The depth and scope of Hurricane Helene’s destruction cannot be comprehended.
It is worse than what you see in the media. The challenge now is survival and safety. For many, there is no power, no water, and no reliable internet. This will last for weeks, maybe months. The roads and bridges that remain are being cleared of downed trees, mudslides, and power lines by collective effort, but huge portions of the transportation infrastructure no longer exist. Some areas are only accessible by helicopter, if at all. People are still looking for loved ones. Lawyers are hurting; clients are hurting; so much has been lost.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Appellatehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngAppellate2024-10-04 12:53:412024-10-04 16:21:24Helene’s Effect on Lawyers, Clients, and Courts in Western North Carolina
Have you asked yourself how you could better balance the workload among your team members? Enhance your team’s collaborative environment? Nurture your team members and utilize their skills to best meet the client’s objectives? And, speaking of IoT, what are ways that teams work together to ensure compliance with global IoT legal requirements?
Please register soon and join us for the Fireside Chatwith Rob Keller, Senior Director and Associate General Counsel with Cisco, on October 8, 2024, at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, to hear about these issues. Even if you don’t practice in the IoT arena, you are sure to gather insights into teams that you can carry into your own practice. Our own NCBA Privacy & Data Security Section’s Shannon Ralich will host Monday’s Fireside Chat, bringing her experience as Head of Global Privacy & AI at JFrog to the discussion in what promises to be a great event.
The Privacy & Data Security Executive Council looks forward to your attendance! We hope you can come!
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Securityhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngSecurity2024-10-02 09:31:292024-10-02 10:17:01Upcoming Fireside Chat and Message From the PDS Communications Chair
This is the first post in a series of three blog posts titled “Thoughts on Being an Effective Local Government Attorney and How to Best Work With Your Local Government Attorney,” written by Don O’Toole, who retired in January 2024 after 13 years with the Durham City Attorney’s Office.
I had the good fortune to be a local government attorney for the last thirteen years of my legal career. I worked with terrific attorneys in the Durham City Attorney’s Office, and my practice was focused on providing legal support to the City departments that provide service to the development community. Those departments include Planning, Public Works, Water Management, and Inspections. I enjoyed working with the dedicated professionals in each of these departments. I also enjoyed what I hoped were good professional relationships with the attorneys, engineers, and developers who worked to grow Durham’s economy. I was asked by our Section Council to put down my thoughts on being a local government attorney, and how outside attorneys should work with local government attorneys. What follows are some of my thoughts on this topic.
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.pngZPLU2024-10-02 09:09:372024-10-02 09:28:43Thoughts on Being an Effective Local Government Attorney: Part I
Many people know what career they want to pursue. They research options, do internships, and seek other avenues to find that perfect choice. And sometimes, the career and opportunities find them in the most inconspicuous of places.
Alexa Lyles Brinegar recounts how she started her voyage into the vast field of law. A little over five years ago, Alexa, who had relocated to North Carolina from her native state of Oregon, was working in a coffee shop. Alexa had been there for a while, chatting with regulars while working hard to provide excellent service. It was that hard work that got the attention of an attorney whom she had connected with. He approached her with an offer – his assistant was leaving, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the position. This exchange would begin Alexa’s career into the legal field. As Alexa said, “An opportunity looks at you, and it’s presented to you on a platter. It would have been stupid to not try it out and see.”
Alexa, who has been working with the same attorney, Richard “Blake” Cheek, at The Law Office of Partin & Cheek, P.L.L.C. for over five years now, started out as a part-time assistant before moving into her current role as a paralegal. In that time span, Alexa obtained her associate degree in Paralegal Technologies and Paralegal Technologies certificates in Litigation and Real Property from Surry Community College. She became a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in May 2023. Alexa’s role as a paralegal includes assisting with the firm’s criminal and civil work. Blake Cheek is also the Department of Social Services attorney for Surry and Wilkes, and Alexa helps with those matters.
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.pngParalegals2024-10-01 11:48:252024-10-01 11:59:12Paralegal Spotlight: Alexa Lyles Brinegar’s One-Stop Shop to the Legal Field
The legal field is notoriously slow to change, particularly with technology, and the use of AI is no exception. When I first heard about ChatGPT in 2022, I was staunchly against using it. My resistance stemmed from various reasons, but chiefly, I felt like it was “cheating.” Because I have always taken education and good grades very seriously, it was difficult to overcome this mindset.
By mid-2023, however, it became evident not only that ChatGPT was here to stay but that AI was becoming prevalent in many fields. Over the past two years, my keen interest in using technology for project management and developing apps using no-code software evolved into nearly a full-time role. I realized that if I didn’t begin to incorporate AI into my work, I would quickly be left behind in the tech world.
Once I started using AI tools, I realized how narrow-minded I had been. The benefits were immediate and significant, and I regretted not incorporating AI much sooner because it has revolutionized my workflow and saved me hours on administrative tasks. I began reading articles about “prompt engineering” and attending conference sessions dedicated to the use of AI in the legal field. The organization I work for is very open to technology improvements and paid for a ChatGPT account. I began using it for more than just first drafts of emails and started thinking outside the box about the possible ways it could improve my work.
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.pngParalegals2024-10-01 09:32:162024-10-01 09:33:03Ethical and Practical AI Use for Paralegals: Part 1
(This is the first in a series of legislative updates that the Education Law Section will be posting to keep its members up to date on legislation impacting the world of education).
In a press conference held on Friday, September 20, 2024, NC Governor Roy Cooper officially vetoed legislation recently passed by state lawmakers that would provide millions in additional funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, or private school vouchers, as well as student enrollment funding in growing public school units (PSUs). It is not yet known whether legislators will attempt to override the Governor’s veto during their next scheduled meeting on October 9, 2024, although legislative leaders previously noted that voting sessions were “likely” during their post-election reconvening on November 19-22.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00EducationLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngEducationLaw2024-09-27 09:30:082024-09-27 09:39:32Legislative Update: NC Governor Vetoes Bill Providing Funding for Private School Voucher Expansion and K-12 Enrollment Growth
Natalia Talbot was named a partner with the firm. Her practice is focused on civil litigation, construction and business law, POA matters, real estate dispute, and state and court federal appeals. Talbot has more than ten years of experience as an attorney. She received a J.D., with distinction, from Boston College Law School. Following her graduation, she worked as assistant district attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as lead counsel in more than fifty criminal trials. She served as a federal law clerk in the Western District of North Carolina for the U.S. Magistrate Judge Carleton Metcalf. Talbot’s blog post titled My Vision for the Legal Profession: Prioritizing Attorney Mental Health was selected as the winning entry in the NCBA Young Lawyer Division’s 2022 Writing Competition. She holds a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in anthropology and German from Barnard College of Columbia University.
HBS Welcomes New Partner
Lucienne Hartmann Peoples has joined the firm’s Asheville office as a partner. She specializes in aging services and health care. She has experience in civil litigation and has handled general liability and commercial litigation. In her previous role, she focused on defending personal injury torts, professional liability, premises liability, product liability, and coverage disputes. She graduated from Mercer University School of Law. After graduating, she served as a judicial law clerk to Judge C. Ashley Royal of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University.
Phelps Dunbar LLP Announces New Partner, Associates
Patrick Meacham has joined the litigation team as a partner. Meacham, who is a trial lawyer, has more than 25 years of experience practicing law in Raleigh. He assists clients in professional negligence, products and premises liability, catastrophic personal injury and mass torts. He graduated from Campbell Law School, where he received his J.D., and the University of Kansas, where he received his bachelor’s degree.
At the last quarterly Dispute Resolution Section Roundtable, held on August 20, 2024, mediators discussed an all-too-common issue: what happens when a party does not pay or delays the payment of mediation fees beyond what is reasonable? Unfortunately, delayed or nonpayment of the mediator has become a common issue, and mediators face unique challenges in collecting fees.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00DisputeResolutionhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngDisputeResolution2024-09-23 15:17:502024-09-23 15:23:56Collection of Mediator Fees: Options Available to Mediators
This past summer I interned with the Durham County Attorneys who represent the Department of Social Services in the Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency (A/N/D) court. I spent time researching various legal, medical, and psychological issues. I was able to witness how collaborative the A/N/D court is, and how passionate each attorney is, in their representation of their parties.
My favorite research project was when I was able to research a medical disease that a child was allegedly diagnosed with. I had grown so used to researching legal problems, that I almost forgot that other research existed. I found researching medicine and diseases, and how that correlates with the legal system, extremely thought-provoking. In the A/N/D court, many of the attorneys need to become “mini” experts in medical problems, drugs, and other topics. This knowledge allows them to understand the facts from the cases more easily and come up with questions for the adjudication hearing. After spending time researching the disease I was assigned, I was able to talk with the attorneys about symptoms, and how to diagnose and treat them. This part of the research allowed the attorneys to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their argument. My research was a small part of one child’s case yet helped the attorneys further their understanding and strengthen their argument for trial.
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.pngGovernmentandPublicSector2024-09-23 11:41:322024-10-03 12:06:54A Look Into My Internship With the Durham County Attorney's Office
Helene’s Effect on Lawyers, Clients, and Courts in Western North Carolina
Appellate PracticeThe depth and scope of Hurricane Helene’s destruction cannot be comprehended.
It is worse than what you see in the media. The challenge now is survival and safety. For many, there is no power, no water, and no reliable internet. This will last for weeks, maybe months. The roads and bridges that remain are being cleared of downed trees, mudslides, and power lines by collective effort, but huge portions of the transportation infrastructure no longer exist. Some areas are only accessible by helicopter, if at all. People are still looking for loved ones. Lawyers are hurting; clients are hurting; so much has been lost.
Read more
Upcoming Fireside Chat and Message From the PDS Communications Chair
Privacy and Data SecurityUpcoming Fireside Chat
Have you asked yourself how you could better balance the workload among your team members? Enhance your team’s collaborative environment? Nurture your team members and utilize their skills to best meet the client’s objectives? And, speaking of IoT, what are ways that teams work together to ensure compliance with global IoT legal requirements?
Please register soon and join us for the Fireside Chat with Rob Keller, Senior Director and Associate General Counsel with Cisco, on October 8, 2024, at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, to hear about these issues. Even if you don’t practice in the IoT arena, you are sure to gather insights into teams that you can carry into your own practice. Our own NCBA Privacy & Data Security Section’s Shannon Ralich will host Monday’s Fireside Chat, bringing her experience as Head of Global Privacy & AI at JFrog to the discussion in what promises to be a great event.
The Privacy & Data Security Executive Council looks forward to your attendance! We hope you can come!
Read more
Thoughts on Being an Effective Local Government Attorney: Part I
Zoning Planning & Land Use SectionThis is the first post in a series of three blog posts titled “Thoughts on Being an Effective Local Government Attorney and How to Best Work With Your Local Government Attorney,” written by Don O’Toole, who retired in January 2024 after 13 years with the Durham City Attorney’s Office.
I had the good fortune to be a local government attorney for the last thirteen years of my legal career. I worked with terrific attorneys in the Durham City Attorney’s Office, and my practice was focused on providing legal support to the City departments that provide service to the development community. Those departments include Planning, Public Works, Water Management, and Inspections. I enjoyed working with the dedicated professionals in each of these departments. I also enjoyed what I hoped were good professional relationships with the attorneys, engineers, and developers who worked to grow Durham’s economy. I was asked by our Section Council to put down my thoughts on being a local government attorney, and how outside attorneys should work with local government attorneys. What follows are some of my thoughts on this topic.
Read more
Paralegal Spotlight: Alexa Lyles Brinegar’s One-Stop Shop to the Legal Field
Paralegal DivisionAlexa Lyles Brinegar
By Yazmeen O. Gadalla
Many people know what career they want to pursue. They research options, do internships, and seek other avenues to find that perfect choice. And sometimes, the career and opportunities find them in the most inconspicuous of places.
Alexa Lyles Brinegar recounts how she started her voyage into the vast field of law. A little over five years ago, Alexa, who had relocated to North Carolina from her native state of Oregon, was working in a coffee shop. Alexa had been there for a while, chatting with regulars while working hard to provide excellent service. It was that hard work that got the attention of an attorney whom she had connected with. He approached her with an offer – his assistant was leaving, and he asked if she would be interested in interviewing for the position. This exchange would begin Alexa’s career into the legal field. As Alexa said, “An opportunity looks at you, and it’s presented to you on a platter. It would have been stupid to not try it out and see.”
Alexa, who has been working with the same attorney, Richard “Blake” Cheek, at The Law Office of Partin & Cheek, P.L.L.C. for over five years now, started out as a part-time assistant before moving into her current role as a paralegal. In that time span, Alexa obtained her associate degree in Paralegal Technologies and Paralegal Technologies certificates in Litigation and Real Property from Surry Community College. She became a North Carolina Certified Paralegal in May 2023. Alexa’s role as a paralegal includes assisting with the firm’s criminal and civil work. Blake Cheek is also the Department of Social Services attorney for Surry and Wilkes, and Alexa helps with those matters.
Read more
Ethical and Practical AI Use for Paralegals: Part 1
Featured PostsThe legal field is notoriously slow to change, particularly with technology, and the use of AI is no exception. When I first heard about ChatGPT in 2022, I was staunchly against using it. My resistance stemmed from various reasons, but chiefly, I felt like it was “cheating.” Because I have always taken education and good grades very seriously, it was difficult to overcome this mindset.
By mid-2023, however, it became evident not only that ChatGPT was here to stay but that AI was becoming prevalent in many fields. Over the past two years, my keen interest in using technology for project management and developing apps using no-code software evolved into nearly a full-time role. I realized that if I didn’t begin to incorporate AI into my work, I would quickly be left behind in the tech world.
Once I started using AI tools, I realized how narrow-minded I had been. The benefits were immediate and significant, and I regretted not incorporating AI much sooner because it has revolutionized my workflow and saved me hours on administrative tasks. I began reading articles about “prompt engineering” and attending conference sessions dedicated to the use of AI in the legal field. The organization I work for is very open to technology improvements and paid for a ChatGPT account. I began using it for more than just first drafts of emails and started thinking outside the box about the possible ways it could improve my work.
Read more
Legislative Update: NC Governor Vetoes Bill Providing Funding for Private School Voucher Expansion and K-12 Enrollment Growth
Education Law Section(This is the first in a series of legislative updates that the Education Law Section will be posting to keep its members up to date on legislation impacting the world of education).
In a press conference held on Friday, September 20, 2024, NC Governor Roy Cooper officially vetoed legislation recently passed by state lawmakers that would provide millions in additional funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, or private school vouchers, as well as student enrollment funding in growing public school units (PSUs). It is not yet known whether legislators will attempt to override the Governor’s veto during their next scheduled meeting on October 9, 2024, although legislative leaders previously noted that voting sessions were “likely” during their post-election reconvening on November 19-22.
Read more
Most Lawyers Aren’t Monsters
Membership Committee(A possible October production.)
A recent conversation with a law student went something like this:
Student: I don’t know how to network. I’m an introvert.
Me: We can work on that together. You must learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Student: But I’m afraid to speak to lawyers. I mean, they’re LAWYERS.
In my experience, most lawyers aren’t monsters.
Read more
Checking In: September 24, 2024
Checking InCompiled by Jessica Junqueira
New Partner Announced at Capua Law
HBS Welcomes New Partner
Phelps Dunbar LLP Announces New Partner, Associates
Read more
Collection of Mediator Fees: Options Available to Mediators
Dispute Resolution SectionAt the last quarterly Dispute Resolution Section Roundtable, held on August 20, 2024, mediators discussed an all-too-common issue: what happens when a party does not pay or delays the payment of mediation fees beyond what is reasonable? Unfortunately, delayed or nonpayment of the mediator has become a common issue, and mediators face unique challenges in collecting fees.
Read more
A Look Into My Internship With the Durham County Attorney’s Office
Government & Public SectorThis past summer I interned with the Durham County Attorneys who represent the Department of Social Services in the Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency (A/N/D) court. I spent time researching various legal, medical, and psychological issues. I was able to witness how collaborative the A/N/D court is, and how passionate each attorney is, in their representation of their parties.
My favorite research project was when I was able to research a medical disease that a child was allegedly diagnosed with. I had grown so used to researching legal problems, that I almost forgot that other research existed. I found researching medicine and diseases, and how that correlates with the legal system, extremely thought-provoking. In the A/N/D court, many of the attorneys need to become “mini” experts in medical problems, drugs, and other topics. This knowledge allows them to understand the facts from the cases more easily and come up with questions for the adjudication hearing. After spending time researching the disease I was assigned, I was able to talk with the attorneys about symptoms, and how to diagnose and treat them. This part of the research allowed the attorneys to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their argument. My research was a small part of one child’s case yet helped the attorneys further their understanding and strengthen their argument for trial.
Read more