8:55 Welcome and Introductions
Gain insight into your day and understand why the PNA program was created and is required for new lawyers and lawyers who are new to North Carolina (or have practiced law for five years or less).
9:00 Why Professionalism Is Important to You*
Kimberly Overton Spahos, North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, Raleigh
In this dynamic session, hear from experts some ways you can ensure a positive, professional reputation. Review basic professionalism concepts, the professionalism checklist, personal conflicts and much more.
10:00 Break
10:10 Overview of the North Carolina State Bar*
Savannah B. Perry, North Carolina State Bar, Raleigh
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the North Carolina State Bar and what is required of you. Discuss the regulatory framework, obligations of membership and reporting misconduct (Rule 8.3). Learn about NC State Bar programs and committees, including LAP, IOLTA, CLE, Authorized Practice and Administrative Committees, legal specialization, client security fraud, and fee dispute resolution.
10:40 Break
10:50 Inner Workings of the Law Office*
Catherine S. Reach, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary
Learn the basics of law office operations, including budgeting, case and file management, training and supervising employees, and marketing. Obtain resources available through the NC State Bar and other organizations and discuss the importance of mentoring.
11:35 Break
11:45 Technology and Your Responsibility to Your Clients*‡
Catherine S. Reach, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary
Receive an overview of the technology necessary to build a law office support system and hear stories about the best and worst practices. Explore technology’s impact on ethical responsibilities, the ethical considerations of social media, conflict controls and risk of spoliation of evidence.
12:45 Lunch Break
1:15 Welcome Message
Josh McIntyre, Director of Membership and Communities, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary
1:20 Getting Lost in Our Own Lives†
Thomas R. Holt, Bagwell Holt Smith PA, Chapel Hill
Your hard work has paid off and sometimes finding the harmony between work and personal time is difficult. Hear practical tips for successfully finding a balance, the hazards to watch out for and the resources available to help.
2:20 Break
2:30 Dealing with the Courts*
Judge Carl R. Fox, North Carolina Superior Court, Hillsborough
In this highly engaging session, receive pointers that will positively influence your presence in the courts. Examine Rule 3.3 and Rule 11, courtroom decorum and setting realistic goals for your practice.
3:30 Break
3:40 What I Didn't Learn in Law School*
Andrew P. Atkins, Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan LLP, Raleigh
Kristen M. Kirby, McGuireWoods LLP, Raleigh (Moderator)
Sheila R. Spence, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Durham
Although it is an essential prerequisite that lays the foundation for practicing law, there are many skills that law school doesn't teach you. Learn from members of our Young Lawyers Division as they share helpful tips acquired from real-world experience and provide other useful information that you can implement in your daily practice.
4:25 Adjourn
*Indicates portion providing Ethics/Professional Responsibility credit
†Indicates portion providing Substance Abuse/Mental Health credit
‡Indicates portion providing Technology Training credit
A special thanks to North Carolina Bar Foundation Endowment for a grant which helps support this PNA program.