Message from the President, April 2025

Dear Members of the Greensboro Bar Association,

As we welcome the arrival of spring, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and generosity of our Greensboro Bar Association members. March was an inspiring month, filled with events that showcased the spirit of service and the strength of our community.

Our March 20th member meeting featured an insightful presentation by the president of the BarCares program, Judge Lucy Inman. BarCares provides invaluable support to legal professionals, offering confidential assistance for personal, family, and work-related issues. I am proud that the Greensboro Bar Association contracts with this essential program, ensuring our members have access to these critical services. If you or someone you know could benefit from these resources, I encourage you to take advantage of this program. You can contact BarCares by phone (800-640-0735) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all communications are confidential.

We also celebrated the induction of outstanding individuals into the Herb Falk Society. This recognition, presented by our Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs, Jon Wall and Theodora Vaporis, honors those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to providing pro bono legal services. Congratulations to the newest inductees, whose dedication to service embodies the highest ideals of our profession.

Another highlight of the month was the GBA Annual Legal Aid of North Carolina Fundraiser, held on March 29th at Boxcar Bar + Arcade. I am thrilled to share that the event has raised more than $19,000 to date—and that number continues to grow! This year, we introduced our first annual silent auction in lieu of the traditional raffle, which added a new and exciting element to the evening. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our co-chairs Casey Robinson and Emily Carico, all who attended, sponsored, donated, and volunteered to make this fundraiser a tremendous success. Your support directly impacts our community and furthers access to justice for those in need.

For our final meeting of membership for the 2024-2025 bar year, we have a renowned featured speaker, the former Dean and current law professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law, Phyliss Craig-Taylor. Dean Craig-Taylor will speak on the work she does in the DEI field and how it relates to the legal profession, especially considering new directives coming down from the Federal and state governments and how it affects us as lawyers and those in the legal profession. This promises to be an engaging and timely discussion, and I encourage all members to attend and participate on April 17, 2025. We will also present Judge A. Robinson Hassell with the Greensboro Bar Association’s highest honor- the Distinguished Service Award. Our Community Involvement Committee will also present the inaugural Robert Cone Community Involvement Society. Finally, our Annual Meeting of Membership for the Greensboro Bar Association and the 24th Judicial District Bar will be held to elect our incoming leaders for the 2025-2026 bar year. I could not be more proud of our incoming slate of leadership and all they will bring to our members and Bar.

Looking ahead, I encourage each of you to remain engaged and connected. Our collective efforts make a profound difference, and I am continually inspired by your dedication to our profession and community.

With gratitude,

Manisha P. Patel, Esq.
President, Greensboro Bar Association and the 24th Judicial District