GBA Holiday Gathering: Registration Open!
Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, December 6th at 5:00 PM.
Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, December 6th at 5:00 PM.
The book program at Jones Elementary School is a wonderful Greensboro Bar Association tradition! This year, GBA member donations will be used to allow the children in grades K-5 of the Traditional English program to select a book of their choice ($10 or less) at the school’s Book Fair, to be held the week after Thanksgiving. We will also provide a gift book for all “graduating” 5th graders in the Spring, both in the Traditional English and Spanish Immersion programs. To do this, we need to raise at least $2,200. GBA volunteers are welcome to help children shop at the Book Fair this Fall, and to deliver the 5th grade graduation books to the students next Spring.
Donate now online, or mail your check made payable to the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation, with “Elementary School Project” in the memo line, to:
Greensboro Bar Association Foundation
P.O. Box 1825
Greensboro, NC 27402
To volunteer or for more information, please contact Elementary School Project committee co-chairs Adam Kerr or Erin Reis.
Donations are tax-deductible, with receipts sent to each donor. Thank you in advance for your continuing support – the children and teachers at Jones thank you, too!
We hope you will consider nominating a colleague for the Centennial Award this year before the December 06, 2024, deadline. Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association, the Centennial Award recognizes outstanding and exemplary community service. To submit a nomination, please click HERE, and then proceed by clicking on the link that says, “GBA members may submit nominations HERE.”
With questions, please contact Awards Chair Jennifer Mencarini – jmencarini@foxrothschild.com. The award will be presented at the January 2025 member dinner meeting at Starmount Forest Country Club.
The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award debuted in early 2024 and is bestowed upon an attorney with fewer than 10 years of practice experience who is a member in good standing of the NC State Bar and an active member of both the GSO Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section. This individual exhibits professional excellence; service to the profession and the bar; service to the community; and a reputation for advancing legal ethics, personal professionalism and professional responsibility.
Nominations for the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award will close on January 05, 2025.
To submit a nomination, please click HERE, and then proceed by clicking on the link that says, “GBA members may submit nominations HERE.”
With questions, please contact Awards Chair Jennifer Mencarini – jmencarini@foxrothschild.com.
Join the GBA’s Real Property Section on Thursday, December 5th, for an insightful panel discussion on the legal issues affecting Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
The meeting will take place at 5:30PM at the office of Tuggle Duggins, located at 400 Bellemeade Street, Suite 800, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401. Our guest panelists, who have been deeply involved in Hurricane Helene response, relief, and recovery efforts since September, will shed light on the magnitude of damage sustained by communities in Western North Carolina, assess and discuss the key legal challenges facing residents and businesses in the Western part of the state, and provide more information on how interested attorneys can get involved in the recovery effort! Dinner will be served. We look forward to seeing you on December 5th!
The GBA is happy to announce that Theodora Vaporis, Director at Tuggle Duggins, has received the Pro Bono Award this year. The Pro Bono Award, established in 1996, recognizes outstanding service, and was presented to Ms. Vaporis at the November 21 member meeting at Greensboro Country Club.
Ms. Vaporis was selected to receive the Pro Bono Award due to her lengthy and regular pro bono work here in North Carolina. She has been named six times to the Herb Falk Society, which recognizes GBA members who contribute at least 75 hours of pro bono service annually. In 2023 alone, Ms. Vaporis completed 97 hours of pro bono service, including:
Please join us in congratulating our colleague for her exemplary service.
Camille Stell is President and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualnc.com
In today’s interconnected and diverse world, cultural competency has emerged as a vital skill for professionals in every field, including law. For small law firms, often embedded in the fabric of their communities, cultural competency is not just a beneficial attribute—it is a necessity. By fostering a deeper understanding of cultural differences, small law firms can better serve their clients, improve their reputation, and contribute positively to the community they operate in.
This article explores the importance of cultural competency for small law firms, practical ways to cultivate it, and the profound benefits it brings to the firm, its employees, and the community at large.
Small law firms typically deal with deeply personal legal matters such as criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and small business ownership. These areas often intersect with an individual’s cultural background, values, and traditions. For instance:
Without cultural competency, lawyers and staff risk misunderstanding their clients’ needs, offering ineffective counsel, or inadvertently alienating the very people they aim to serve.
Lawyers in small communities often become trusted advisors, and their reputation can make or break their practice. Cultural competency fosters trust and respect by demonstrating a genuine commitment to understanding and valuing clients’ diverse perspectives. Clients who feel heard and respected are more likely to refer others and return for future legal needs, strengthening the firm’s standing in the community.
Implicit biases—unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect decision-making—can hinder a lawyer’s ability to provide impartial and effective representation. Cultural competency involves recognizing and mitigating these biases, ensuring that every client receives fair and equitable treatment.
Developing cultural competency is a continuous process that involves education, self-awareness, and active engagement. Here are some practical steps small law firms can take:
1. Training and Education
Invest in regular training for all staff members, including attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. Topics should include:
Many of our bar associations are offering continuing legal education programs on topics such as addressing implicit biases. The Center for Creative Leadership located in Greensboro offers excellent courses in topics of diversity and inclusion, creating leadership development programs, and other solutions that will help your firm cultivate cultural competency.
2. Hiring and Representation
A diverse team brings varied perspectives and experiences, enhancing the firm’s ability to understand and serve clients from different backgrounds. When possible, recruit employees who reflect the diversity of your community. Representation within the firm can also make clients feel more comfortable and understood.
3. Active Listening
Active listening is a cornerstone of cultural competency. Encourage lawyers and staff to:
4. Language Access
Language barriers can be a significant obstacle in legal matters. Small law firms can address this by:
5. Community Engagement
Building relationships within the community helps law firms stay attuned to the cultural dynamics that affect their clients. Attend local events, join cultural organizations, and participate in community discussions. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and provide opportunities to learn directly from community members.
6. Regular Self-Assessment
Cultural competency is an evolving skill. Encourage ongoing reflection by:
Culturally competent lawyers are better equipped to identify and address the unique needs of their clients, leading to more favorable outcomes. For example:
When clients feel their values are respected, they are more likely to trust and follow their lawyer’s advice.
Clients who feel respected and understood are more likely to recommend the firm to others. Word-of-mouth referrals are particularly valuable for small law firms, where personal connections often drive business. By demonstrating cultural competency, a firm can build a loyal client base and establish itself as a trusted community partner.
Cultural competency doesn’t just benefit clients—it also creates a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to the firm’s success. A culturally aware workplace can also attract top talent, further strengthening the firm.
Small law firms play a vital role in the communities they serve. By prioritizing cultural competency, these firms can:
A culturally competent law firm becomes a beacon of fairness and justice, reinforcing the values that hold communities together.
While the benefits of cultural competency are clear, implementing it can be challenging. Small law firms often operate with limited resources and may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of adding another responsibility to their workload. However, even small, incremental changes can make a significant difference.
Many organizations offer free or low-cost training programs, webinars, and toolkits on cultural competency. Diversity Lab is an online resource you may want to investigate. Also, you may be able to get CLE credit for bar programs while also enhancing your firm’s skills in this area. Local community groups may also be willing to partner with firms to provide insights and resources.
Cultural considerations must sometimes be balanced against legal obligations. For example, a client’s cultural preference for informal agreements may not align with the legal requirement for formal documentation. In such cases, cultural competency involves respectfully explaining legal necessities while finding ways to honor the client’s values.
Cultural competency is not just a professional responsibility for small law firms—it is an opportunity to make a lasting positive impact. By investing in cultural awareness, law firms can provide better representation, build stronger relationships, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable community.
For the firms themselves, cultural competency enhances their reputation, strengthens client loyalty, and fosters a supportive workplace culture. For employees, it provides a sense of pride and purpose, knowing their work aligns with principles of respect and justice. And for the community, culturally competent law firms serve as trusted allies, advocating for fairness and understanding in every legal matter.
In a world where diversity is both a reality and a strength, cultural competency is no longer optional—it is essential. Small law firms that embrace this principle will not only succeed but thrive, becoming indispensable pillars of the communities they serve.
Camille Stell is the President of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services and the co-author of the book, RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans, 2nd edition is now available. Continue this conversation by contacting Camille at camille@lawyersmutualconsulting.com or 800.662.8843.
Tyler Nullmeyer, is President of the Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section and Associate Attorney at Turning Point Litigation.
In October, YLS held a networking event with NCBA YLD (Young Lawyers Division) at Bull City Ciderworks! We enjoyed the opportunity to connect with many of our members, as well as members of NCBA YLD. On November 1st, YLS held a fall swearing-in ceremony at the Old Guilford County Courthouse. Congratulations to the 11 individuals that were sworn into state or federal court!
On November 4th, YLS held a service event with Greensboro Urban Ministries. Members of YLS provided and prepared dinner for about 100 people. Thank you to all those that participated! We enjoyed seeing many of our members at these recent events!
In December, YLS looks forward to participating in the GBA holiday party! We welcome you to join us at our table! At the holiday party, YLS will also be collecting socks, hats, and gloves for children of all ages (baby/toddler to high school age) for Backpack Beginnings!
Andrew practices construction law and business litigation in the Greensboro office of Maynard Nexsen. Andrew’s favorite part of his job is “thinking of creative solutions to difficult problems.” Andrew chose to join the YLS board to serve his community and connect with new and experienced lawyers. When asked what his advice for new attorneys is, Andrew stated “Participate in community events; you can learn from experienced lawyers, grow with your peers, and inspire newer lawyers.”
YLS has a new email address, younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. YLS is taking this moment to update its email list. YLS is a free GBA section for attorneys of any age who have been practicing for 5 or less years, or attorneys 40 years of age or younger. If you satisfy one or both of these criteria and would like to be included on emails about upcoming events, please email younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. We look forward to connecting with all YLS eligible members of GBA!
At 5:30 PM, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, GBA will be hosting its annual holiday party at Elon University School of Law! We encourage all YLS members to attend!
January Lunch – YLS is planning a lunch for its members in January 2025! Additional details will be available in the near future.
For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook (Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section) or email us to be added to our email list (younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org).
To provide feedback & suggestions for future events/programming, please email the Young Lawyers Section at younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org. For more information about YLS events & service opportunities, follow us on Facebook: Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.
The Young Lawyers Section would like to celebrate the personal milestones and professional accomplishments of its members. Email YLS at younglawyerssection@greensborobar.org to share achievements that you would like celebrated.
In the spirit of the GBA’s theme of “Service to Others” this year, the Young Lawyers Section has partnered with Hunter Elementary School to provide our young students with the resources necessary to succeed in school, such as school supplies and educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Anything helps!
December 2 – Jones Book Fair, 8:15 AM, Jones Elementary
December 5 – Real Property Section Meeting, 5:30 PM, Tuggle Duggins
December 6 – Nomination Deadline for GBA Centennial Award
December 11 – GBA Board Meeting, 4:00 PM, Self-Help Building
December 11 – Holiday Party, 5:30 PM, Elon Law
December 18 – YLS Board Meeting, 12:00 PM, Turning Point Litigation
December 20 – Submission Deadline for January Newsletter
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of service and connection that has defined our Association this year. November was a particularly inspiring month, as we celebrated Theodora Vaporis, the recipient of the 2024 Pro Bono Award. Her dedication exemplifies the impact we can have when we commit our time and talents to serving others.
In the same spirit, the Community Involvement Committee partnered with the Out of the Garden Project for a meaningful service event, showcasing how we can come together to support our local community. The Young Lawyers Section remains active as ever with networking and service events throughout Greensboro. We welcomed our newest members to our November 2024 membership meeting and heard from the NC Mock Trial Program Executive Director, Jerry Smith on the tremendous growth of the program and support the North Carolina Judicial Branch has put into its expansion. I urge you to watch this brief video from the presentation to learn more about the longstanding impact of this program on the lives of North Carolina high school students over the years.
Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us for our annual Holiday Celebration on December 11th at Elon Law from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This is always a special evening filled with good food, great conversation, and an opportunity to celebrate the season with colleagues and friends. As we close out 2024, let us carry forward the values of service, connection, and gratitude into the new year. I am deeply grateful for each of you and the ways you contribute to our profession and community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
Warm regards,
Manisha P. Patel, Esq.
President, Greensboro Bar Association and the 24th Judicial District
Kaylee B. Faw
Endorser: Alan D. Woodlief, Jr.
Category: Newly Licensed
Jeffrey J. Harnden
Cordell Law, LLP
Endorser: Grace E. Lay
Category: Newly Licensed
Emily A. Mundt
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Endorser: Christopher C. Avery
Category: Public Service
Emilee G. Stohl
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Endorser: Christopher C. Avery
Category: Public Service
Antoinette A. Stone
Toussaint Law, PLLC
Endorser: Betty Toussaint
Category: Newly Licensed
Jennifer K. Payne
24th Judicial District Guardian ad Litem Program
Endorser: Sarah H. Roane
Category: Regular
We challenge YOU to participate in at least 15 of the events and activities in the list below during the current programming year! Check off each activity you participate in and write in the date of participation and any other relevant information. For events that recur, such as member meetings, you will get credit for each event you attend. We have included some write-in lines to cover any additional activities scheduled as the year progresses. All successful challenge participants will be recognized at the final meeting of the year and in the GBA’s newsletter, as well as receive a prize of special GBA merchandise! We look forward to seeing you at many of these events!
Name:_____________________________________________
Any Questions? Please reach out to the Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Alicia Edwards or Sarah Roane.
The Honorable Chief District Court Judge Teresa Vincent of Guilford County District Court has been recognized as the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys (NCAWA) Judge of the Year. Judge Vincent was honored with this prestigious award during the NCAWA’s Annual Conference on September 27, 2024.
The NCAWA Judge of the Year award is presented annually by the Judicial Division to a female jurist in North Carolina who exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, legal excellence, and commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. Judge Vincent has been recognized for her outstanding leadership on the bench and her tireless dedication to serving the community.
Throughout her distinguished career, Judge Vincent has been an advocate for justice and fairness, consistently demonstrating compassion and fairness in her courtroom. As Chief District Court Judge, she has implemented initiatives to improve court access and efficiency while fostering a culture of professionalism among her colleagues and staff.
During the presentation, Judge Christine M. Walczyk, District Court Judge for Wake County, shared, “Judge Vincent has spent her career working as a public servant. In addition to her day job running the Guilford County Courthouse, she is the current President of the North Carolina Association of District Court Judges. In this position she helped advocate for higher salaries and increased security for judges. She is also a former president of the Greensboro Bar Association. She serves or has served on the Judicial Standards Commission, the N.C. State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, the Guilford County Black Lawyer’s Association, and the N.C. Dispute Resolution Commission. She has worked with multiple community organizations including the Women’s Professional Forum, the Greensboro Opera Board, the Junior League of Greensboro, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Jack & Jill of America – just to name a few. Most importantly to us, Judge Vincent has been actively involved with NCAWA. She is a regular speaker at our judicial forums where we encourage young female law students to pursue judicial careers.”
Joining a law section is not just about adding another line to your resume; it’s about diving headfirst into a vibrant community where legal minds converge. Picture yourself mingling with seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers alike, all eager to share their insights and brainstorm innovative ideas.
This is your chance to expand your network, forge meaningful connections, and perhaps even discover a mentor or a young attorney to mentor. So, unleash your curiosity, and get ready to engage in lively discussions that could spark the next big legal breakthrough.
Business & Corporate Law Section Interest Form
Family Law Section Interest Form
After nearly a year of preparation, a small group of GBA members traveled to Washington, D.C. to be sworn in to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Presented to the Supreme Court by Movant Superior Court Judge Patrice Hinnant (ret.), the following members were sworn in on October 15, 2024: Carole Albright, Nichad Davis, Paige Gilliard, Marcus Shields, Megan Spidell, and Gerald Walden, Jr. All the admittees cherished the experience and are grateful to the GBA, especially Judge Hinnant, Afi Johnson-Parris, and Immediate Past President Gerald Walden, for organizing this momentous occasion.
The book program at Jones Elementary School is a wonderful Greensboro Bar Association tradition! This year, GBA member donations will be used to allow the children in grades K-5 of the Traditional English program to select a book of their choice ($10 or less) at the school’s Book Fair, to be held the week after Thanksgiving. We will also provide a gift book for all “graduating” 5th graders in the Spring, both in the Traditional English and Spanish Immersion programs. To do this, we need to raise at least $2,200. GBA volunteers are welcome to help children shop at the Book Fair this Fall, and to deliver the 5th grade graduation books to the students next Spring.
Donate now online, or mail your check made payable to the Greensboro Bar Association Foundation, with “Elementary School Project” in the memo line, to:
Greensboro Bar Association Foundation
P.O. Box 1825
Greensboro, NC 27402
To volunteer or for more information, please contact Elementary School Project committee co-chairs Adam Kerr or Erin Reis.
Donations are tax-deductible, with receipts sent to each donor. Thank you in advance for your continuing support – the children and teachers at Jones thank you, too!
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the Greensboro Bar Association and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, members, legal professions featured or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Physical Address:
Greensboro Bar Association
24th Judicial District Bar
122 North Elm Street, Suite 805
Greensboro, NC 27402
(336) 378-0300
Mailing Address:
Greensboro Bar Association
24th Judicial District Bar
PO Box 1825
Greensboro, NC 27402
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
OKLearn MoreWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds: