YLD e-Blast: September 2021

By Claire O’Brien and Michael Cohen

DATES TO KNOW

September 30 | Panel Discussion: “Finding that First Job and Setting Yourself Up for Success” | noon to 1 p.m.

October 6 | Construction/YLD Lunch & Learn | noon to 1 p.m.

October 7 | Planning Ahead Leads to Success: An Overview of Becoming a Lawyer in NC | noon

October 28 | Minorities in the Profession Committee Virtual Diverse Attorney/Student Networking Social | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

COMMITTEE AND SECTION UPDATES

Duke Mock Trial 16th Annual Tobacco Road Invitational

Each year, Duke Mock Trial, an undergraduate program at Duke University affiliated with the American Mock Trial Association, invites top college mock trial teams from around the nation to compete at the Tobacco Road Invitational, also known as ToRo. ToRo 2021 will be held at the Durham County Courthouse from Saturday, November 6 to Sunday, November 7. If you are interested in volunteering as a judge in the tournament, click here or contact Nhu Bui at [email protected] or (281) 935-6622. Judges will be provided complimentary catered breakfasts and lunches.

YLD Grab-a-Coffee Program Fall Launch

The Law Student Outreach Committee of the Young Lawyers Division is continuing its flagship Grab-a-Coffee Program this fall. Law students, based on their practice area(s) of interest, are paired with practicing attorneys for informal, one-time meetings of 30-60 minutes. Over 140 students and attorneys have already signed up for the fall semester. If you haven’t signed up yet, attorneys can register here and law students can register here. You will receive more information by email once you have been paired with a student. The deadline to sign up is this Friday, Oct. 1. Questions? Email Cheyenne Merrigan.

Volunteers Needed for Disaster Legal Services (DLS)

The NCBA YLD and Legal Aid of North Carolina, with support from the North Carolina Bar Foundation, are coordinating a Disaster Legal Services pro bono effort to assist N.C. residents in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties who were affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Fred. Volunteers will provide brief advice and counseling and limited-scope representation to help residents with FEMA claims, insurance questions, document recovery and other needs. Most volunteer work can be done remotely. Sign up here to volunteer. Questions? [email protected].

Law Student Outreach Committee

The Committee’s first panel of the year, “What I Wish I Had Known in Law School,” was held on September 15 at noon. This panel offered diverse perspectives from attorneys at various stages of their careers on the challenges and opportunities students experience in law school. If you missed it, you can view the recording of the panel here.

 

GET INVOLVED

Connect with the YLD through the Online Community Platform

We encourage all YLD members to connect with the YLD through the Online Community Platform! To learn more about the Online Community Platform, check out this blog post and these FAQs.

Volunteer with the Young Lawyers Division

We want your talents, energy and viewpoints in the YLD! Whether your passion is for serving the public, serving the profession, writing articles for publication, improving the administration of justice, building your skills and gaining experience, or helping those in need, we’ve got a role that’s perfect for you! To get involved and join one of our committees, please review your options and complete this online form. If you have questions about membership or committee participation, please reach out to Administrative Division Director Collins Saint.

NCBA Pro Bono Opportunities

Be sure to check out the exciting pro bono opportunities available across the state! Click here for NCBA/NCBF Volunteer Opportunities.

BarCARES

COVID-19 has brought about many changes to our everyday lives. Oftentimes, unprecedented changes serve as triggers or stressors. BarCARES is an organization focused on improving the mental health and overall quality of life for NCBA members, local bar groups, and law students, offering no-cost assistance in dealing with personal, family, financial, work, and/or career stressors. Visit BarCARES online or call 800.640.0735 to speak to someone immediately or arrange a telehealth appointment.

NCBA Career Center

Our online career center averages between four to seven new North Carolina jobs a week! Members searching for employment can post their resumes anonymously, and members searching for employees receive a 15% discount on postings! Email questions to Tesha Blancett.

e-Blast Ideas? NCBarBlog Post Ideas?

If you’d like to see additional or new content in the e-Blast Newsletter or featured on the NCBarBlog, email your YLD Communications Committee Co-Chairs, Michael Cohen and Claire O’Brien – they’d love to hear from you!