TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023
8:25 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:55 Welcome and Introductions
9:00 Why Professionalism Is Important to You*
Kayla D. Britt, North Carolina Department of Justice, Raleigh
Michele Livingstone, Poyner Spruill, 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.
9:45 Break
9:55 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 Ethics and Grievance Committees*
Joshua "Josh" Walthall, Joshua Walthall Attorney at Law, Raleigh
Understand the committees’ processes and results and gain insight into statistics on the most frequent grievances.
11:50 Lunch Break
12:40 Welcome Message
Jonathan Bogues, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Raleigh, 2023-2024 Young Lawyers Division Chair
12:45 The Attorney-Client Relationship*
Samantha E. Gordon, Shane Smith Law, Charlotte
Hear information from a team of experts on how to best manage the attorney-client relationship, including tips that lead to success and the pitfalls to avoid. Learn about client creation and termination, fees and billing, duties of diligence of communication, and the attorney-client privilege and confidentiality.
1:45 Break
1:55 Technology and Your Responsibility to Your Clients*‡
Catherine Sanders 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.
2:55 Break
3:05 Pro Bono Service in NC*
Kim Bart Mullikin, North Carolina Bar Foundation, Cary
Alex Rogers, North Carolina Bar Foundation, Cary
Understand Rule 6.1 and your obligation for pro bono service, then learn how to get involved through your local and state bar associations to give back to the community.
3:50 Break
4:00 What I Didn't Learn in Law School*
Jonathan M. Bogues, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Raleigh
Spencer S. Fritts, The Law Offices of John M. McCabe PA, Cary
Arista "Ari" Sibrey, The Clauson Law Firm PLLC, 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.
4:45 Adjourn for the Day
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023
8:25 Continental Breakfast
8:55 Welcome and Introductions
9:00 How to Win in Trust Account Management*^
Leanor B. Hodge, North Carolina State Bar, Raleigh
Whether you manage your own trust account or are in a firm where someone else handles it, you need to know how to manage it correctly. In this informative session, all aspects of the trust account are discussed. Topics include Rule 1.15, record-keeping, a trust account versus an operating account, personal injury settlements, real estate transactions and the random audit program.
10:00 Break
10:10 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion*
Ebony Freeland Bryant, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary
This session addresses how to recognize implicit bias, discusses current diversity and inclusion initiatives in the legal profession (including equal access to justice), and explores other ways to better serve a diverse population.
11:10 Break
11:20 Getting Lost in Our Own Lives†
Carena Lemons, The Lemons Law Firm PLLC, Raleigh
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.
12:20 Lunch Break
1:10 Welcome Message
Cheyenne Merrigan and Erin Robbins, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary
1:15 Inner Workings of the Law Office: Public and Private Sectors*
Abigail R. "Abby" Breedlove, Jordan Price, Raleigh
Janean B. Dunn, Iqvia, Durham
James Bradford "Brad" Piland, Raleigh
Elysia M. Prendergast-Jones, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Raleigh
Kim K. Steffan, Steffan & Associates PC, Hillsborough
Catherine Sanders Reach, North Carolina Bar Association, Cary (Moderator)
Learn the basics of law office operations, including budgeting, case and file management, training and supervising employees, and marketing. Panelists explore the differences between private-sector and public-sector/public-interest firms. Also, obtain resources available through the NC State Bar and other organizations and discuss the importance of mentoring.
2:30 Break
2:40 Dealing With the Courts*
Alexandra "Alli" Davidson, Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte
Sarah Sheridan, Moore & Van Allen, Charlotte
In this highly engaging session, receive pointers that positively influence your presence in the courts. Examine Rule 3.3 and Rule 11, courtroom decorum, and setting realistic goals for your practice.
3:25 Break
3:35 A View From the Bench: Cases and Examples of Professionalism and the Challenges of Being a New Lawyer*
Chief Judge Donna S. Stroud, North Carolina Court of Appeals, Raleigh
Judge Paul C. Ridgeway, North Carolina Superior Court, Raleigh
Hear cases and examples of professionalism from experienced North Carolina judges considered to be role models of professionalism and moral decision-making.
4:30 Professionalism Insight and Voluntary Oath*
Judge Paul C. Ridgeway, North Carolina Superior Court, Raleigh
4:35 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 Trust Account Management credit