May 2024 – Greensboro Bar Association

Jennifer Mencarini: A Leader in Diversity

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Jennifer Mencarini

Triad Business Journal recently shined a deserving spotlight on GBA member Jennifer Mencarini, who was recognized as an honoree of the TBJ’s fourth-annual Leaders in Diversity Award. Jennifer is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Fox Rothschild LLP and her impact extends far beyond the workplace, embodying the essence of inclusion and equity.

Mencarini’s efforts encompass fostering equality across age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, and socio-economic backgrounds. Her commitment ensures that diverse voices shape organizational decisions in the workplace, in the community, and within the Greensboro Bar Association. An event will be held on June 27, 2024, at N.C. A&T State University to celebrate Jennifer and fellow champions of diversity.

Congratulations, Jennifer!

Carole Albright Recognized as Leader in the Law

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Carole Albright

Carole Albright, Managing Partner of Law Firm Carolinas, has been recognized by
NC Lawyers Weekly as a 2024 Leaders in the Law Honoree. The award recognizes legal professionals who have gone above and beyond in their profession through contributions to the practice of law as well as service to the broader community.

Carole has practiced family law since 1995 and is an NC Family Law Board Certified Specialist. Carole joined Law Firm Carolinas in 2006 and currently serves as Managing Partner of the firm’s six offices in North and South Carolina. She has represented hundreds of clients in court, mediations and negotiations and settles the majority of her family law cases out of court.

Carole also handles the firm’s criminal law and traffic matters and helps manage the firm’s community association (homeowner and condominium association) law practice. She is passionate about her clients and helping them to resolve their issues with compassion and efficiency.

Fox Rothschild Attorney Thomas E. Terrell, Jr. Named to Leadership

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Thomas E. Terrell Jr.

Fox Rothschild LLP is pleased to announce it has appointed new leadership to several of its offices and practice groups, effective April 1. GBA member and Fox Rothschild Partner Thomas E. Terrell Jr., who is based in the Greensboro office, has been named Co-Chair of the Zoning & Land Use Practice Group.

“Our office managing partners and practice group chairs play a pivotal role in strategizing and implementing firm initiatives to drive results both geographically and nationally,” said Firmwide Managing Partner Todd A. Rodriguez.

“Our outgoing team has performed exceptionally in their respective roles, ensuring that our lawyers continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients. We thank them for their service as they pass the leadership baton forward,” said Rodriguez.

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Honoring Diane Lowe, the Heart of the Greensboro Bar Association

As the Greensboro Bar Association celebrated yet another year of substantial growth and achievement at its membership meeting on April 18, 2024, members paused to recognize and honor the unsung hero behind the scenes: Diane Lowe.

Gerald L. Walden, Jr. and Diane Lowe

Diane has served as the GBA Administrator since 2014, and her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been the cornerstone of our organization’s success ever since. Prior to joining the Greensboro Bar Association, Diane held the role of Membership Director at the Greensboro City Club. Shortly thereafter, she established Personal Jewelers of Greensboro, a high-end jewelry boutique, which she owned until 2001. From 2002 to 2014, she played a pivotal role in the accomplishments of Kids Voting, focusing on enhancing donor relationships, volunteer recruitment, and managing budgeting and financial reporting with dedication and diligence.

As the backbone of the GBA, Diane ensures that every event unfolds seamlessly, leaving an indelible mark on our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Diane for her invaluable contributions and dedication to excellence. The legal community and the Greensboro Bar Association owe much of their achievements to Diane’s exceptional leadership and support. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and success with Diane at the helm!

Celebrating the Visionary Leadership of Gerald Walden, Jr.: A Tribute to His Presidency

April 30, 2024/in Frontpage Article, May 2024, Newsletter

In the realm of leadership, there are those who simply fill a position, and then there are those who redefine it. Gerald Walden, Jr., without a doubt, falls into the latter category. As his tenure as President of the Greensboro Bar Association and 24th Judicial District comes to a close, the members present at our annual meeting on April 18, 2024, took a moment to celebrate his remarkable vision, tireless dedication, and unparalleled achievements.

Throughout the past year, Gerald has exemplified what it means to lead with purpose and passion. His commitment to the organization has been unwavering and his impact has been nothing short of transformative.

Manisha P. Patel and Gerald L. Walden, Jr.

One of Gerald’s primary objectives as President was to expand the GBA’s reach amongst the legal community. Through his innovative approach, he not only met this goal, but exceeded it, welcoming a diverse array of legal professionals into the fold by way of a new membership Section. His ability to inspire and engage others has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and belonging within our organization.

But Gerald’s vision extended far beyond recruitment. He understood that true progress lies in embracing diversity and inclusion. Under his guidance, the GBA prioritized initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through continuing education programs and outreach efforts, Gerald has brought the importance of diversity into the spotlight.

Gerald’s greatest legacy lies in his ability to inspire others to action. His leadership style is characterized by integrity and the ability to encourage others to rise to the occasion. As a result, our members have been motivated to take on committee leadership roles, volunteer opportunities, and to step up and make a difference in our community.

As Gerald passes the torch, his legacy will continue to serve as a guiding light for future years. His vision and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the Greensboro Bar Association and the local legal space. On behalf of the GBA and the 24th Judicial District, we thank you, Gerald, for a wonderful year.

Margaret A. Dudley Honored with Distinguished Service Award by Greensboro Bar Association

April 30, 2024/in Frontpage Article, May 2024, Newsletter

The Greensboro Bar Association saves the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed on a member, for the last award of the year.

The awardee, a native North Carolinian, graduated from Mather School in Beaufort, South Carolina, a private boarding academy for Black females which provided her with a uniquely sound foundation. She then matriculated at Howard University and its law school in Washington, D.C. Following graduation from Howard University School of Law in 1974, she became the third Black woman to practice law in Guilford County (joining the late Elreta Alexander-Ralston, a/k/a ‘Judge A’ , the first Black woman elected District Court Judge and Attorney Barbara Gore Washington, the first Black woman elected Clerk of Court). They were close confidants and encouraged one another in the practice of law. In like manner, she has been a mentor, encourager, and confidante to judges and lawyers through the years, humbly but firmly suggesting doing things right and to do the right thing. She is a zealous advocate and seeks the truth for the win.

Her strong and abiding faith has enabled her to help others to achieve their goals as well as to achieve her own. Her mother was a teacher and passed on placing a high value on faith, discipline, and education. Her work as an attorney has been recognized for ‘ceilings being broken for all attorneys who follow in her footsteps and whose impacts on the legal profession are undeniable’.

She was the first Black woman to hold the position of Deputy County Attorney in Guilford County. In her capacity as the Deputy County Attorney, she worked closely with the County Attorney in advising the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and the heads of various departments. During her tenure with the county, she had the responsibility of representing seven county departments. She was also Counsel to the Guilford County Board of Adjustment as well as the Mental Health and Social Services Board.

Thereafter, Attorney Dudley achieved success as a partner at a private firm in Guilford County, and in 1994, she set out to be a solo practitioner. Her practice has focused on civil litigation with an emphasis on family law and has included all levels of the North Carolina Court System. In addition, she taught Constitutional Law at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for twenty-two years.

In January of 2017, Attorney Dudley joined Elon Law’s Emergency Legal Services Program as the Founding Director. The program, which works in conjunction with the Family Justice Centers of Guilford County and Alamance County, seeks to drastically reduce gaps and unmet needs for legal advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence. In the last five years, Attorney Dudley has assisted nearly 5,000 people in crisis.

She is a member of the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers and the legal committee of the Alliance for Hope International, the flagship organization for Family Justice Centers. She has served on community and civic boards including the United Way, Legal Aid, Guilford County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Board, the Guilford County Board of Adjustment, YWCA, and Hayes-Taylor YMCA.

Further, Attorney Dudley is a member of The Links, Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and has served the sorority at the local, regional, and national levels. Notably, she served with distinction on a national Anti-Hazing Task Force and Mock Trial helping to guide the sorority as a leader in anti-hazing education and prevention.

Kudos to Attorney Margaret A. Dudley!

Seven GBA Members Accomplish Membership Challenge

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

The Membership Committee launched its inaugural Membership Challenge in September 2023, and challenged GBA members to attend at least 15 events during the 2023-24 programming year. A hearty congratulations goes out to the following seven members who successfully completed the Membership Challenge: Jason Hicks, Abigail Seymour, Judge Robby Hassell, Eloise Hassell, Jonathan M. Parisi, Manisha Patel, and Elizabeth Robertson. These individuals were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the GBA at the GBA’s Annual Meeting on April 18, 2024, and were awarded certificates of appreciation, a GBA tumbler, and a GBA t-shirt. The Committee sends its thanks and appreciation to all members who participated in the Challenge, and hopes to see even more members rise to the challenge next year!

Pictured from right to left: The Honorable Bill Davis, Jason Hicks, Manisha Patel, The Honorable Robby Hassell, Elizabeth Robertson, Eloise Hassell, Jonathan M. Parisi, Sarah Roane. Not pictured: Abigail Seymour.

Herb Falk Society 2023 Induction

April 30, 2024/in Frontpage Article, May 2024, Newsletter

The Greensboro Bar Association recognized 15 inductees to the Herb Falk Society at its annual joint meeting with the 24th Judicial District on April 18, 2024, at Starmount Forest Country Club. The Society was established in 2011 to honor the life and work of the late Herbert S. Falk, Jr., a former Greensboro Bar Association president who was deeply committed to pro bono service. Inductees are members of the Greensboro Bar Association who contribute at least 75 hours of pro bono service annually. This may include the provision of legal services with no (or substantially reduced) fees to persons of limited means or to nonprofit entities, or committee work or other participation in activities improving the law, legal system or profession. For 2023, the inductees donated a total of 2,466.8 hours of pro bono legal assistance. Each inductee was presented with a commemorative pin as well as a Certificate of Recognition by Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs Manisha Patel and Jon Wall. The Herb Falk Society Inductees for 2023 service, with their recorded hours service, are:

B. Tyler Brooks 97.3

William P. H. Cary 359.1

Kearns Davis 276.4

Erwin Fuller 100

Eloise McCain Hassell 101.3

Jason Hicks 100.6

Claire O’Brien 100

Jonathan M. Parisi 91.7

Manisha P. Patel 292

Karen McKeithen Schaede 100

Jim Slaughter 105

D. Clark Smith, Jr. 233.5

Theodora Vaporis 94.6

Gerald Walden, Jr. 245

Jonathan Wall 170.25

Pictured from right to left: Jonathan Wall, Manisha Patel, Karen McKeithen Schaede, Claire O’Brien, Eloise Hassell, Jason Hicks,
Jonathan M. Parisi, Jim Slaughter, Theodora Vaporis, Gerald Walden, Jr.

Local Law Students Presented with GBA Academic Scholarships

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

In a triumph of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence, Elon Law students Naisha Mercury and Nathaniel Pool have been selected by the Greensboro Bar Association’s Scholarship Committee as the recipients of the organization’s annual Academic Scholarship. The GBA Academic Scholarship is intended to financially assist two (2) 2L Elon Law students who demonstrate academic responsibility, a passion for community involvement, and a personal connection to Guilford County.

Scholarship awards not only provide financial support but also serve as a testament to the recipients’ outstanding abilities and potential. By investing in the education of promising law students, these scholarships play a vital role in fostering the next generation of legal professionals.

Prior to enrolling at Elon Law, Naisha Mercury earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Management from East Carolina University. At ECU is where her fascination with the intersection of law and healthcare began to flourish. Through her studies, she became acutely aware of the systematic inequities in healthcare access that disproportionately affect specific demographic groups based on economic status, race, and age.

Currently, Naisha is a resident at the O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law, where her focus revolves around pioneering initiatives and conducting research dedicated to reproductive health. Her experience has provided her with a platform to translate this passion into meaningful action, and she expresses that she is eager to continue making a difference in this vital arena.

Nathaniel Pool, originally from Fairmont, West Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, with a minor in Forensics from West Virginia University. Prior to enrolling at Elon Law, he worked with the West Virginia University Police Department and contributed to the community as a social worker at the National Youth Advocate Program, where he concentrated on juvenile delinquency issues.

At Elon Law, Nathan has demonstrated a keen interest in criminal defense, alongside a broader engagement with civil litigation matters. He holds leadership positions in student organizations, serving as co-president of the Criminal Law Society and as vice president of case managers for the Innocence Project. His work last summer with the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission allowed him to gain invaluable experience in post-conviction processes. Nathan plans to continue expanding his expertise this upcoming summer at Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional students and wishing them continued success in their academic and professional endeavors!

Celebrating Generosity: GBA Raises Over $19,000 for Legal Aid of NC

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the Greensboro Bar Association hosted a remarkable fundraiser in support of Legal Aid of NC, showcasing the power of community and generosity. Through the unwavering support and generous donations of its members, the association raised an impressive total of $19,543.00, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to access to justice for all.

The fundraiser, held at Boxcar Bar + Arcade, was a vibrant celebration of unity and compassion, bringing together legal professionals, community members, and supporters of the Legal Aid office. Attendees were treated to an evening filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt contributions towards a worthy cause.

At the GBA’s membership meeting on April 18, 2024, the proceeds of the fundraiser were presented to Legal Aid of NC in a symbolic gesture of solidarity and support. The donation represents not only a financial contribution but also a reaffirmation of the shared values of justice, equality, and compassion that unite the legal profession.

The funds raised will enable Legal Aid of NC to continue its vital work of providing legal assistance to individuals and families in our community who may otherwise lack access to legal representation. From advocating for vulnerable populations to providing crucial legal services, Legal Aid plays a pivotal role in ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of income or circumstance.

On behalf of the GBA, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the fundraiser. We’d like to recognize our Legal Aid Fundraiser Committee Co-Chairpersons, Casey Robinson and Kim Gatling, for organizing and executing a successful and meaningful event!

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Books to 5th Graders at Jones Elementary School

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

With the support of member donations, the Elementary School Project committee has purchased a book for every “graduating” 5th grader at Jones Elementary School. We are planning to deliver the books to all 5th grade classes on Monday, May 20, at 8:15am, and could use the help of a few volunteers!

In addition to handing out the books, this is a chance to talk to the kids about what the Greensboro Bar Association is, what lawyers do, and how proud we are of their upcoming graduation. It should take less than an hour. As anyone who’s volunteered to do this in the past will tell you, the excitement on each child’s face as we hand them a new book is rewarding beyond measure.

Last fall, we also provided children in grades K-5 in the Traditional English program at Jones with the opportunity to purchase a book of their choice at the school’s Book Fair, which gave an additional financial benefit to the school library. We also raised enough funds to make a sizable donation to the school to support student field trips! Thank you for your continued support of the Elementary School Project!

If you would like to volunteer to hand out the 5th grade graduation gift books on Monday, May 20, at 8:15am at Jones Elementary, please email Erin Reis at erin.reis.1@gmail.com, or Ashley Canupp at AshleyCanupp@thefreshmarket.net.

Stell: Create Your Own Satisfying Career Journey

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Camille Stell
is President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualnc.com

“Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”

Some version of this quote has been attributed to such intellectual giants as Confucius and Mark Twain. The idea behind the words does not remove the toil of work, but having a positive emotional response to your work makes it feel more like a choice than a sentence.

How do you attain satisfaction in your career journey? Is satisfaction based on finding a dream job? Do dream jobs exist? Or does mindset and personality match allow for a positive emotional response that can be called passion?

Can questioning your path and your values and who you are make for a more enjoyable work experience?

Pivot

Wake County Bar Association member and Campbell Law School graduate, Alexandra Macey Davis, released a book in late 2023, Pivot: The Nontraditional J.D. Careers Handbook.

In her book, Alex describes the pivot she underwent in her career as she began to identify her personal strengths and interests, along with those she had honed in law school.

Alex says she loved studying the law, reading the law, discussing it with others, breaking down important issues, and doing research. Even though Alex no longer practices law, she feels her time spent in law school, studying for the Bar exam, and working in a civil litigation law firm were all important components of a career path that ultimately led her to a non-traditional law career.

As Alex says in her book, “Though our professions are not the core of our identity, our daily work truly does deeply affect every other aspect of our lives. Finding a work situation that does not send us into a constant fight-flight-freeze state is not evidence of the entitlement that millennials are so often castigated for: it is absolutely essential to ensuring that we’re positioned to grow in strength, character, and virtue, and to contribute meaningfully to society.”

Alex began her legal career as an associate in a civil litigation practice. Many people had offered the advice that if she enjoyed writing, she should explore litigation practice. When Alex joined her law firm, she liked the people, she enjoyed the intellectual stimulation of the work, but she often felt her work was misaligned with who she was. The antagonism of civil litigation combined with her desire to write and nurture a more creative existence led her to the exploration that resulted in multiple career stops, and ultimately writing a book that helps other lawyers figure out their own career journey. How did she get there?

The Journey

After two years as a litigation associate, Alex began to explore her options. She decided to take on a document review job that would pay the bills while allowing her to start a freelance writing business. Within eight months, Alex was making enough money through her business as a ghostwriter for law firms, to quit the document review job and focus full time on the writing business. This is the career stop where I met Alex, she joined the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) to connect with professionals who were doing creative work in law firms.

As Alex developed relationships with other professionals in her industry niche, her business grew as did her confidence that her career journey was moving forward in a positive direction. Not only did Alex find freelance work with the LMA networking group, she also received advice and counsel, countless referrals, as well as new mentors and friends.

After five years running her own business, Alex’s next pivot led her to her current position as managing editor of an online public policy journal, while continuing to write articles and essays for various online and print publications. She also took the time to write her book as a way of providing guidance
and insight to others who wanted help navigating their career path.

Professional Excellence

Greensboro Bar Association member, Jennifer Mencarini, followed her own journey of discovery to career satisfaction. Jennifer’s time in law practice saw her litigating medical malpractice cases. During her 10+ years in practice, she was selected six times as a Rising Star in Super Lawyers. Yet, no matter how much success she had, her misery only grew. “I could never figure out why I was so good at being an attorney, but it was so bad for me.”

After years of trying to force herself to enjoy her career, Jennifer chose to pursue a master’s degree in human rights and social justice, a move that better aligned with her personal and professional interests. As part of her studies, she went on a civil rights pilgrimage and met a well-known activist in Selma, Alabama. Jennifer’s passion for DEI work was ignited and she felt called to learn more about patterns of injustice in her community.

Jennifer’s next stop was a job at Elon Law School that ultimately included serving as Director of Career Development and working with the law school’s DEI programming. Jennifer is currently serving as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Fox Rothschild, LLP, a position she was even more prepared for because of her time in academia.

Jennifer shares this advice, “Lawyers are always told to fake it till you make it, that you must portray that you know what you’re talking about, even if you don’t. But that’s a mistake. There is no shame in saying “I don’t know”. It’s worse to fake it because this is not authentic
or true.”

Jennifer’s path to professional excellence involved not only choosing a career path in law where she can excel, but he also found a way to pair this work with her personal passion for being a DEI change agent. Jennifer continues to hone the skills that lead to extreme career satisfaction such as managing new challenges, networking, relationship building, and developing creative solutions to problem solving.

My Career Satisfaction

My own career has meandered from law firms to a national recruiting firm to working with North Carolina’s largest malpractice insurance company, Lawyers Mutual. While I have loved all my career stops, work certainly has hard days. And there have been parts of my various jobs I loved less than others.

However, my career has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. From intellectually stimulating work, to building long lasting relationships, each stop along the way made me more well-rounded, less startled by change and better equipped to view “no” as “not yet”.

Good luck as you continue to develop your own law life and enjoy each detour and destination along the way.

Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and the co-author of “RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans” published in December 2022. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 919.677.8900

Young Lawyers Section: Connections

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Elizabeth Robertson, is President of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and Personal Injury Litigation Attorney at CR Legal Team, LLP

A Message from the YLS President: A Year of Service

My, what a year it has been! As my time as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the GBA comes to an end, I look back on the past bar year with such gratitude and pride at what we have been able to accomplish. One resounding theme comes to mind as I reflect on this
year: service.

The Young Lawyers Section has given back to the community in an unprecedented way this year. We’ve donated time, funds, and goods to our neighbors in need. From a sock/glove/hat drive at the holiday party to benefit Backpack Beginnings, to hosting our first “YLS Service Week” in March, including reading to students at Hunter Elementary, making/serving a meal at Greensboro Urban Ministries, and gathering donations to benefit Hunter Elementary School, we put service at the forefront of our mission this year.

Additionally, with the help of GBA President Gerald Walden, Jr., we’ve been able to bridge the gap more closely between the Young Lawyers Section and the greater Greensboro Bar Association, helping young lawyers find their place in the greater GBA. We partnered with the Mentorship Committee to host a remarkable “Art of Mentorship” Lunch and Learn, attended by lawyers of all ages and levels of experience. This year we were proud to recognize one of our own, Jonathan M. Parisi, as the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. We also celebrated a successful Legal Aid Fundraiser, co-chaired by YLS board member Casey Robinson. Additionally, we applauded other YLS board members for their contributions to GBA leadership this year: Hillary Kies, Nicole Scallon, and Nicole Patino.

It has been a joy to lead this thriving section of the Greensboro Bar Association. Thank you to the YLS Board Members, Diane Lowe, Gerald Walden, Jr., and for all who supported us throughout the year. The future of the organization is bright!

— Elizabeth

An Update from YLS

On April 11, 2024, YLS volunteered at Backpack Beginnings in Greensboro. Backpack Beginnings’ mission is to connect children and their families to resources needed to thrive. To learn more about the mission of Backpack Beginnings, visit: https://backpackbeginnings.org.

Pictured: Jonathan M. Parisi, Elizabeth Robertson, Tyler Nullmeyer

Pictured from left to right: Jonathan M. Parisi, Elizabeth Robertson, Tyler Nullmeyer

Congratulations to 2024 YLS NCAA Bracket Challenge Winners

In celebration of March Madness, YLS hosted a NCAA Bracket Challenge. With 16 participants, the following 3 folks placed TOP 3, earning a prize, courtesy of YLS:

1st place: Grace Lay
2nd place: Noah Hock
3rd place: Sharon Dunmore Lawrence

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who participated! We look forward to competing with you again next year.

Upcoming YLS Events:

In addition to the May events outlined above, YLS will also be hosting an event on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game. Spots are limited – check your email and follow our Facebook page to stay tuned for details on how to RSVP to this Summer event!

YLS Board Member Spotlight: Jonathan M. Parisi

Jonathan M. Parisi

Jonathan M. Parisi practices at Spangler Estate Planning here in Greensboro. He practices estate planning/probate and estate administration. Jonathan’s favorite part of his job is being able to form long-standing relationships with his clients and exercising his creativity in how he assists them in their planning efforts. When asked about his involvement in GBA/YLS, Jonathan stated: “As a young lawyer, I’ve learned that remaining eager to learn is a special trait that we should never lose. Through my involvement in the GBA and as a member of the YLS Board, I’ve established meaningful relationships with many other lawyers in the community—many older than me and many younger than me. One thing I’ve realized is that we all have something to learn from one another, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, and that value stems from genuine connections.”

For more information about Jonathan and his firm, visit https://spanglerestateplanning.com/about-the-firm

Connect with YLS:

To provide feedback & suggestions for future events/programming, please email the Young Lawyers Section at info@greensboroyls.org.

The Young Lawyers Section would like to celebrate the personal milestones and professional accomplishments of its members. Email YLS at info@greensboroyls.org to share achievements that you would like celebrated on the YLS Facebook page.

New Member Approved April 10, 2024

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Jeanna Cooper
Camino Law
Endorser: Abigail Seymour

Wellness Corner

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

BarCARES is a confidential, short-term intervention program provided cost-free to members of the 24th Judicial District Bar and other participating judicial district bars, voluntary bar associations and law schools. If you would like additional information about the program and/or its availability in your area, please contact the BarCARES coordinator at 919.929.1227 or 1.800.640.0735 or click on the icon below.

May 2024 Calendar Notes

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

May 5 – Picnic at the Ballpark, 1:30 PM, First National Bank Field

May 8 – GBA Board Meeting, 4:00 PM, Self Help Building

May 9 – YLS End of Year Party, 5:30 PM, Oden Brewing

May 15 – YLS Board Meeting, 12:00 PM, CR Legal Team Office

May 20 – Graduation Books Delivery, 8:15 AM, Jones Elementary

May 23 – Swearing-in Ceremony, 3:30 PM, Old Guilford County Courthouse

Click to keep up with GBA Events Online

Click Here for Legal Community Events

Message from the President, May 2024

April 30, 2024/in May 2024, Newsletter

Gerald L. Walden, Jr.
President of the Greensboro Bar Association

Hello GBA Members!

As some of you know, I am the father of two small children and, as such, spend a lot of time reading children’s books. Most recently, my two-year-old son has repeatedly asked me to read The Little Engine That Could. You may recall that it is a story about perseverance and optimism as a small engine overcomes doubts to successfully deliver toys to children on the other side of a mountain. Like that little engine, I entered my term as GBA President with some doubt that I could deliver on all the lofty goals I wanted to achieve in one year – goals I felt would allow me to make a meaningful impact on a well-established association and hopefully leave it better than I found it. I told myself, “I think I can,” and I proceeded to take steps to make it happen.

In my first “Message from the President” in September 2023, I stated my intentions as follows:

[A] new Business/Corporate Law Section of the GBA is being created to better engage and service at least a quarter of our members who are either in-house counsel or practicing business/corporate law. There will be an increased commitment to providing a place and space for all GBA members regardless of practice area, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc. through leadership roles, CLE offerings (including, a return to CLE Lunch & Learns), and association programs/activities/events (including, diversifying where and how we hold monthly member meetings). Further, expect to see greater (i) engagement in Guilford County, (ii) efforts to assist and mentor aspiring and young lawyers, and (iii) focus on elevating the GBA brand.

As we now enter May 2024, I am very pleased to share that the following have been accomplished:

Created a Business/Corporate Law Section that resulted in new or increased engagement by attorneys practicing in these areas;
Held three very successful and free CLE lunch and learns, as well as offered an all-time high of six hours of CLE credit through the annual CLE seminar;
Created a new award to recognize an outstanding young lawyer while also strengthening the overall relationship between the Young Lawyers Section and the GBA;
Offered opportunities for several seasoned lawyers to deliver sage advice to the GBA membership at every member meeting;
Celebrated Martin L. King, Jr. Day by offering free legal advice to the community;
Diversified our member meetings by holding one at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum during Black History Month and another virtually during Women’s History Month that allowed us to patronize a local woman-owned business;
Increased the GBA’s presence on social media and in print media;
Finalized plans to hold social events for all summer legal interns working in the Triad as the kick-off to a new GBA Fellows Program; and
Organized a trip occurring this Fall to the United States Supreme Court for a swearing-in ceremony for interested GBA members.

As I mentioned during our April Member Meeting, serving as GBA President is the first time I have led an organization where I have been able to drive initiatives touching on so many important aspects of my life – being a Black man with a 20-year legal career as an in-house counsel who is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, my community, and mentoring law students and new lawyers. Therefore, I will always treasure my time in this role.

Finally, mountains are rarely overcome alone; even the little engine had encouragement from the toys it was carrying. I am extremely thankful to the GBA officers, directors, committee chairpersons, and GBA Administrator, Diane Lowe, who not only encouraged me throughout this last year but made substantial efforts to ensure the goals established were met. With all of them and the steadfast participation of the GBA members, “I thought WE could” have an amazing year . . . and WE did!

All the best,

Gerald L. Walden, Jr.

GBA President, 2023-2024

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