N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls was the guest speaker at the April 14, 2022, meeting of the Administrative Law Section Council. Her presentation summarized a report titled “In Pursuit of Justice: An Assessment of the Civil Legal Needs of North Carolina.”
The report, issued in April 2021, was generated through the first comprehensive, statewide civil legal needs assessment conducted in North Carolina in almost 20 years.
The N.C. Equal Access to Justice Commission of the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Equal Justice Alliance partnered with the UNC Greensboro Center for Housing and Community Studies to conduct the assessment.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Administrativehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngAdministrative2022-04-25 12:18:332022-04-25 12:30:00Assessment of Civil Legal Needs in NC – Presentation to the Administrative Law Section Council
May is still member appreciation month. And we are extremely excited to announce a schedule full of free events, but most importantly, some will be in person again!
Member Appreciation Month is a May tradition at the NCBA where complimentary services and prize giveaways are available to express our gratitude to members.
Here’s a rundown of what we have prepared:
Tech Tuesdays. On May 17 and 31, we will team up with our Center for Practice Management (CPM) to provide free LinkedIn and social media profile reviews.
Winning Wednesdays. On May 11 and 25, members are encouraged to retweet or share an NCBA social media post, and one member will be selected to receive an NC-themed gift basket! Be sure to follow us (@NCBAorg) on Twitter,Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share your posts.
Wellness Wednesdays. In addition to Winning Wednesdays, we’ll also celebrate two Wellness Wednesdays (May 4 and 18) with a blog post on micro mindfulness and guided meditation (forthcoming) provided by members of our BarCARES Committee.
Free Fridays. On May 6 and 13, CPM Director Catherine Sanders Reach will provide a limited-edition workshop on how to leverage the technology you may already have to streamline processes, improve communication, speed up and simplify administrative tasks, and do it all securely. As part of Free Fridays, we are also bringing back professional headshots in three locations across the state: Charlotte (May 6), Greensboro (May 13) and Cary (May 20). Be sure to RSVP soon, as space is limited.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Membership Committeehttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngMembership Committee2022-04-22 13:17:332023-03-09 10:45:35Celebrating NCBA Members Throughout the Month of May
The duty to defend is a threshold question in nearly every insurance coverage matter. Several recent decisions from federal and state courts in North Carolina contain excellent discussions and analysis of that duty. They are summarized below.
1. Craige v. Geico, No. 1:19-cv-408, 2020 WL 6946937 (M.D.N.C. November 25, 2020, Judge Schroeder).
This case is a primer on the duty to defend in North Carolina. In Craige, Judge Schroeder held that because the insurers had unjustifiably refused to defend their insured in the underlying lawsuit, they were responsible to pay a judgment against the insured, up to their policy limits.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00InsuranceLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngInsuranceLaw2022-04-21 15:19:352022-04-21 15:19:35Duty to Defend in North Carolina – Recent Cases
New Associate Joins Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms
William Thomas has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Thomas focuses his practice on civil litigation, insurance coverage and defense, and employment law. He has prior experience in employment litigation and workers’ compensation law. While in law school, Thomas served as an intern for Associate Justice Samuel J. Ervin IV with the Supreme Court of North Carolina and Judge R. Christopher Dillon with the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Fox Rothschild in Raleigh Names Bradley M. Risinger Managing Partner
Fox Rothschild LLP announced that Bradley M. Risinger is now the Managing Partner in the firm’s Raleigh office. Risinger is a trial attorney focusing on business litigation and complex disputes. He has experience litigating in the North Carolina Business Court, as well as in state and federal courts across the Southeast. Risinger served on the Board of Directors for United Way of North Carolina and on the Board of Directors for NC 2-11. He holds a J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. with high distinction from Indiana University.
K&L Gates Welcomes New Partner
K&L Gates announced that Courtney B. Thomas is now a partner. Thomas is a part of the corporate practice group. He focuses his practice on commercial technology and sourcing and corporate/mergers and acquisitions. Thomas has prior experience serving as senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary for an international technology company. He also practiced as a senior lawyer at a large investment bank. He has served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina School of Law. He holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from Duke University.
The Knowledge Resource Committee led by Sheila Spence and Nickeyea Wilkinson-Pickett collected four stories from in-house counsel and career coaches regarding how they handled transitions into new lines of work, including transitions from roles in law firms to in-house roles, new in-house jobs, and promotions within their companies.
How has it been transitioning in-house, to a new job, or new position during the pandemic?
Christine (New In-House Role): I joined Lenovo when most employees (myself included) were working remotely. Lenovo has about 71,000 employees worldwide, and I joined with about 150 other North America employees in early December 2021. During the pandemic, Lenovo has really figured out how to onboard employees remotely and provide a warm and informative welcome for new employees. I feel very fortunate to have had such an easy transition to Lenovo during the pandemic.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00CorporateCounselhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngCorporateCounsel2022-04-18 10:33:152022-06-10 11:31:32Transitioning In House
The last few years have seen dramatic changes in health care. As change happens, it is always important to keep privacy and security in mind. The NCBA Health Law Section’s Annual CLE Program will include a session involving “Privacy and Data Compliance Challenges From All Angles: Practical Tips to Manage Risk.” From the HIPAA proposed rulemaking and OCR’s continued right of access enforcement, to the FTC’s renewed focus on health care app developers, ONC’s information blocking rules, and countless ransomware attacks, the health care industry is faced with compliance challenges across all aspects of operations. The rapid expansion of telehealth services throughout the pandemic and continued innovation across the health-tech sector provide essential benefits to patients and consumers but also add to the complexities of data privacy and cybersecurity risk. This session will address practical ways to manage risk without stifling creative advancements in health care models.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00HealthLawhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngHealthLaw2022-04-14 11:25:072022-04-14 11:25:07Keep Your Data Safe and Secure - Join Us for the 2022 Health Law Section Annual CLE Program
The Education Section has been busy in April! On April 7, the Education Section held its final Regular Meeting of the year in Raleigh at Tharrington Smith LLP, and its Annual Meeting at Whiskey Kitchen. On April 8, the Education Section also held its annual CLE program at the Bar Center. Thanks to everyone who helped make these events a success, especially our CLE Committee co-chairs Collins Saint, Maura O’Keefe, Keir Morton-Manley, Rebecca Williams, and Grace Pennerat.
New Officers & Council Members
At this year’s annual meeting, the Education Section Council voted to approve the following section members for service on the Education Section Council.
After a 3-year hiatus, the Tax Section returns to beautiful Kiawah Island, SC for its annual meeting and CLE program, May 27-29, 2022. The 3-day program includes sessions on state and federal tax, tax policy, and planning, with added ethics and technology sessions. Speakers include well-known professionals from private practice, government, and education sectors. The program has been approved for 9 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour each of ethics, substance abuse/mental health, and technology. There will also be plenty of time for attendees to enjoy golf, tennis, beaches, dinning, and other amenities that make Kiawah Island Resort special. Registration and program materials are at https://cle.ncbar.org/courses/41046 .
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00TAXhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngTAX2022-04-13 09:08:392022-04-13 10:44:43The Tax Section Returns to Kiawah Island for Memorial Day!
This month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Peggy Pardue.
I am a North Carolina Certified Paralegal at Hampson Family Law located in Raleigh.
I attended Elon college for one year before transitioning my studies to a community college. I also became a notary public in the ’80s. While formal education may be the best route for some people, experience was the best way for me to learn the skills I needed to become a successful paralegal.
Initially, I worked full time at the North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners in their disciplinary section. This position gave me a taste of the legal world. After working there for eight years, I transitioned into the role of an Executive Administrative Assistant with a local propane company. After a couple of years as an Executive Administrative Assistant when my son was young, and I had been through a divorce and remarried, I started working in a family law firm. This position gave me and continues to give me the opportunity to do something to help others who are going through similar circumstances. I thought that passion and calling would have led me to Child Support Enforcement, but I found my home with family law. As of May 2022, I have served in the legal field for 19 years.
Turn off your webcams and join us at the farm for our section’s Annual Meeting and Social on May 4. Then, pack your bags and head down to Charleston on June 16-18 for the 2022 Tri-State Environmental Law Conference!
Our Section will hold its Annual Meeting and Social on May 4 at Carolina Morning Stables in Siler City, home of section member Jeff Tyburski. The afternoon’s agenda promises fresh air, food, fellowship, horses, and music. Registration and agenda are available here. Remember to register by April 22.
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.pngEnvironmentalLaw2022-04-11 16:14:352022-04-11 16:14:35Register Now for the Section's Annual Meeting and the 2022 Tri-State Environmental Law Conference
Assessment of Civil Legal Needs in NC – Presentation to the Administrative Law Section Council
Administrative LawBy the Communications Committee
N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls was the guest speaker at the April 14, 2022, meeting of the Administrative Law Section Council. Her presentation summarized a report titled “In Pursuit of Justice: An Assessment of the Civil Legal Needs of North Carolina.”
The report, issued in April 2021, was generated through the first comprehensive, statewide civil legal needs assessment conducted in North Carolina in almost 20 years.
The N.C. Equal Access to Justice Commission of the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Equal Justice Alliance partnered with the UNC Greensboro Center for Housing and Community Studies to conduct the assessment.
Read more
Celebrating NCBA Members Throughout the Month of May
Membership CommitteeMay is still member appreciation month. And we are extremely excited to announce a schedule full of free events, but most importantly, some will be in person again!
Member Appreciation Month is a May tradition at the NCBA where complimentary services and prize giveaways are available to express our gratitude to members.
Here’s a rundown of what we have prepared:
Tech Tuesdays. On May 17 and 31, we will team up with our Center for Practice Management (CPM) to provide free LinkedIn and social media profile reviews.
Winning Wednesdays. On May 11 and 25, members are encouraged to retweet or share an NCBA social media post, and one member will be selected to receive an NC-themed gift basket! Be sure to follow us (@NCBAorg) on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share your posts.
Wellness Wednesdays. In addition to Winning Wednesdays, we’ll also celebrate two Wellness Wednesdays (May 4 and 18) with a blog post on micro mindfulness and guided meditation (forthcoming) provided by members of our BarCARES Committee.
Free Fridays. On May 6 and 13, CPM Director Catherine Sanders Reach will provide a limited-edition workshop on how to leverage the technology you may already have to streamline processes, improve communication, speed up and simplify administrative tasks, and do it all securely. As part of Free Fridays, we are also bringing back professional headshots in three locations across the state: Charlotte (May 6), Greensboro (May 13) and Cary (May 20). Be sure to RSVP soon, as space is limited.
Read more
Duty to Defend in North Carolina – Recent Cases
Insurance Law SectionThe duty to defend is a threshold question in nearly every insurance coverage matter. Several recent decisions from federal and state courts in North Carolina contain excellent discussions and analysis of that duty. They are summarized below.
1. Craige v. Geico, No. 1:19-cv-408, 2020 WL 6946937 (M.D.N.C. November 25, 2020, Judge Schroeder).
This case is a primer on the duty to defend in North Carolina. In Craige, Judge Schroeder held that because the insurers had unjustifiably refused to defend their insured in the underlying lawsuit, they were responsible to pay a judgment against the insured, up to their policy limits.
Read more
Checking In: April 19, 2022
Checking InCompiled by Jessica Junqueira
New Associate Joins Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms
Fox Rothschild in Raleigh Names Bradley M. Risinger Managing Partner
K&L Gates Welcomes New Partner
Read more
Transitioning In House
Corporate CounselBy Christine Mazzone, Gabe Wright, Laura Chipman, and Clara Cottrell
The Knowledge Resource Committee led by Sheila Spence and Nickeyea Wilkinson-Pickett collected four stories from in-house counsel and career coaches regarding how they handled transitions into new lines of work, including transitions from roles in law firms to in-house roles, new in-house jobs, and promotions within their companies.
How has it been transitioning in-house, to a new job, or new position during the pandemic?
Christine (New In-House Role): I joined Lenovo when most employees (myself included) were working remotely. Lenovo has about 71,000 employees worldwide, and I joined with about 150 other North America employees in early December 2021. During the pandemic, Lenovo has really figured out how to onboard employees remotely and provide a warm and informative welcome for new employees. I feel very fortunate to have had such an easy transition to Lenovo during the pandemic.
Read more
Keep Your Data Safe and Secure – Join Us for the 2022 Health Law Section Annual CLE Program
Health Law SectionThe last few years have seen dramatic changes in health care. As change happens, it is always important to keep privacy and security in mind. The NCBA Health Law Section’s Annual CLE Program will include a session involving “Privacy and Data Compliance Challenges From All Angles: Practical Tips to Manage Risk.” From the HIPAA proposed rulemaking and OCR’s continued right of access enforcement, to the FTC’s renewed focus on health care app developers, ONC’s information blocking rules, and countless ransomware attacks, the health care industry is faced with compliance challenges across all aspects of operations. The rapid expansion of telehealth services throughout the pandemic and continued innovation across the health-tech sector provide essential benefits to patients and consumers but also add to the complexities of data privacy and cybersecurity risk. This session will address practical ways to manage risk without stifling creative advancements in health care models.
Read more
Education Section Update
Education Law SectionThe Education Section has been busy in April! On April 7, the Education Section held its final Regular Meeting of the year in Raleigh at Tharrington Smith LLP, and its Annual Meeting at Whiskey Kitchen. On April 8, the Education Section also held its annual CLE program at the Bar Center. Thanks to everyone who helped make these events a success, especially our CLE Committee co-chairs Collins Saint, Maura O’Keefe, Keir Morton-Manley, Rebecca Williams, and Grace Pennerat.
New Officers & Council Members
At this year’s annual meeting, the Education Section Council voted to approve the following section members for service on the Education Section Council.
Read more
The Tax Section Returns to Kiawah Island for Memorial Day!
Tax SectionAfter a 3-year hiatus, the Tax Section returns to beautiful Kiawah Island, SC for its annual meeting and CLE program, May 27-29, 2022. The 3-day program includes sessions on state and federal tax, tax policy, and planning, with added ethics and technology sessions. Speakers include well-known professionals from private practice, government, and education sectors. The program has been approved for 9 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour each of ethics, substance abuse/mental health, and technology. There will also be plenty of time for attendees to enjoy golf, tennis, beaches, dinning, and other amenities that make Kiawah Island Resort special. Registration and program materials are at https://cle.ncbar.org/courses/41046 .
Paralegal Spotlight: Peggy Pardue
Paralegal DivisionThis month’s Paralegal Spotlight is on Peggy Pardue.
I am a North Carolina Certified Paralegal at Hampson Family Law located in Raleigh.
I attended Elon college for one year before transitioning my studies to a community college. I also became a notary public in the ’80s. While formal education may be the best route for some people, experience was the best way for me to learn the skills I needed to become a successful paralegal.
Initially, I worked full time at the North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners in their disciplinary section. This position gave me a taste of the legal world. After working there for eight years, I transitioned into the role of an Executive Administrative Assistant with a local propane company. After a couple of years as an Executive Administrative Assistant when my son was young, and I had been through a divorce and remarried, I started working in a family law firm. This position gave me and continues to give me the opportunity to do something to help others who are going through similar circumstances. I thought that passion and calling would have led me to Child Support Enforcement, but I found my home with family law. As of May 2022, I have served in the legal field for 19 years.
Read more
Register Now for the Section’s Annual Meeting and the 2022 Tri-State Environmental Law Conference
Environment Energy & Natural ResourcesTurn off your webcams and join us at the farm for our section’s Annual Meeting and Social on May 4. Then, pack your bags and head down to Charleston on June 16-18 for the 2022 Tri-State Environmental Law Conference!
Our Section will hold its Annual Meeting and Social on May 4 at Carolina Morning Stables in Siler City, home of section member Jeff Tyburski. The afternoon’s agenda promises fresh air, food, fellowship, horses, and music. Registration and agenda are available here. Remember to register by April 22.
Read more