Voices of NCAJ

Taking the leap from employee to firm owner requires courage, but having the right partner makes all the difference. Jacob Morse and Spencer Fritts discovered their partnership potential through NCAJ's NEXT leadership program, where they bonded as classmates despite barely knowing each other at Campbell Law School. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, they discuss their journey from fellows to co-founders of Morse Fritts, their Raleigh-based personal injury firm. As leaders in NCAJ's New Lawyers Division, they will attend Convention 2025 later this month, and Jacob describes the value for all members. “It's a no-brainer if you can get there,” he says.Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.

As chair of NCAJ's political action committee, Jon Moore is committed to expanding NCAJ's political influence through strategic relationships across party lines. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, he explains how PAC contributions have been instrumental in recent legislative victories, including major insurance reforms. As Convention 2025 co-chair Jon also cherishes the unique professional camaraderie that sets NCAJ apart from other legal organizations. He urges younger and older attorneys to make connections through the organization.Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.

“What we do is tough, and Convention can be really cathartic,” says Kristen Dewar, co-chair of NCAJ's upcoming Convention 2025 in Charlotte. Speaking with host Amber Nimocks, Kristen previews the event, highlighting the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program and the location of the Friday Soiree at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A Charlotte resident, Kristen also shares her journey from Toronto to North Carolina, where she's built a criminal defense career she's dreamed of since age 4. Now finishing her second term as NCAJ's DEI vice president, Kristen discusses NCAJ's Building Bridges to Excellence Initiative and the new Ambassador Program designed to welcome newcomers to the organization.Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.

After wrongful conviction, exoneration brings freedom but not healing. Chris Mumma, Executive Director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence, joins host Amber Nimocks to discuss the unique challenges faced by those released after years of wrongful imprisonment. Inspired by Joseph Sledge, who took his own life five years after being exonerated following 37 years in prison, the center is creating the Joseph Sledge Houses of Healing—a first-of-its-kind transitional sanctuary where exonerees can decompress and begin healing with comprehensive support. The project, being built on Second Act Farm in rural Alamance County, aims to address the often-overlooked trauma of wrongful incarceration.Learn more about how you can support the center's new re-entry project at their website at www.nccai.org or at Second Act Farm. You can also follow the center on Facebook.

From bartender to high school English teacher to senior claims counsel, Warren Savage's winding career path brings valuable skills to his role at Lawyers Mutual. He sits down with host Amber Nimocks for a conversation about supporting small and solo practitioners, including lots of NCAJ members. Drawing from his insurance defense background, Warren offers a unique perspective on bridging divides between opposing counsel. He and colleagues from Lawyers Mutual will share insights during NCAJ's Sidebar Social events at cities around the state this spring and summer. Click here to learn more.

With February being CLE season at NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Lauren Newton, an NCAJ leader who has helped develop popular CLEs, including the auto torts series. Lauren also discusses her involvement in other NCAJ initiatives, such as helping launch its Women's Caucus. She describes serving as a delegate for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and – if all that's not enough – acting as an avid Instagram poster outside of her law practice.Visit the NCAJ's event calendar to learn about upcoming CLEs.

NCAJ President Kevin Bunn encourages attorneys to stay focused on advocating for vulnerable people and to resist any urge to check out because of frustration with the political climate. Bunn joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a midterm chat. One of the first in his family to attend college, he reflects on how different his perspective and political beliefs might be but for attending UNC. He reminds listeners that, although people may have different perspectives, it doesn't mean they can't find common ground. NCAJ members are often the only ones advocating for clients facing down powerful institutions, and NCAJ has a legacy of fighting for fair laws and a level playing field, he says. “I think that's what sets us apart.”

NCAJ is losing a longtime member, but North Carolinians are gaining a judge on January 1, 2025. Sean Cole is passionate about service, his two constituents – the public and the Constitution – and the law. Also about having a sense of humor.Sean visits host Amber Nimocks for a retrospective on the various turns his life has taken. Twenty-four years ago, he was invited to interview for a plaintiffs' firm but needed a friend to dig his car out of a snow drift so he could make the appointment. This year, he received a call asking him to run for the bench at the same time he was mulling where the next road would take him. “I really like wearing robes to work,” he jokes.

Fresh from profiling Ben Whitley for NCAJ's flagship publication, Amber Nimocks invites him on the podcast so listeners can hear the story of this winning PI lawyer at Whitley Law Firm and familiar face on WRAL. From watching his father help clients as a child to launching his own career at the firm's satellite office to honing his marketing skills before TV cameras, Ben reviews his career and highlights one constant: commitment to community.Click here to read Amber's “Hero Profile” of Ben in Trial Briefs.

Twenty-five years ago, North Carolina was the first state to create a database of traffic stops to track possible racial profiling. Today, that database has 36 million traffic stops. Next month, criminal defense attorneys are invited to learn about it during a CLE sponsored by the NCAJ. Ian Mance, who has worked for almost 20 years on criminal and racial justice policy and litigation in North Carolina, will offer a hands-on presentation about the database and its use in the courts. Click here to learn more and register.Learn more about the CLE at ncaj.com/events.

Artemis Malekpour, a partner at Malekpour & Ball who specializes in strategic jury selection and solutions to case problems, previews the session she will lead at NCAJ's November 7 CLE. The program will focus on evidence and pretrial motions, and attendees will participate in an interactive exercise on voir dire. In addition to laying out her CLE, Artemis joins host Amber Nimocks to share her insights on the importance of understanding jurors' perspectives and crafting trial themes based on their values. She highlights the need for attorneys to listen actively during voir dire, respect jurors' opinions, and create a connection with them. Learn more about the CLE at ncaj.com/events.

Emily Beeson didn't know that she would pursue a legal career when she got her first position as a bilingual case manager, and then as a paralegal. But after she was in that role for a while, she realized “this is a great opportunity for growth.”Law school followed. Now with a decade of experience, she is the lead workers' compensation lawyer for Ward Black Law. She's also a 2023 graduate of the NCAJ Next Leadership Program. On October 18, she'll share the wisdom she gained from being a paralegal at NCAJ's Fall Conference for Paralegals. Register here.Joining host Amber Nimocks, Emily previews her presentation, including her thoughts about the role that empathy plays in interacting with the client.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how lawyers research the facts and laws pertaining to their cases, negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and strategize the best way to present a case, so those who don't keep up with the technology will be left behind, best-selling author Brian Carter says in this conversation with NCAJ host Amber Nimocks.Carter is one of several AI experts who will speak at NCAJ's upcoming Mountain Magic conference in Asheville Oct. 3-5. Go to www.ncaj.com/mountain-magic to register.Insurance companies already have vast databases about settlements, and they're using AI to help them decide settlement offers, so lawyers who aren't also using AI are already behind, he explains.The best way to begin to use new technology is to use it as often as possible, Brian suggests, just as everyone did to learn the internet. For example, to learn AI programs that synthesize information, he recommends giving your program a list of ingredients and asking it to suggest recipes that include those ingredients.

For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols, NCAJ's Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks.Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including Senate Bill 319, which was passed this summer, Chris describes how the law will affect personal injury lawyers and their clients. He offers a look into what's in store come next July, starting with new minimum limits on a rolling basis.

As a successful trial attorney, Raleigh native and solo practitioner Lex-Jordan Ibegbu credits the NCAJ NEXT Leadership program with helping him build a community of colleagues and mentors.With Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks, Lex-Jordan “drops some gems” of inspiration for the next class of NEXT fellows. Collaborating with NCAJ, his goal is to positively affect the citizens of North Carolina “because that's what it's all about at the end of the day.” Tune in to hear how he does that through his determination, connection with NCAJ, and even his experience as a musician. NCAJ is accepting applications for the NEXT class of 2025 until September 16. Click here to learn more and apply.

“The swingiest of swing, and the purplest of purple.” That's North Carolina as we gear up for the hotly contested 2024 election season.In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes seasoned political consultants Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker to the show to discuss North Carolina's political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections. Tune in as they discuss how media consumption is evolving so campaigns must find a way to adapt their strategies. Increasing voter turnout is critical for both parties in this election, as is finding a way to attract unaffiliated voters. North Carolina's gubernatorial race is also gearing up to be one of the most important in the nation. Learn just how pivotal North Carolina is as a battleground state in national politics this election cycle.Morgan and Paul will speak at the NCAJ Convention in June. You can register for Convention 2024 here.

Like it or not, law firms are businesses. Lawyers who own their own firms are business people as well as lawyers, but how can lawyers effectively handle the business side of their practice?In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with experienced plaintiffs' attorney Dan Bryson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, LLC, one of the largest and most successful plaintiffs' firms in the country. Tune in as Amber and Dan discuss tips for building up a law firm from the business side including, contingency fees versus hourly billing, keeping up with emerging technology such as AI, and getting out of bad cases.Dan will present a CLE called “How to Build a Successful Law Firm” at the NCAJ Convention in June. You can register for Convention 2024 here.

Sean is just one of many all-stars on the bill at NCAJ's May 3 Proving Causation In Auto Trials CLE. The importance of opening statements cannot be overstated. In fact, cases can be won or lost during opening statements. A great opening statement must be well prepared but still allow the attorney to adapt to new information.In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with veteran plaintiffs' attorney Sean Cole of The Law Offices of Sean Cole to discuss the importance of jury selection and opening statements. Listen as Sean speaks about establishing arguments during opening statements and using strong storytelling skills to both engage and empower juries in personal injury cases.Sean will also give a presentation on opening statements on May 3 at NCAJ's Proving Causation in Auto Trials CLE. To register for this and other CLEs visit ncaj.com/events.

“When someone lies to me . . . there's a reason they're lying. And for me, I think it's part of my ethical responsibility as a lawyer to expose someone.”In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks interviews Alex Charns, a criminal defense attorney in Durham who has written a book about the FBI's secret tapes on the Supreme Court of the 1960s and his decades-long battles to access them. After being inspired by David Garrow's book on FBI tactics against Martin Luther King Jr., Charns has embarked on a career-spanning pursuit of uncovering hidden truths through FOIA requests and litigation against the FBI. His latest book, FBI Snitches, Blackmail, and Obscene Ethics at the Supreme Court, sheds light on his 13-year legal battle to release secret FBI files, revealing shocking revelations about unethical behavior and blackmail involving a Supreme Court justice.

“We're all working professionals that have busy lives, but sometimes we really crave that connection that comes from being in person. There's really no one-size-fits-all model for CLE, but I think we have the ability to offer people a lot of different options.”In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with guest Anna Kalarites, NCAJ Education Vice President and partner at Pishko Kalarites Lawyers. Amber and Anna discuss major shifts in continuing legal education, NCAJ's efforts to innovate and adapt, and upcoming events such as the wine tour CLE and the inaugural NCAJ Tournament Battle for the Advocates Cup as part of NCAJ's member engagement strategy. NCAJ CLEs really are something special and to ensure that remains the case, NCAJ is working with consultant Michelle Hughes to develop a strategic plan for the future of CLE programming. Tune in to hear what's in store for NCAJ CLEs!Get registered for these CLEs (and more) at ncaj.com/events.

“There's no shame in being broke.” Sam McGee, a self-proclaimed broke lawyer, knows the feeling and wants to give other lawyers the tools to avoid ethics violations when money gets tight.In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks previews the upcoming “Ethics Hot Issues'' CLE program with Sam McGee, Legal Affairs Counsel at NCAJ, Of Counsel with the Wilder Pantazis Law Group, and CLE panelist. Many ethics violations stem not from greed, but from financial pressures, something many lawyers have experienced. Instead of letting one's problems spiral out of control, Sam explains the value of reaching out for help, which may help young lawyers see they're not alone. While others may appear to have all the trappings of financial success, they've likely faced the same financial ups and downs as anyone else. Tune in to learn how to stay out of trouble! The CLE takes place on Feb. 21 virtually. Register here.

The practice of personal injury law is evolving rapidly. The sit-down, in-person meeting with a client to sign documents is no longer the default. Instead, when you get that call, you need to act fast and be able to meet the client wherever you need to, whether it is over text message, email, Zoom, or even at their house. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks and seasoned personal injury attorney Meredith Hinton discuss the upcoming program "Learning from the PI Pros." This CLE, designed for personal injury lawyers at all stages of their career, is a comprehensive masterclass focusing on personal injury cases from start to finish. From initial investigation, to major injury cases, to prosecuting tractor trailer cases, and more, you won't want to miss out. The CLE takes place on February 16, 2024 at the NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh and virtually. Register here.

“I love doing that kind of work. I think it really can make a big difference, one, in the lives of people, and then two, in holding wrongdoers accountable.”In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with Carma Henson, one of the four panelists for NCAJ's Medical Malpractice “Back to the Basics” CLE. Carma is a partner at Henson Fuerst, where her practice focuses on nursing home litigation. She currently serves as NCAJ's Membership Vice President and the Vice Chair of the American Association of Justice's Nursing Home Litigation Group.Carma highlights some of the fascinating topics she and her fellow panelists will cover at the Medical Malpractice “Back to the Basics” CLE on January 26, 2024. From corporate negligence to discovery issues and immunity statutes, Carma previews a wide variety of recent trends in nursing home litigation. Don't miss out! The CLE takes place in-person at the NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh and is also available virtually. Register at ncaj.com/events.

In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes three guests, NCAJ Executive Director Shannon Leskin, NCAJ Lobbyist Philip Isley and NCAJ Government Affairs Consultant Chris Nichols, to discuss how they helped NCAJ achieve some key legislative goals during the 2023 Long Session of the North Carolina General Assembly. NCAJ is dedicated to supporting and furthering the rights of plaintiffs' attorneys and criminal defense attorneys and their clients. One way we do this is through our strategic lobbying efforts and government affairs work.Tune in to learn more about NCAJ, the organization's recent endeavors and accomplishments.

The pandemic really took a toll on the criminal defense practice. Not being in the courtroom as often, not being in contact with other attorneys, not sharing information and skills – the learning gap has grown for both newer criminal defense attorneys as well as experienced practitioners. It's time to fix that by attending the “Criminal Defense: Back to Basics and Beyond” CLE on Dec. 8 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. Register at ncaj.com/events. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with program co-chair Julie Boyer. Julie is a highly skilled trial lawyer with her own firm based in Winston-Salem who handles first degree murder and other violent crime cases. She is also an N.C. State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law Juvenile Delinquency.Boyer and her program co-chair Chris Heaney have put together a jam-packed day of learning for criminal defense practitioners that covers everything from pretrial release to post-conviction basics. The lineup of CLE speakers includes:Julie Boyer on motionsElana Fogel on the importance of pretrial release and how to get itSarah Rackley Olsen on finding expertsAmanda Zimmer on appellate updatesChris Heaney on keeping the record clear and how not to get IAC'dChriston Halkiotis on jury voir direBurcu Hensley on getting your evidence and experts admittedCynthia Everson on sentencingElizabeth Hopkins Thomas on post-conviction basics, Will Graebe on ethicsThis comprehensive CLE is a must-attend. To register for the CLE go to ncaj.com/events. Attend in-person or virtually.

Any lawyer trying cases in front of a jury today needs to attend the NCAJ Caps on Damages 2023 CLE on Nov. 3 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. Register at ncaj.com/events. In addition to focusing on the caps, it's about how to practice in the post-COVID era and how to present damages to a jury. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with Kristen Beightol, a founding partner at Edwards Beightol, LLC, and co-chair of the program. The all-star lineup of speakers includes Burton Craige speaking on the history of the caps, Jon Moore on busting the caps, Adam Malone on how Georgia lawyers practiced around the caps and had them declared unconstitutional, mediator Rene Trehy, Bailey Melvin, and a panel including Retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robin Hudson, Phyllis Lile-King and Lauren Newton. The focus of the CLE is not only on caps but also on presenting damages effectively in court, especially in a world where remote practices have become prevalent. Kristen emphasizes that there are ways to navigate around caps, especially by proving gross negligence or reckless disregard. Don't miss the pre-CLE Thursday Evening Networking Event with the Nursing Home Litigation Section from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Spirits Pub, 701 E. Chatham in Cary.To register for the CLE go to ncaj.com/events. Attend in-person or virtually.

The skills and knowledge paralegals will bring back after attending the NCAJ Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 are well worth the day away from the office. In this episode, Amber Nimocks interviews Megan Jankowski, a paralegal at Henson Fuerst, about the upcoming Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 which takes place on October 13, 2023 at the NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference will focus on topics such as the eCourt system, medical record requests, ethics, and more, with a goal of providing paralegals with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and careers. Megan highlights the importance of in-person events for networking and community building among NCAJ members. Don't miss out! To register for the conference go to ncaj.com/events. Attend in-person or virtually.

“While things have moved slowly in the past, I strongly believe that since the court entered this leadership order…we're going to see things happen and move much, much quicker.”Mona Lisa Wallace, co-lead counsel for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation team, joins Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks to offer updates on the litigation and a preview of NCAJ's upcoming CLE. A hundred thousand claims have already been filed under the year-old act, which aims to bring justice to veterans and civilians poisoned or killed by the Marine Base's contaminated water supply between 1953 and 1987.The founder of Wallace & Graham, P.A., Mona Lisa discusses the future of the litigation, the concerns of attorneys handling claims, the public outreach resources that will be available for lawyers as the litigation process unfolds and the need for collaboration among lawyers handling the cases.Don't miss out! On Sept. 27, 2023 Mona Lisa and several other leaders of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation will present a CLE providing updates on the status of the claims process. Visit ncaj.com/events to register!

Michael Bertics - longtime NCAJ member, partner at Lennon, Camak and Bertics, PLLC, and board certified specialist in worker's compensation law - joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a discussion of the upcoming “Quirky Issues in Workers' Comp” CLE. Michael's presentation this year, “Declawing the Labor Market Survey: Declawing Cats Is Inhumane. Declawing Vocational Experts is Good Lawyering, so Let's Sharpen Your Voc Expert Declawing Tools!” is a hot topic in workers' comp. Michael stresses that speaking the language of vocational experts is one key to success in this area.

“I think you can fight very hard and still get along.”In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Kalarites speaks with Don Beskind about his illustrious career as a trial lawyer, educator, and mediator in North Carolina. Don is a professor at Duke University School of Law and Shareholder at Donald H. Beskind, P.A..A longtime member and supporter of NCAJ, Don discusses the changes he's seen in the legal field, advice for young lawyers, and sharing the profession with his daughter. Finally, Don reminds practitioners that it's not necessary to be adversarial all the time; collegiality is often much more effective!

“Don't let anybody kid you. In the practice of law, luck has a lot to do with it.”In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Philip Miller engages David Kirby in a candid discussion. David is a Founding Partner at Edwards Kirby, LLP who is consistently recognized as one of the most outstanding and accomplished trial lawyers in the United States. David reflects on his legal career, highlighting the role of luck and learning from fellow attorneys. He shares trial anecdotes where fortunate events and insights from fellow NCAJ colleagues played a significant role in his success.David reveals how he got involved with NCAJ, shares valuable lessons he's learned from difficult cases, and talks about the importance of understanding the community to become a better trial lawyer. And as David reminds us, “no matter what anybody tells you, we all stand on the shoulders of those that came before us.”

It takes a certain type of attorney to be able to critique judges' rulings. But to be able to do it at a yearly convention where lawyers and those judges are present, and do it well enough that judges are practically disappointed when they aren't included…that's next level.In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Pishko Kalarites engages in a thought-provoking discussion with her father David Pishko, NCAJ Past President and a partner in the firm Pishko Kalarites.David shares his valuable insights and experiences, as he reflects on the impact of NCAJ on his career and the importance of authenticity in the legal field. He also provides practical advice for early-career lawyers. A unique father-daughter dialogue, this episode shines a light on the world of law and advocacy, offering guidance for those in passionate pursuit of justice.

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host John McCabe interviews Doug Abrams, NCAJ Past President and a partner in the firm of Abrams & Abrams, P.A. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Doug highlights NCAJ's commitment to protecting the ‘ordinary people' and implementing a fair system. We learn of Doug's competitive spirit and love for his work, driven by a genuine concern for his clients' well-being. Doug recounts stories from his career, including exposing falsified documents and proving negligence in a crane accident case. Doug also shares the importance of his family and the growth and financial stability of NCAJ. Doug dreams of a future where NCAJ continues to advocate for justice and contributes to a positive impact on North Carolina's legal system.

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Vernon Sumwalt interviews Janet Ward Black, NCAJ Past President of NCAJ and Principal Owner of Ward Black Law.Janet Ward shares her journey to becoming a lawyer, explains how she overcame the challenges of being a female trial lawyer, and encourages others to pursue their goals even if they are afraid. She also emphasizes the importance of getting out of one's comfort zone and taking advantage of organizations like NCAJ to grow as a lawyer and leader.

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Isaac Thorp interviews Wade Byrd, attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A.Wade joined NCAJ, or what the older generation still affectionately calls The Academy, after realizing he needed to put more effort into the professional side of his life. As an active community member in Fayetteville with a leadership role at church, chairman of the board at his children's school, and president of the Kiwanis Club, joining NCAJ was the next natural step for Wade to expand his professional network. Wade was also interested in the opportunity for continuing legal education (CLE) at NCAJ. He says he learned from some of the greats, like host Isaac Thorp's father, Bill Thorp, as well as Allen Bailey. They taught him so much about being a lawyer — being honest, maintaining integrity, and having grit and guts to get through the best and worst parts. During this episode, Wade offers advice to up-and-coming lawyers and talks fondly of his time with NCAJ. His own forty-plus year career has certainly come with both victories and losses, and Wade doesn't hesitate to share it all.

Valerie Johnson can pinpoint the day that her life changed forever. When she was in junior high, the library was her second home. That is, until the day the librarian called her a racial slur. As she was leaving the library, Valerie saw a crowd of people outside the courthouse across the street. She followed them inside, where she watched a Black man stand trial for stealing a can of beans. The injustice and mistreatment she experienced and witnessed that day drove Valerie to pursue a job in law.“It really was a pivotal moment — you don't have that many in your life — when you think, well, maybe I can do something to change the world. Maybe I can help in some little way,” says Valerie. “The law was always a pull. And I'm glad I ended up here, and I hope for some people, I can make a difference in how they see the law and how they see women and minorities, and how they can approach their own problems with the help of people who are really dedicated to helping them.”In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Valerie Johnson, co-founder of and partner at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, to discuss her work as an attorney, her advocacy for people in the community, and her new role as president of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

A lot has changed since Margaret “Peggy” Abrams first joined the North Carolina Advocates for Justice over four decades ago — especially when it comes to being a woman trial lawyer. “When I was a young female lawyer in this organization, and just practicing in general, there were so many fewer,” says Peggy. “And it was important to me to be seen not as a woman lawyer, but just as a lawyer.”  Back then, she and many other women would have opposed the idea of a separate women's sub-organization within NCAJ. But as things have changed and the number of female members in the organization has grown, she couldn't be prouder of the progress that NCAJ's Women's Caucus has made. Throughout her time in various leadership positions as NCAJ — including president — her advocacy for women is one of her proudest accomplishments. That emphasis on support for one another is part of what makes Peggy such a legend within the organization.  Don't miss this episode of https://www.ncaj.com/voices-of-ncaj-podcast (Voices of NCAJ) as host Melissa Abrams sits down with Peggy to discuss her career, her leadership style, and her favorite moments as a longtime NCAJ member and leader. 

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during https://www.ncaj.com/convention-2022 (NCAJ Convention 2022) as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Helen Baddour interviews her father, Philip A. Baddour, Jr. Phil joined NCAJ around 1970 and has attended 31 NCAJ conventions over his career. “NCAJ meant, to me, professional development,” said Phil. “First and foremost, the reason I became a member was to learn our craft. It's just a wonderful group of people who are willing to share what they know with other people who are doing the same or similar type things.”  Phil's time with NCAJ has given him broad insight into the impact of the organization, including how NCAJ efforts have crossed over to the General Assembly for important issues. As someone who also served as a state legislator, he has a unique perspective on how the organization influenced major decisions in the state government.  The episode also offers advice for new lawyers on how to develop their careers, so that they can spend more time in the areas of practice that they find most rewarding. Phil recalls that when he was just starting out, he had to take all types of cases. Over time, he was able to narrow his scope to personal injury and workers' compensation cases, the areas where he found the most fulfillment.  He goes on to share that learning to manage your time and find a balance between your practice and family is the hardest — and most important — thing that young lawyers can do.   

Following a record-breakingly expensive primary season, North Carolina can expect big political races this fall. With much of the focus falling on the state Supreme Court and congressional races, political advisors have their work cut out for them possibly now more than ever.  In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Morgan Jackson, co-founder of Nexus Strategies, and Paul Shumaker, founder and president of Capitol Communications, to talk about North Carolina politics.  The two advisors discuss what May's primaries say about the current political landscape in North Carolina, as well as voter turnout and the national interest in the state's upcoming fall elections. From big picture trend lines to the smallest details, Morgan and Paul each bring their decades of experience in the political arena to their advising and campaign strategies.  “Morgan and Paul are going to be with us at Convention in Charlotte on June 18. And they are going to talk a lot more about all of these things, especially the judicial races, which might be the biggest spending in the state's history,” Amber reminds listeners.    

By the time she was one year old, Helen Baddour was already immersed in the world of law, attending https://www.ncaj.com/convention-2022 (the annual NCAJ Convention) with her father, Phil Baddour, a former NCAJ president and longtime member. “I went to every single convention after that, except one,” Helen recalls. “It was the summer that I was studying for the bar exam. So, I think I had a pretty good excuse.”  In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Helen, a personal injury lawyer at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, and the immediate past chair of the Women's Caucus. They discuss this year's upcoming NCAJ Convention and how Helen found her passion advocating for people. Helen also shares her excitement about the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program, which is tackling big subjects like diversity and inclusion, as well as advocating for young lawyers to learn more about what it means to lead.  Helen credits the 2010 NCAJ Convention with inspiring her career trajectory. “I just remember listening so intently to the speeches,” she says. “And I had a real moment where I said to myself, I do want to be a lawyer. And not just any type of lawyer; I want to be a trial lawyer. It was right in front of me all along. These people, this career, the fight for justice, being the voice for people who have been wronged, all of that — I had been around it my whole life. And, obviously, I was drawn to the community. But I never really understood why, until I was sitting there that night and thinking about what I was going to do with my life and my career, and it just all came together for me.”

NCAJ Executive Director Kim Crouch says there are three words that capture the spirit of women in law today: confidence, competence and resilience.  In this episode, recorded during the Fourth Annual NCAJ Women's Caucus Retreat, host Amber Nimocks leads a powerful discussion about the past, present, and hopeful future for women attorneys. Her guests, Judge Linda McGee and Kim Crouch, have both held leadership roles for NCAJ.  Kim says the biggest challenges now facing women attorneys are work-life balance and supporting other women in law.  “The next big chapter for women in the profession is going to be for women to be able to lean on other women, to continue to support other women, and for all of us to lift one another up,” Kim says.  For women entering the field today, Judge McGee has nothing but kind words.  “[These women] have already seen challenges,” she says. “They've been leaders. They've been active. They've been involved. They want to give to others. They need to be able to pat themselves on the back about the things that they've already accomplished. They've gotten through law school, they've passed the bar, and they're out there ready to practice law. So I think they need to feel proud of those accomplishments already.”  Judge McGee encourages new graduates to follow their passions, find what will bring them the most joy in their next career move, and be open to where the journey leads.  

In the first season of https://www.ncaj.com/ (Voices of NCAJ), join host https://www.ncaj.com/people/amber-nimocks (Amber Nimocks) as she spotlights the people who make NCAJ great. Starting with NCAJ President and Principal Attorney of the Law Offices of John McCabe, P.A., John McCabe. Becoming a lawyer was something John has wanted since he was just eight years old. However, his journey to where he is today didn't start as a slam dunk. His initial introduction to the legal profession as a defense attorney didn't resonate. It wasn't until John began working as a plaintiff's attorney that his career path clicked. “I [thought], This is what I need to be doing. I felt comfortable getting into a case on the ground level and getting to know people. [Representing] people (rather than insurance companies) was a big deal for me.” The shift allowed John to feel like he was making a difference. This episode reviews how John's mentors have impacted his career, why he is so passionate about the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program and recaps his experiences as president of the NCAJ.  “Imagine being lead counsel on a case where you have 2,000 clients who are sophisticated, opinionated, who know the law, and who know the facts of the case and tell you how to try your case,” John says when describing what it's like to lead the NCAJ. “The good news is, you're not the sole counsel on the case. You have a lot of really good co-counsel. I have a lot of really good people around me. I have a spectacular executive committee with people who I trust and value.”

Since the beginning, members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we'll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – who founded the organization, whose dedication and energy kept it going and guided it through growth, change and challenges. Each conversation will inspire us to meet the future with a unified voice that channels the strengths and accomplishments of our organization. Welcome to Voices of NCAJ. For more information on the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and how to join or support NCAJ, please visit our website at www.NCAJ.com.