to increase employer participation and offer students more opportunities for a summer placement. We are currently seeking employers from all sectors who can support a 1L intern for either a half-summer or full-summer position in 2026. Opportunities can include placements in law firms (large or small), in-house legal departments, public interest organizations or other legal settings. If your firm or company is interested in participating in 1L SAP 2026, please contact BreAnne Shieh.
November DEI Newsletter
Young Lawyers DivisionGreetings, everyone!
In line with our goal of increasing visibility within the NCBA, we are excited to share an upcoming virtual event that we’d love for you to attend. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 12, from 5 to 6 p.m. for “Bridging the Gap: Wisdom from the Bench & Bar.”
Read more
The Law on Tape: How to Secure Police Recordings the Right Way
Government & Public SectorBy Jason Lunsford
Imagine you have a new client who comes to your office seeking help following an auto accident that involved a family member. During the initial consultation, they inform you that the police have everything on tape. As the attorney for this new client, you want to review the entire police file as part of your case investigation. The issue then becomes getting access to the recordings held by the local police department. This blog post outlines the steps an attorney must take to obtain recordings held by a police department in the State of North Carolina.
Read more
NCBA Professionalism Committee Strategic Plan for 2025-2026
ProfessionalismGoal: “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 found it. Committee members are involved with subcommittees as reflected in this post. In order to accommodate our 19 members who practice west of the Triangle, we will be holding an in-person meeting at the Charlotte offices of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. on January 27, 2026. Other quarterly meetings will be held at the North Carolina Bar Center. A Zoom meeting option will be provided.
Read more
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Success for the Next Generation of Lawyers
Young Lawyers DivisionBreaking a barrier means overcoming or removing obstacles, whether they are physical walls, natural impediments, or unseen forces like social, cultural, or political restrictions that impede progress or action.
For young lawyers entering the legal profession, these barriers are not just theoretical; they are real, personal, and often deeply rooted. From the quiet pressures of tradition to the loud demands of performance, every step forward can feel like a negotiation — not just with clients or courts, but with themselves.
Read more
A Note from the Government & Public Sector Section Council Chair!
Government & Public SectorMy name is Jasmine McGhee. I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the NCBA’s Government and Public Sector Section this year. The work of the Section is already underway. On October 16, the Section co-sponsored a social event with the Administrative Law Section. If you weren’t able to join us, stay tuned for more membership engagement opportunities.
Our next event is our Joint Legislative CLE on Friday, November 14, again with the Administrative Law Section. You can join us in person or virtually. More information, including topics and speakers, is available online.
The Government & Public Sector Section members held a social on October 16 with members of the Administrative Law Section. Clockwise, from back center, Latoya Caesar-Crawford, Liz Sharpe, Administrative Law Vice-Chair Charla Burill and GraceAnna McCray.
In addition to membership engagement and CLE, this Bar Year, we are looking forward to the work of our Pro Bono, Ethics/Legislative, Professionalism, Communications, and Opportunity, Inclusion & Scholarships Committees. We are always accepting volunteers and ideas for the Section! To get involved in our Section, please send an email to our Communities Manager, LaSara Carter.
NCBA members Creighton Knight, center, and Tracy Harris, back left, at the social event held on October 16.
In this challenging time for all levels of government, whether you’re in government or private practice, your work as a government attorney is as important as ever. Thank you for all that you do.
Jasmine S. McGhee serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Governor Josh Stein. In that role, her portfolio includes Policy, Boards & Commissions, Intergovernmental Affairs & Outreach, VolunteerNC, and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, she was Senior Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Consumer Protection Division at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ). Jasmine also established the Department’s Civil Rights Unit. Prior to serving as Senior Deputy, for six years she directed the Department’s Public Protection Section, which handled public safety and victim policy, outreach, and related litigation, including on gender-based violence, criminal justice reform, and consumer protection.
Shaping Tomorrow: Meet the 2025 Summer Internship Scholarship Recipients
Criminal JusticeOver the next coming weeks, the Criminal Justice Blog will feature several outstanding recipients of the NCBA’s 2025 Annual Summer Internship Scholarship. These spotlights will showcase law students passionate about careers in government, public service, and criminal justice, offering an inside look at their Summer 2025 internship experiences. We hope you enjoyed the post spotlighting Liz Sharpe, a 2L at Campbell Law School, and her summer internship experience at the North Carolina Department of Justice. Stay tuned for our next post spotlighting Aleah Wordsworth, a 3L at the University of North Carolina School of Law.
The Myth of “Local Counsel”
ProfessionalismBy
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, I’m just local counsel,” while smiling in recognition of the stress-free afternoon ahead.
Fast forward one year, after learning a lot more about the underlying facts of the case, I found myself questioning whether I had satisfied my professional obligations in permitting my signature to appear on the initial pleading. To say the least, it was no longer a stress-free endeavor.
Read more
Pro Bono Spotlight: Nicholas Lee
Pro Bono CommitteeNicholas Lee
By Laura Merriman
Nicholas Lee, a Litigation Partner at Parker Poe, handles mainly complex business litigation in federal and state court. He has worked on various pro bono projects over the years, including wills clinics and Guardian Ad Litem appeals. However, over the past decade, his primary focus has been helping North Carolinians get a second chance by clearing their criminal records through expunctions.
Nicholas has handled dozens of expunctions over the past ten years. Expunctions help low-income individuals by removing old or dismissed criminal charges or convictions from their records. It offers individuals a clean slate and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other benefits.
Read more
2025 Summer Internship Scholarship Recipient Spotlight Series: Meet Liz Sharpe
Criminal JusticeElizabeth “Liz” Sharpe is a second-year law student at Campbell Law School in Raleigh. Liz has long believed in the power of government to make a difference. Her commitment to public service runs deep—it’s rooted in a lifelong desire to help others and strengthened by her early professional experiences.
After earning her degree from Meredith College, Liz began her career at the North Carolina General Assembly as a Legislative Assistant, where she worked on public policy and constituent services. The experience not only deepened her understanding of how law and governance intersect but also showed her firsthand how fair and effective government can improve the lives of everyday citizens.
Elizabeth Sharpe
Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community, Liz spent the summer of 2025 interning at the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) in the Special Litigation Section. There, she conducted legal research across a range of complex issues and contributed to drafting a section of a criminal appellate brief — a project she calls one of her most meaningful experiences. Her supervising attorneys encouraged her to take ownership of the argument’s development and structure and to think critically, helping her strengthen her legal writing and analytical skills while exploring new areas of law.
Liz found her experience at the NCDOJ deeply rewarding. Working alongside talented and experienced attorneys who dedicate their careers to public service reinforced her own commitment to pursuing justice through the law. As the first in her family to enter the legal profession, Liz valued the opportunity to learn from dedicated public servants and gain insight into meaningful legal careers in government. Her internship further solidified her goal of working in public service, and she encourages other law students interested in this path to seek out similar opportunities—especially at the NCDOJ.
MIP Committee Begins Employer Outreach for 1L SAP 2026
Minorities In the ProfessionThe North Carolina Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession (MIP) Committee hosts an annual 1L Summer Associate Program (1L SAP) that offers corporate offices and law firms an opportunity to recruit for summer internships from a candidate pool of some of the most talented students. 1L SAP candidates are well-rounded students with outstanding academic credentials and a demonstrable ability to enhance employers’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and excellence.
Members of the MIP 1L SAP subcommittee are working diligently to increase employer participation and offer students more opportunities for a summer placement. We are currently seeking employers from all sectors who can support a 1L intern for either a half-summer or full-summer position in 2026. Opportunities can include placements in law firms (large or small), in-house legal departments, public interest organizations or other legal settings. If your firm or company is interested in participating in 1L SAP 2026, please contact BreAnne Shieh.