Why Being Together Matters: Reflections on the NCBA Real Property Section Annual Meeting and Scholarship Opportunities to Attend

By Sarah Dorr and Mary Gallimore Walker

Each year, the North Carolina Bar Association Real Property Section’s Annual Meeting brings attorneys from across our State together for learning and connection. While the CLE content is always helpful, many attorneys say the true value of the Annual Meeting comes from being there in person. The conversations between sessions, the relationships built over meals and the opportunity to engage directly with colleagues who understand our work and practice make the experience especially meaningful.

Recognizing that cost can be a barrier to in-person attendance, the Real Property Section is introducing scholarships to attend the Annual Meeting, making the experience more accessible. The reflections below highlight the value of being together at the Annual Meeting and the Section’s commitment to encouraging broader participation.

Scholarship Opportunity

Learn more about the Annual Meeting Scholarship and apply online.

Applicants are encouraged to block their schedules for the meeting dates so that they will be prepared to attend if they are selected.

2026 NCBA Real Property Section Annual Meeting
May 15-16, 2026
Renaissance Hotel, Asheville, NC

Reflections from Our Colleagues

“I first attended an Annual Meeting of the Real Property Section in 2018 (I believe it was down in Wrightsville Beach). At that time, I had been practicing real estate law for just over a year with few connections to experienced real estate attorneys practicing within our State. Years later, I am happy to count so many of those I met at that meeting as friends and trusted colleagues I see, confer, and celebrate with regularly. Many annual meetings later, now serving on Executive Council for this Section, I could not overstate how important the connections built through the Real Property Section have been for my professional development, practical success, and enjoyment of the practice itself. There is no shortage of attorneys who care deeply about the work we do and who are exceptionally talented at that work. The best (and I would argue most enjoyable) way to meet them is at the Annual Meeting. I am very proud to see the creation of the Annual Meeting Scholarship and look forward to the opportunities and connections it will bring to colleagues who have not had the opportunity to attend previously. I look forward to meeting them all in the mountains this year!”

Kyle Smalling
Founder, Capital City Law
Executive Council, NCBA Real Property Section

“Attending the Real Property Section Annual Meeting in person is important to me because it provides valuable opportunities to connect face-to-face with peers and colleagues across the industry. Being at the meeting allows me to build stronger relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn directly from the presenters. In-person discussions make it easier to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain insights that are often missed in virtual settings. Overall, attending in person helps me stay connected, fully engaged, and up to date with what is happening in our industry.”

Jimmica Cofield
VP, Agency Support Services Manager, Chicago Title

“I’ve been attending the North Carolina Bar Association Real Property Section Annual Meeting consistently for over thirty years. Without fail, this gathering has provided me with meaningful continuing legal education targeted toward enhancing my professional development. I have always taken home valuable information enhancing my ability to provide my services in the most professional manner. I also find the opportunity to network with fellow real property professionals in a collegial atmosphere to be invaluable. Our work is complex, and the value of being able to reach out to experienced colleagues across the State for assistance cannot be understated.”

Chris Burti
VP and Senior Legal Counsel, Statewide Title

“I began attending Real Property Section Annual Meetings even before CLE was required! Then and now, the CLE itself provides some of the best substantive updated legal statutory and case law, forms and practical information from those with expertise in all aspects of a complicated practice. But, even more valuable, the Annual Meeting provides a unique opportunity to informally trade thoughts and practice tips with the best and brightest of practitioners while talking in the hallways and at dinners and events. In practice, there’s no substitute for learning about the practical standard of practice or knowing who to call when questions come up, saving you time and potential future embarrassment. As they say, it’s not what you know but who you know that can make the difference! Real estate practice is complicated, covers many areas of state and federal rules and regulations, and is constantly changing. The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to develop a network of contacts (lawyers as well as state and local officials) with whom you can share experiences, questions, interests, legal and regulatory changes, and even suggestions for possible action on particular issues — a chance to hear and be heard on issues that matter to your daily practice. Through the Real Property Section meetings, I have made many long-term friends with whom I have shared both serious discussions about legal topics, but also lots of laughs and stories over the years. And when I have a question about how something really works or what practitioners really do (or don’t do), I have a long list of people whose advice I value who I do not hesitate to call and from whom I always get useful practical feedback. These contacts have also made service on the Real Property Section Council a great honor for these years and provide an invaluable resource for the work of the Council on behalf of the profession.”

Nancy Short Ferguson
Attorney and Independent Consultant; former State Counsel for Chicago Title in North Carolina
Administrative Committee Chair, Legislative Committee Co-Chair, and former long-time Secretary, NCBA Real Property Section

“As an attorney practicing in a small town, I cannot tell you how invaluable it has been over the years to attend the NCBA Real Property Annual Meeting in person. When I first started attending, I was a young attorney and only knew a few of my fellow attendees. It felt overwhelming to say the least. However, through my continued attendance over the years, including plenty of time on the golf course and at cocktail parties, I’ve developed strong personal relationships with many of my colleagues throughout the State. Through this network of colleagues, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to serve in leadership positions on the RPS Council and have been able to grow my professional competence by leaps and bounds.”

Peter S. Moeller
Attorney, Moeller & Smith, PA
Chair, Executive Council, NCBA Real Property Section

“The North Carolina Real Property Annual Meeting delivers unmatched value to attendees. Real property attorneys at every stage of practice benefit from direct access to industry leaders in a focused environment designed for meaningful professional growth. The Meeting fosters mentorship, the exchange of practical insights, and strengthens relationships among colleagues who navigate the same legal, regulatory, and market realities across the State. In a setting where experience and perspective are openly shared, attorneys sharpen their skills, gain insight on rapidly evolving issues, and elevate the quality of their practices — as iron sharpens iron — learning alongside peers who understand the nuanced intricacies of North Carolina real property law. Come learn from leaders, connect with peers and return to your practice refreshed and better equipped to serve your clients.”

Malia M. Williams
Attorney, Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP
Council Member and Co-Chair of the Residential Committee, NCBA Real Property Section
Board of Directors, Real Estate Lawyers Association of North Carolina