MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.

This month’s perspective is courtesy of Alison Ashe-Card, Associate Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Wake Forest University School of Law, Winston-Salem, NC.

What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year?

American University – Washington College of Law, 1992.

What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?

I come from a family of servant leaders who worked in the ministry, health care and in the public school system. As a result, I was that student who always volunteered my parents to provide baked goods and/or supplies needed for school. I vividly remember sitting myself down at the age of 10 and deciding that I wanted to become an attorney to help people. From that moment forward, everything I did was with this goal in mind.

Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career?

When I began practicing law, I quickly learned that people (opposing counsel, judges, and clients) often underestimated me and/or questioned my ability. They sometimes assumed that I was someone other than the attorney of record despite the fact that I was wearing a suit, carrying stacks of case files and introduced myself to the court as appearing on behalf of my client! On more than one occasion, I found out later that a judge had noted in the court file that my client was represented by a paralegal or legal assistant. I can recall an experience with a particular attorney who often tried to trap me into agreeing to a settlement when he knew that he would have to dismiss his case. Finally, one day when speaking to him on the phone, the telephone cord disconnected from the wall (this was before cell phones) and abruptly ended our call. From that day forward, he gave me the respect that I was due.

Do you have a message of encouragement for others who may have experienced similar challenges or adversity as a diverse attorney?

You belong! Do not ever let anyone make you feel like you are not good enough! Our profession, clients and our community need you! “When you get to a place where you understand that love and belonging, your worthiness, is a birthright and not something you have to earn, anything is possible.” – Brené Brown.

Alison Ashe-Card serves as the Associate Director, Diversity & Inclusion in the Office of Career and Professional Development at Wake Forest University School of Law. In this role, she leads the development and implementation of the office’s educational programs as well as developing and guiding schoolwide diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Prior to joining the staff at the law school, Alison’s practice focused on high profile product liability cases in federal and state courts nationwide. She began her career in legal services in Chicago, where she practiced for five years before relocating to North Carolina. Alison devotes countless hours every year to community and pro bono service. She is a recipient of the DRI Lifetime Community Service Award. Alison is the first North Carolina attorney to receive this award.

Please visit her full bio at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonashecard.

December 1, 2021/by NCBA MIP