As part of a monthly blog series, we’ve invited members of the NCBA Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee to share their insights on common challenges faced by women in the legal profession. As you will see in their answers, each member brings a unique perspective and personal experience, resulting in varied responses to the same questions. This diversity of thought underscores that there is rarely a single “right” answer to any given situation. We hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for other female attorneys navigating similar dilemmas in the legal workplace.
As a law student, there are many activities and organizations available for students to join, including Moot Court and Law Review. Law students attending American Bar Association (commonly referred to as the “ABA”)-accredited or provisionally accredited law schools are eligible for complimentary membership in the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. The NCBA offers many valuable resources and opportunities for law student members, including Networking events, Pro Bono Opportunities, Practice Seminars, and so much more.
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 YLD2024-11-19 10:33:362024-11-19 10:33:36Start Here, Stay Here: Why Law Students Should Join the North Carolina Bar Association
Gwendolyn Lewis has joined the firm’s litigation section in the Charlotte office. Her practice is focused on civil litigation, complex labor and employment litigation and advising and professional liability litigation. Lewis has practiced law for more than ten years. She represents both individuals and corporations and has provided counsel to clients on a range of issues before the United States Department of Labor and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lewis has also represented and defended medical providers and hospitals before state courts and administrative agencies. Lewis served as a judicial extern for the North Carolina Supreme Court for Justice Paul M. Newby. She graduated from Elon University School of Law, where she later served as alumni director and an adjunct professor. She holds a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in criminal justice from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Carruthers & Roth Announces New Attorney
Craig T. Almond is now an associate attorney with the firm, where he is a part of the firm’s litigation practice group. He will represent clients in matters of commercial litigation, business litigation, employment, construction, real estate, and estate disputes. He previously worked as a summer and fall law clerk with Carruthers & Roth. Almond earned his J.D., cum laude, from Elon Law School in 2023. While in law school, he served as the articles editor for the Elon Law Review and competed on the Moot Court team. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.
Attorneys Join Robinson Bradshaw
Katrina L. Hauprich received her J.D. with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2024. During law school, she worked as a comments editor for the North Carolina Law Review. Before attending law school, Hauprich worked for public and private institutions of higher education in admissions, alumni relations, fundraising and student affairs. She received a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and Hispanic linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more
In the legal field, the term “pro bono” refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without payment. While most people think of attorneys when they hear about pro bono work, paralegals play an equally important role in providing these services. In North Carolina, pro bono paralegal work not only supports access to justice but also enriches the professional and personal lives of those who engage in it.
What is Pro Bono Work?
Pro bono work involves offering legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services. This can include a wide range of services, such as preparing legal documents, conducting research, and providing assistance in court. For paralegals, pro bono opportunities allow them to utilize their skills while contributing to their communities. Pro bono service must be completed under the direct supervision of an attorney licensed in the State of North Carolina in accordance with Rule 6.1.
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.pngParalegals2024-11-15 15:10:272024-11-15 15:10:27The Importance of Pro Bono Paralegal Work
This summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
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.pngCriminalJustice2024-11-15 12:09:052024-11-15 12:09:05My Summer With North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services: A Reflection on Public Service Law
This summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00ZPLUhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngZPLU2024-11-15 12:06:472024-11-15 12:07:22My Summer With North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services: A Reflection on Public Service Law
Working as an intern at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to the critical work of investigating post-conviction claims of innocence. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the meticulous process of seeking truth and justice. This is the type of role that I believe is only possible in a public-sector position, where an agency like the Commission can operate on their charge without financial motives.
One of main responsibilities I had during my internship was assisting in the evaluation of innocence claims. This process is far more intricate and demanding than I initially imagined. Each claim requires a thorough, objective analysis that often involves sifting through mountains of documentation. When a new claim comes in, we would start by reviewing the initial application. This document provides an overview of the case and the basis for the innocence claim. From there, we dive into the case files, which include trial transcripts, police reports, forensic analyses, and any post-conviction filings.
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.pngGovernmentandPublicSector2024-11-15 11:54:372024-11-15 11:59:22A Look Into My Internship With the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission
The NCBA’s Young Lawyers Division, together with the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee, are excited to host Friendsgiving & Music Trivia: an evening of food, drinks, friends, and drag, at the Velvet Hippo in beautiful downtown Durham.
Come celebrate with old friends and make a few new ones as we give thanks for another great bar year.
Open to legal professionals, law students, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community alike, we will meet at 6:30 p.m. to mix and mingle ahead of music trivia bingo beginning at 8 p.m. hosted by Vivica Coxx and guest DJs.
Thursday, November 21 Friendsgiving Social – 6:30 p.m. | Music Trivia – 8 p.m. Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge | 119 Orange St, 3rd Floor, Durham
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 YLD2024-11-15 11:12:262024-11-15 11:12:26Friendsgiving Social & Music Trivia
You’re a freshly licensed North Carolina attorney. Finding your footing in the job market is hard, and there seems to be a lot of important information you didn’t learn in law school. Then you get your first copy of the ABA journal, and, wow, there’s a whole section on attorneys who have gotten disciplined for breaking various rules. But that won’t happen to you . . . right?
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 YLD2024-11-12 10:02:292024-11-12 10:02:29How To Lose Your Law License
Please join the North Carolina Bar Association’s Environment, Energy, & Natural Resources Law Section Council for its quarterly meeting and featured speaker event, “Bridging Partnerships for a Resilient Western North Carolina,” this Thursday, November 14, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. During the Council meeting, members from the different committees will report on their committee’s activities since the last meeting and discuss relevant developments in environmental law. For the speaker event, Cathy Cralle Jones and Jim Spangler will discuss actions they are taking to help address the impacts from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00EnvironmentalLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngEnvironmentalLaw2024-11-12 09:42:312024-11-12 09:42:31Upcoming Council Meeting and Featured Speaker Event
An Introduction to Dear NCBA WIP . . .
Women in the ProfessionBy WIP members
As part of a monthly blog series, we’ve invited members of the NCBA Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee to share their insights on common challenges faced by women in the legal profession. As you will see in their answers, each member brings a unique perspective and personal experience, resulting in varied responses to the same questions. This diversity of thought underscores that there is rarely a single “right” answer to any given situation. We hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for other female attorneys navigating similar dilemmas in the legal workplace.
Read more
Start Here, Stay Here: Why Law Students Should Join the North Carolina Bar Association
Young Lawyers DivisionAs a law student, there are many activities and organizations available for students to join, including Moot Court and Law Review. Law students attending American Bar Association (commonly referred to as the “ABA”)-accredited or provisionally accredited law schools are eligible for complimentary membership in the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. The NCBA offers many valuable resources and opportunities for law student members, including Networking events, Pro Bono Opportunities, Practice Seminars, and so much more.
Read more
Checking In: November 19, 2024
Checking InCompiled by Jessica Junqueira
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Welcomes Attorney
Carruthers & Roth Announces New Attorney
Attorneys Join Robinson Bradshaw
The Importance of Pro Bono Paralegal Work
Paralegal DivisionIn the legal field, the term “pro bono” refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without payment. While most people think of attorneys when they hear about pro bono work, paralegals play an equally important role in providing these services. In North Carolina, pro bono paralegal work not only supports access to justice but also enriches the professional and personal lives of those who engage in it.
What is Pro Bono Work?
Pro bono work involves offering legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services. This can include a wide range of services, such as preparing legal documents, conducting research, and providing assistance in court. For paralegals, pro bono opportunities allow them to utilize their skills while contributing to their communities. Pro bono service must be completed under the direct supervision of an attorney licensed in the State of North Carolina in accordance with Rule 6.1.
Read more
My Summer With North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services: A Reflection on Public Service Law
Criminal JusticeThis summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
Read more
My Summer With North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services: A Reflection on Public Service Law
Zoning Planning & Land Use SectionThis summer, I had the privilege of working with North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS), an organization committed to providing legal assistance to incarcerated individuals in North Carolina. My internship offered me a front-row seat to the criminal justice system, from observing court proceedings to directly engaging with clients and their families. This experience not only solidified my commitment to a career in public service law but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of advocating for those who are often voiceless.
Read more
A Look Into My Internship With the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission
Government & Public SectorBy Shane Murphy
Working as an intern at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to the critical work of investigating post-conviction claims of innocence. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the meticulous process of seeking truth and justice. This is the type of role that I believe is only possible in a public-sector position, where an agency like the Commission can operate on their charge without financial motives.
One of main responsibilities I had during my internship was assisting in the evaluation of innocence claims. This process is far more intricate and demanding than I initially imagined. Each claim requires a thorough, objective analysis that often involves sifting through mountains of documentation. When a new claim comes in, we would start by reviewing the initial application. This document provides an overview of the case and the basis for the innocence claim. From there, we dive into the case files, which include trial transcripts, police reports, forensic analyses, and any post-conviction filings.
Read more
Friendsgiving Social & Music Trivia
Young Lawyers DivisionThe NCBA’s Young Lawyers Division, together with the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee, are excited to host Friendsgiving & Music Trivia: an evening of food, drinks, friends, and drag, at the Velvet Hippo in beautiful downtown Durham.
Come celebrate with old friends and make a few new ones as we give thanks for another great bar year.
Open to legal professionals, law students, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community alike, we will meet at 6:30 p.m. to mix and mingle ahead of music trivia bingo beginning at 8 p.m. hosted by Vivica Coxx and guest DJs.
Thursday, November 21
Friendsgiving Social – 6:30 p.m. | Music Trivia – 8 p.m.
Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge | 119 Orange St, 3rd Floor, Durham
How To Lose Your Law License
Young Lawyers DivisionYou’re a freshly licensed North Carolina attorney. Finding your footing in the job market is hard, and there seems to be a lot of important information you didn’t learn in law school. Then you get your first copy of the ABA journal, and, wow, there’s a whole section on attorneys who have gotten disciplined for breaking various rules. But that won’t happen to you . . . right?
Let’s make sure.
Read more
Upcoming Council Meeting and Featured Speaker Event
Environment Energy & Natural ResourcesPlease join the North Carolina Bar Association’s Environment, Energy, & Natural Resources Law Section Council for its quarterly meeting and featured speaker event, “Bridging Partnerships for a Resilient Western North Carolina,” this Thursday, November 14, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. During the Council meeting, members from the different committees will report on their committee’s activities since the last meeting and discuss relevant developments in environmental law. For the speaker event, Cathy Cralle Jones and Jim Spangler will discuss actions they are taking to help address the impacts from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
Read more