Making Service Your Professional Identity, Not an Add-On

By Alex Gwynn

For many lawyers, service begins as a requirement and includes pro bono hours, bar expectations and résumé building. Over time, however, service can become something deeper, a professional identity that shapes how we lead, how we practice and how we show up in our communities.

On Saturday, February 28, the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) welcomed 24 members of its inaugural pro bono cohort through a pinning ceremony and oath, civic leadership roundtables and a networking lunch co-sponsored by the Government and Public Sector Section and Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina.

The goal of the pro bono cohort was not simply to host another volunteer opportunity, but to build a culture where pro bono and civic leadership are woven into the professional identities of law students and young lawyers from the very beginning.

NCBA Executive Director Jason Hensley opened the event with welcome remarks, emphasizing the NCBA’s commitment to pro bono support and sharing a story about the Association and the Foundation’s work last year helping survivors of Tropical Storm Helene in Western North Carolina. During the pro bono clinics, volunteers not only provided legal guidance on FEMA applications but also offered emotional support to residents. Jason encouraged the cohort by stating:

“You will fill your souls by helping people who need it the most.”

That reminder set the tone for what this cohort represents, not just service hours, but a solemn commitment to the profession’s public purpose.

The YLD Pro Bono Cohort is photographed in the lobby of the bar center, along with Sheila Spence and Jason Hensley.

Pictured left to right, bottom row, are YLD Chair Sheila Spence, Stellarose Emery, Emily Smith, Jessica Colon, Cherell Harris, Jessica Heironimus, April Franklin, Natashua Siler and NCBA Executive Director Jason Hensley. Middle row, left to right, are Sidney Wiswell, Jaida Fisher, Isabella Reed, Tiffany Hughart, Ludny Jean-Baptiste, Garrett Anderson and Alex Gwynn. Top row, left to right, are Rebekah cid del Prado, Kaci Marks, Grant Alexander, Diane Ford and Joshua Batchelor. Not pictured are Brooke McCoormick, Cayla James, David Clark, Kayla Britt and Alesia Miles.

A Commitment to Pro Bono Service

The cohort was co-created by Sheila Spence and me to provide structure, accountability and sustained engagement, with intentional additions such as the pinning ceremony, to reinforce the solemnity of the commitment.

The cohort pledged to:

  • Use their legal education and skills to serve those who need it most.
  • Commit to breaking barriers that stand between people and justice.
  • Lead with integrity, serve with purpose and bring others along.

YLD Chair Sheila Spence read the oath to the cohort members and reflected on the Division’s theme of “Breaking Barriers.” She highlighted that the inaugural Pro Bono Cohort was intentionally designed to move beyond one-off volunteer events, creating a program that recruits, develops and sustains a commitment to pro bono service.

In 2026, cohort members participated in various North Carolina Bar Foundation’s Free Legal Answers programs, as well as an expunction clinic hosted by the Corporate Counsel Section and Legal Aid of NC.

Members of the 2026 inaugural cohort include: April Franklin; Brooke McCormick; Cayla James; Cherell Harris; David Clark; Diane Ford; Emily Smith; Grant Alexander; Hope Milhomme; Isabella Reed; Jaida Fisher; Jessica Colon; Jessica Heironimus; Joshua Batchelor; Kaci Marks; Kayla Britt; Kelsey McAlister; Ludny Jean-Baptiste; Natashua Siler; Rebekah Cid del Prado; Sidney Wiswell; Tiffany Hughart; Alesia Miles; Garrett Anderson.

The cohort will continue to participate in additional events throughout the spring, and the YLD encourages bar members across the state to join the cohort in the following upcoming pro bono opportunities for the month of March:

Advice and Counsel from Lawyers Across North Carolina — Breaking Barriers and Joining the Table

Saturday’s program included Civic Engagement Roundtables with leaders from executive roles, elected office, regulatory oversight, board and commission governance and attorneys who advise government bodies behind the scenes. I designed the Civic Engagement Roundtables to give cohort members direct access to leaders serving across government, regulatory and advisory roles, creating space for candid conversations about both opportunity and responsibility.

Alex is a Black woman with black hair. She is wearing a pink blazer and black pants. She is standing with the panelists, who are dressed in business attire and stand in front of a blue background with the NCBA logo on it.

Left to right are Alex Gwynn, Brenda Caldwell Neal, Kim Rehberg, Arnita Dula, Michelle Cofield, Nick Sorensen, Eric Snider, Sheila Spence and Bill Toole.

The discussions were moderated by:

  • Brenda Caldwell Neal, Associate Attorney, Durham City Attorney’s Office; YLD Pro Bono Committee co-chair
  • Sherard Johnson, Citizens Advisory Committee, City of Durham; NCBA Communities Manager

Highlights from civic leaders include:

  • Eric Snider, Chief Regulatory Officer (NC Education Lottery): Encouraged cohort members to start small, noting that his civic leadership journey began as a student at the University of Kansas, and emphasizing the importance of both credentials and relationships.
  • Councilwoman Arnita Dula (City of Hickory): Emphasized that civic leadership requires presence, trust-building and entering community spaces — including residents’ homes — with care and respect.
  • Jasmine McGhee, Deputy Chief of Staff (NC Governor Josh Stein): Advised that “being right doesn’t always mean being successful,” underscoring that collaboration is essential to achieving results in civic leadership. Jasmine also serves as Chair of the Government and Public Sector Section of the NCBA.
  • Bill Toole, Senior Deputy (NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall): Drew on his experience as a former elected official for the City of Belmont to encourage young lawyers to be intentional about their commitments and protect their energy and well-being.
  • Michelle Cofield, Chief of Staff (Durham District Attorney’s Office): Highlighted the importance of understanding policies, procedures, open records laws, and practicing mindful technology use in public service roles.
  • Nick Sorensen, Assistant Attorney General (NC DOJ): Shared insights on advising state boards and maintaining clear, efficient communication in governance settings.
  • Kim Rehberg, City Attorney (City of Durham): Clarified the distinction between the advisory role of a City Attorney and the responsibilities of elected and appointed board members. Kim also serves as a Council Member of the Government and Public Sector Section.

Civic Leadership Framework for Law Students & Young Lawyers

In sharing reflections from my own service on the Durham Human Relations Commission and Alliance Health Board, I encouraged cohort members to carefully assess time commitments and clearly articulate their personal “why” when pursuing service opportunities. Below is a framework that both law students and young lawyers can use when pursuing civic service opportunities, including service on government boards.

  1. Know Your Why
    Identify your values and causes. Check state, county and municipal websites for board openings.
  2. Learn the Landscape
    Understand boards, governance, policies and legal requirements. Seek mentors to guide your engagement.
  3. Network Intentionally
    Attend events, build relationships and collaborate with others to create meaningful impact.
  4. Balance Commitment
    Prioritize meaningful roles, avoid burnout and be intentional with your time.
  5. Serve with Purpose
    Integrate service into your professional identity. Lead with integrity, inclusivity, and intentionality.
  6. Reflect & Adapt
    Regularly assess your impact, seek feedback and adjust your path as your skills, interests and goals evolve.

Pro bono and civic service are not extracurricular to the legal profession; they are expressions of its highest purpose. When young lawyers embed service into their professional identity early, they strengthen not only their careers but also the institutions and communities they are called to serve.

I extend deep gratitude to our sponsors, panelists, moderators and YLD and NCBA leadership and staff for helping make this leadership program a success.

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