Pro Bono Spotlight: Amanda Clark

Amanda, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white blouse and grey suit.

Amanda Clark

By Courtney LaTourrette

When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina just days after her bar admission, newly licensed attorney Amanda Clark found herself called to serve her community in a way few imagine so early in their careers.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law in May 2024, Amanda began her legal career as a personal injury associate with Fisher Stark, P.A. in Asheville. She passed the July 2024 bar exam and was sworn in on September 23, 2024. Merely three days later, Hurricane Helene struck. Nearly the entire city went dark. Her new firm, one of the few buildings still with power, suddenly became a refuge, and Amanda quickly turned her first weeks as a lawyer into an act of community service.

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Return to the Vault: On Demand — Why All Attorneys Should Pay Attention to FinCEN’s Reporting Rule

By Mary Gallimore Walker, Andrea Davis, Natasha Branch, Malia Williams, Amy Zeko and Nancy Ferguson

Purpose of Return to the Vault

Return to the Vault (“RTTV”) exists to provide practical, timely education and connection for Real Property Section members. It’s inspired by the collaborative learning that once happened in the “vault” at Register of Deeds offices across North Carolina, where attorneys could ask questions, exchange ideas and learn from each other in real time.

While technology has made modern practice more efficient, it has also reduced those natural opportunities for conversation and shared problem-solving. RTTV is the Real Property Section’s way of creating that space again, intentionally bringing members together to connect and learn from each other.

Our monthly live RTTV programs remain the foundation of this effort. RTTV: On Demand extends that work by giving us a flexible way to share timely updates and focused guidance when issues arise between live programs.

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What Is the Difference Between Restorative Justice and Mediation?

Elizabeth, a white woman with brown hair, is wearing a blue blouse and orange sweater.

By Elizabeth Hambourger

As a restorative justice facilitator, I am often asked how my work differs from mediation. Most people have some idea what mediation is, but restorative justice (“RJ”) is a less familiar term. RJ is a way of responding to harms that would typically be addressed in the court system, focusing on 1) the needs of people who have been harmed and 2) helping people who have caused harm to take accountability.

Restorative justice can share a lot in common with mediation:

1. Relationship

Fundamentally, RJ is about setting relations right. It has roots in practices that indigenous cultures, past and present, have used to maintain the belonging of all members of a community, even when rupture inevitably occurs. Mediation can be restorative when it focuses on the relationship between the parties and seeks to foster mutual recognition between them.

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Bringing Water to the Desert, Part Five

Judge Debra Sasser, a white woman with brown hair and brown glasses, wears a purple blouse and pale purple jacket. By Judge Debra Sasser

In Part One, “Bringing Water to the Desert (on a Horse With No Name),” Judge Vince Rozier (Resident Superior Court Judge in the Tenth Judicial District) and Judge Beth Tanner (District Court Judge in the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District) began a conversation on how attorney shortages in legal deserts negatively impact the ability of the State to provide court-appointed attorneys.

In Part Two, Judge Tanner and Judge Rozier addressed concerns on recruiting and retaining attorneys on the court-appointed list, briefly touching on how simple tweaks to case management procedures can address some of the issues preventing attorneys from accepting court-appointed cases.

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Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Judge Tia Hudgins Taylor

Taylor, a Black woman with black hair, wears a blue and white blouse and black jacket.Tia, a Black woman with black hair, wears a white blousea nd black jacket.By Taylor Gibbs and Tia Overway

The NCBA Young Lawyers Division’s DEI Committee is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy, contributions and excellence of Black lawyers and judges who continue to shape our profession. This moment of reflection also calls us to examine the current landscape of representation within the legal field in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, voluntary demographic data from the North Carolina State Bar shows that African American attorneys make up just over 9% of active survey respondents. While higher than the national average, the number still reflects the ongoing need to support and retain Black legal professionals across the state.[1]

Against this backdrop, the NCBA YLD DEI Committee is honored to shine a spotlight on leaders who are breaking barriers and strengthening the credibility, inclusiveness and fairness of our legal system. This year, we are proud to feature Judge Hudgins Taylor, a devoted public servant and trailblazer whose path to the bench embodies resilience, representation and purpose.

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Checking In: February 23, 2026

Compiled by Jessica Junqueira

Martin H. Brinkley Selected to Receive Faculty Service Award from The University of North Carolina Alumni Association

Dean Brinkley, a white man with brown hair, wears tortoiseshell-colored round glasses, a blue shirt, a tan suit, and a brown bowtie.Martin H. Brinkley has been selected as a 2026 Carolina Alumni Award recipient by the University of North Carolina’s Alumni Association. Brinkley and other honorees will be recognized in a ceremony on April 17. Brinkley is a Kenan Distinguished Professor at Carolina Law, where he teaches first year property, business associations and legal history. He served as the dean of UNC School of Law from 2015 to 2025. He is a graduate of UNC School of Law, where he served as executive articles editor for the North Carolina Law Review. Prior to law school, he studied papyrology at the University of Cologne’s Institute for Ancient Studies. Brinkley received an A.B. degree in classics from Harvard University. He was a clerk to Chief Judge Sam J. Ervin, III of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He practiced corporate law in Raleigh for 22 years.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Attorney Named Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers

Christian, a white woman with red hair, wears a maroon blouse and black jacket.The American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers (ACCFSL) has elected Christy W. Hancock as a fellow. Hancock, along with the new class of fellows, will be honored in Atlanta at the organization’s annual dinner on April 18. Hancock is a partner in the firm’s Charlotte office. She assists mortgage servicing and financial institution clients. Hancock is a co-leader of the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group and the co-chair of the Home Equity Lending team and the Bankruptcy Compliance & Consumer Bankruptcy Litigation team. She holds her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

 

New Firm Announcement: K Tyson Law

Kim, a white woman with brown hair, wears a grey blouse and black jacket.Kim Tyson has launched K Tyson Law in Charlotte. The firm serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide on federal tax matters, including charitable giving, disputes with the IRS, federal tax litigation and IRS collections. Tyson has over 20 years of experience working on tax issues at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and the U.S. Tax Court. At the IRS, Kim advised revenue agents and litigated cases in the Large Business & International and Litigation & Advisory Divisions. During her tenure, Kim was an IRS subject matter expert on penalties and a nationwide legal advisor on syndicated conservation easements. She was repeatedly recognized for outstanding contributions to the agency, including being awarded IRS Office of Chief Counsel Attorney of the Year among field attorneys nationwide. She received an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center, a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University.

Matheson & Associates, PLLC Announces Managing Partner and Partner

Jammie, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white and red dress and black jacket.Jammie Wacenske is now managing partner with the firm, where she leads the Family Law and Civil Litigation Department. She focuses her practice on family law matters, which include child custody, child support, separation agreements, divorce, alimony and alientation of affection cases. She has been a partner with the firm since 2022. She received her law degree from North Carolina Central University Law School and her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Wesleyan University.

 

Brad, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, black tie and black jacket.Brad Trexler is now a partner with the firm. He will join the firm’s Management Committee. Trexler has practiced with the firm for three years and leads the Criminal Defense Department. Before joining the firm, he was an Assistant District Attorney for the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. He holds his law degree from Campbell Law School and his undergraduate degree from UNC. He serves as president of the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers.

 

Moore & Van Allen Announces New Co-Head of Employment & Labor Practice Group

Sarah, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white shirt and black jacket.Sarah H. Negus was named Co-Head of the Employment & Labor Practice Group. Negus will lead the group alongside Woody W. Lay. Negus has experience advising employers on compliance, litigation and workforce strategies. She conducts high-profile internal investigations for clients and works with the firm’s transactional attorneys to address the employment issues arising in all types of transactions. She is a member of the CLT Alliance Young Professionals Board and will serve for a two-year term. She received her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Clemson University.

 

Law Firm Carolinas Names Shareholders and Partner

Jon, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt and black jacket.Jon Raymer is now a shareholder. He focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate and represents builders, developers, investors and property owners in complex transactions, including financings and title matters. Raymer supervises the Greensboro office real estate practice. Raymer received his law degree from Elon University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. He also studied Japanese at Tokai University.

 

David, a white man with light brown hair, wears a white shirt, blue tie and grey suit.David Wilson is now a shareholder in the Charlotte office. He practices North and South Carolina community association (HOA and condominium) law and advises boards and managers on governance and enforcement matters. He leads the South Carolina HOA and condominium assessment collections practice with the firm. He earned his law degree from Charlotte School of Law, his master’s in teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina.

 

Andrew, a white man with brown hair, wears a white shirt, striped tie and black jacket.Andrew Brower is now a partner in the Greensboro office. He leads the Estate Planning and Administration Department in the firm. He focuses on wills, trusts, probate and guardianships. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. He received his law degree magna cum laude from Elon University School of Law, his M.B.A. from Western Carolina University and his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University.

 

Phelps Dunbar LLP Welcomes Senior Partner

Ralph, a white man with white hair, wears a white shirt, red tie and black jacket.Ralph DiLeone is now a senior partner in the firm’s Raleigh office. DiLeone has over 40 years of experience in representing companies in business transactions. He has provided counsel to closely held and family-owned businesses on ownership changes, complex corporate, transactional and succession-planning matters using tax efficient structures. He has worked in private practice, was general counsel and established his own firm. DiLeone has served for years as a member of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. He received his law degree cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.

 

Robinson Bradshaw Attorney Vinroot Receives Two Awards

Richard, a white man with white hair, wears a pale blue shirt, striped tie and black jacket.Richard A. Vinroot was recognized for his service in the community with two awards. He received the John R. Mott Award, bestowed by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, and the Excellence in Leadership Award, given by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. The John R. Mott award honors individuals for their servant leadership, community commitment and extraordinary dedication to the YMCA’s mission. Vinroot devoted many years of service to the YMCA. He served as an association board member and chair and as a member of the Harry Brace Leadership Award committee. The Rotary Club of Charlotte’s Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes leaders who demonstrate extraordinary achievements in their profession, visionary leadership and execution, significant contributions for the good of the Charlotte region, civic-mindedness and community involvement, and humility in their success. Vinroot was the mayor of Charlotte (1991 to 1995) after serving eight years on the City Council. He served on active duty in U.S. Army and is the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal.

Young Moore and Henderson, P.A. Announces New Shareholder

Christy, a white woman with blond hair, wears an ivory shirt and black jacket.Christy C. Dunn is now a shareholder with the firm. She works with employers, long-term care facilities, electric membership corporations, and insurance companies in complex civil litigation. She also represents clients in employment and labor matters and counsels organizations on risk prevention strategies. She received her law degree magna cum laude from Campbell Law School and her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

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Should I Become an E-Notary?

Kelly, a white woman with brown hair, wears a dark blue suit.By Kelly Lynch

As legal practice continues its steady shift toward digital platforms, notarization is evolving alongside it. In North Carolina, electronic and remote notarization are now established components of legal operations under Chapter 10B of the North Carolina General Statutes.[1]

For paralegals, this development raises an important professional question: Is becoming an electronic notary (“e-Notary”) a strategic career move?

The answer depends on practice area, firm demand, and comfort with compliance-driven technology. This article provides a practical overview to help North Carolina paralegals evaluate whether e-Notary authorization aligns with their professional goals.

  • What Is an E-Notary in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, a commissioned notary public may apply to perform electronic notarizations.[2] The state recognizes two primary formats:

  • In-person electronic notarization, in which the signer appears physically before the notary but signs electronically.
  • Remote electronic notarization (“REN”), in which the signer appears through secure audio-visual communication technology, and identity verification procedures are conducted electronically.[3]

To perform either, an individual must first hold a valid North Carolina notary commission and then complete additional authorization requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State.

For paralegals who routinely coordinate document execution, e-Notary status allows a transition from logistical support to a more direct execution role.

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Bringing Water to the Desert, Part Four

Judge Debra Sasser, a white woman with brown hair and brown glasses, wears a purple blouse and pale purple jacket. By Judge Debra Sasser

In Part One, “Bringing Water to the Desert (on a Horse With No Name),” Judge Vince Rozier (Resident Superior Court Judge in the Tenth Judicial District) and Judge Beth Tanner (District Court Judge in the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District) began a conversation on how attorney shortages in legal deserts negatively impact the ability of the State to provide court-appointed attorneys.

In Part Two, Judge Tanner and Judge Rozier addressed concerns on recruiting and retaining attorneys on the court-appointed list, briefly touching on how simple tweaks to case management procedures can address some of the issues preventing attorneys from accepting court-appointed cases.

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Basics of 338(h)(10) Elections

John, a white man with dark brown hair, wears a pale blue shirt, lime green and blue tie, and black suit. By John G. Hodnette

Section 338(h)(10) allows a buyer and seller in a qualified stock purchase to elect jointly for the sale of target stock to be treated for tax purposes as a sale of the target’s assets. That is beneficial to the buyer because the transaction is a stock sale for state law purposes (which avoids the need to transfer legal title to assets and the shifting of employees to a new entity) while obtaining a depreciable or amortizable cost basis in the underlying assets. That allows the buyer to depreciate the purchase price over time. The seller often does not prefer a 338(h)(10) election compared to a regular stock sale because the election may result in additional taxes to the seller compared to a regular stock sale. As a result, sometimes the seller will agree to the 338(h)(10) election in exchange for an upward adjustment in the purchase price paid by buyer. Because a 338(h)(10) election is a joint election requiring the consent of both buyer and seller, it cannot be made unless the parties agree.

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Asked and Answered: WIP Committee Members Share Their Goals for 2026

Diana, a woman with black hair, wears a white blouse, black blazer and gold necklace.Eleanor, a white woman with brown hair, wears a black dress, black blazer, and pearl necklace.By Diana Santos Johnson and Eleanor Panetti

For our first post of 2026, we asked our Committee members for input. Below are the questions we asked and the responses we received. Enjoy reading about what they learned in 2025, their goals for 2026 and why they joined the Women in the Profession Committee!

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