8:55 Welcome and Introductions
9:00 Finding Balance: The Lawyer's Workcation on Points and Miles†
M. Aaron Lay, Hamilton Stephens Steele & Martin PLLC, Charlotte
This session addresses some of the biggest excuses we make when it comes to stepping away from the office — time, money, family and professional obligation. Learn how to escape your office and reap the benefits of working remotely and enjoying vacations while serving your clients, building your practice and staving off burnout to find more balance in your life.
10:01 Mediation: Showing Up Is Just Part of the Process≠
Robert A. Beason, Beason & Trehy Conflict Resolution LLC, Durham
René Stemple Trehy, Beason & Trehy Conflict Resolution LLC, Durham
Analyze recent court decisions that have a direct impact on parties, attorneys and mediators participating in court-ordered mediation. Learn best practices for finalizing the settlement agreement during the mediation and apply lessons from virtual mediations that are likely to carry forward post-pandemic.
11:03 Break
11:13 The Elephant in the Courtroom: Conversations on Inequity Within the Legal Profession*
Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston, North Carolina District Court, Raleigh
COVID-19 is not the only silent virus that we have to be concerned about. Racism, sexism, microaggressions and microinvalidations are not only demeaning and an attempt to normalize inequality amongst equal individuals, but further erode the public's trust in our justice system. This session explores the implications of racial discrimination and sexism against attorneys and tangible ways that we can prevent further instances of this behavior in our profession.
12:15 Lunch Break
12:45 Economic Loss Rule
David S. Coats, Bailey & Dixon LLP, Raleigh
John I. Mabe Jr., Nexsen Pruet PLLC, Raleigh
Jonathan W. Massell, Nexsen Pruet PLLC, Raleigh
The recent Crescent decision has caused construction lawyers to (re)consider current implications of this old rule, including its definition, scope and exceptions. Walk through what this decision means for claims against subcontractors and the design professional exception. Then discuss how it impacts insurance for subcontractors.
1:50 Case Law and Legislative Update
Jay M. Wilkerson, Conner Gwyn Schenck PLLC, Raleigh
Review recent key North Carolina court opinions and legislation from the past year and how they affect you and your clients.
2:52 Break
3:02 Advocacy in the Digital Age‡
Judge Richard D. Dietz, North Carolina Court of Appeals, Raleigh
Judge Paul C. Ridgeway, North Carolina Superior Court, Raleigh
In this session, an appellate judge and a trial judge delve into lessons learned, pitfalls, future trends and best practices for hearings conducted on video platforms, and the advent of widespread digital case management in North Carolina courts.
4:04 Adjourn
* Indicates portion providing Ethics/Professional Responsibility credit
† Indicates portion providing Substance Abuse/Mental Health credit
‡ Indicates portion providing Technology Training credit
≠ Indicates portion providing NC Dispute Resolution Commission Continuing Mediator Education