The Greensboro Law Blog

Richard J. Tuggle - Obituary

2012-01-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

Richard J. Tuggle died on January 23, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina after a short but courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. At Dick’s request, funeral services will be private.

Read the complete obituary in the January 25^th edition of the Greensboro News & Record.

Greensboro Bar Association - Social for Young Lawyers on Thursday

2012-01-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section will host a social at Café Europa in downtown Greensboro tomorrow night from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Café Europa is located at 200 N. Davie Street.

SEAK Writing Competition for Lawyers

2012-01-10T22:25:00.000-05:00

SEAK, Inc. is sponsoring its Fiction Writing COMPETITION for Physicians and Lawyers.

The purpose of the competition is to encourage physicians and lawyers to become more interested in and adept at writing fiction.

Click HERE for more information.

Thursday Night at Elon Law: MLK, Jr. Forum

2012-01-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

This Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 6:30pm, the law school will present its Fourth Annual program honoring the life and legacy of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote presentation will be delivered by United States Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Members of the Greensboro Bar Association are welcome to attend. If any members know a high school or undergraduate school student who is interested in attending law school, they should encourage them to attend this program.

The program will be held at the law school.

Wednesday Night at Elon Law! Alternative Methods of Installing Supreme Court Justices

2012-01-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

This Wednesday, January 11, at 5:30 PM, Elon University Law School's Federalist Society chapter will be hosting Professor Carrington of Duke Law and Professor Stephen Ware of Kansas University School of Law. This panel will discuss alternatives methods of installing Supreme Court Justices in North Carolina.

This issue is currently of great interest in North Carolina as Justice Exum, former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, has helped draft pending legislation that would change the way the governor fills vacancies on the bench. Governor Purdue recently created a judicial panel to help screen nominees to the supreme court. All members of the Greensboro Bar Association are welcome to attend.

Greensboro lawyers -- need office furniture?

2011-12-22T12:19:00.000-05:00

A recently-closed public accounting firm has a legal-sized filing cabinet that they no longer need. It has four drawers and is in good condition. The cabinet would be free to any lawyer who is willing to come to their location and take the cabinet away.

Prospective donees should call 834-3240 and ask to speak to Emily about the filing cabinet.

Holiday Book Drive

2011-12-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

GBA is collecting children’s books and monetary donations for the students in the traditional program of Jones Elementary School, grades K through 5. By Friday, December 9, please drop off any new, unwrapped books at one of the following locations:

- GBA Office, 122 North Elm Street, Suite 805

- Tuggle Duggins & Meschan PA, 100 N. Greene Street, Suite 600, Attn: Natalie Crenshaw

- Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP, 300 N. Greene Street, Suite 1400; Attn: Collins Pickup.

Please drop off any monetary donations to the GBA office or mail to GBA at Post Office Box 1825, Greensboro 27402; write checks payable to “GBA Foundation”.

At the Holiday Reception on Friday, December 16^th, please join us to wrap books.

For more information, contact Collins Pickup at collin.pickup @ smithmoorelaw.com or (336) 378-5459.

North Carolina Advocates for Justice Food Drive runs this week.!

2011-11-09T20:44:00.002-05:00

The Food Drive runs from Monday, November 7 until Friday, November 11. All food collected in Greensboro will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Host firms are: Law Offices of Danielle Caldwell and Karen Jackson Law, both located at 314 S. Eugene Street in Greensboro and Oxner Thomas & Permar, located at 1155 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 4, in Greensboro; these addresses are also the drop-off locations for donations

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Caldwell at Danielle@dcaldwelllaw.com or by phone at 553-0036

Volunteers Needed on November 12 at Sussmans Park

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro Bar Association needs volunteers for Saturday, November 12. The GBA’s community involvement committee is giving its adopted park (Sussmans Park) a little TLC and we need some people power. We plan to plant flowers, pick up trash, spread mulch, .... and have fun. We will work from 9:00 a.m. to about noon.

The address is 299 Sussmans Street (near Hampton Homes, Florida Avenue and Randleman Road).

Please let us know if you can join us: Respond to committee chair Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet (jbryan@nexsenpruet.com). Thank you very much.

BLOOD DRIVE (10/19)! BLOOD DRIVE (10/19)!

2011-10-14T12:10:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro Bar Association is holding its annual blood drive on October 19, 2011 with appointment times available at the Empire Room, 203 South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro from 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM. We need good people who are willing to donate about an hour of time and a pint of blood to sign up. You don’t need to be a member of the GBA to donate. Please schedule a time to donate using the easy to use website at:

http://www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule/login.php?cid=13831

or contact Mark Cain (370-8863; mcain@schellbray.com).

Elon Law Review - Fall 2011 Symposium - October 21, 2011

2011-10-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

Terrorism’s Impact on Criminal Justice: How the Detection, Investigation, and Prosecution of Criminal Activity Has Changed Since 9/11

9-9:15 AM OPENING REMARKS

PANELS

9:15-10:30 AM PANEL ONE: PROSECUTION

How the prosecution of crime has changed with the use of social media, immigration proceedings, and military tribunals.

The methods for prosecuting suspected terrorists have evolved in the decade following the 9/11 attacks. Social media have become a useful tool for tracking and prosecuting individuals. Military proceedings have also become more prevalent, and increasingly controversial, in light of the Supreme Court’s decisions in Hamdi, Hamdan, and Boumediene. Likewise, the integration of immigration law enforcement and the criminal justice system has produced consequences which extend beyond the context of terrorism prosecutions.

11 AM-12:15 PM PANEL TWO: CIVIL LIBERTIES

How the war on terror has a ected civil liberties in post 9/11 America.

The debate over the Patriot Act and other surveillance legislation has increased public awareness of civil liberties, including privacy, due process, and equal protection. Nevertheless, the threat of terrorism has enabled the government to implement new tactics which greatly affect those rights. One area in which this dynamic is evident is the use of criminal informants—not just in terrorism prosecutions—but also in the criminal justice system at large.

1:30-2:45 PM PANEL THREE: INVESTIGATION

How judicial and legislative interpretation of the Fourth and Fifth Amendment have changed.

The events of 9/11 are possibly redefi ning the scope of the Fourth Amendment in regard to searches and seizures, as well as the Miranda warnings required under Fifth Amendment jurisprudence. For example, airport searches are more frequent and extreme, as demonstrated by the controversial use of full-body scanners. Questions concerning the scope of the public safety exception have also arisen.

3-3:05 PM CLOSING REMARKS

NOTE: Each panel will be followed by a fi fteen minute question and answer session.

PARTICIPANTS

The Honorable V. Stuart Couch, Immigration Judge, Charlotte Immigration Court

Arnold Loewy, George R. Killam Jr. Chair of Criminal Law, Texas Tech School of Law

Tim Lynch, Director of the Project on Criminal Justice at the Cato Institute

Everette Penn, Associate Professor of Criminology, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Keith Petty, U.S. Army JAG Corps, legal advisor to the Commanding General, 5th Signal Command

Michael Rich, Assistant Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law

Julian Sanchez, Research Fellow at the Cato Institute

Yolanda Vázquez, Clinical Supervisor and Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania School of Law

Tung Yin, Professor of Law, Lewis & Clark Law School

MODERATORS

Eric Fink, Associate Professor of Law and Jennings Emerging Scholar, Elon University School of Law

Scott Gaylord, Associate Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law

Michael Rich, Assistant Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law

The symposium is a CLE approved event and attorneys may receive 4.5 credit hours towards their general hours requirement; however, the symposium is open to all members of the community and all are welcome to attend. There is no admission cost for this event. To attend, please contact the Symposium Editor of the Elon Law Review at lawreviewsymposium@elon.edu.

Each year, the Elon Law Review publishes a Symposium Issue exploring an emerging issue deserving of in-depth analysis by legal experts. Past issues have explored the death penalty and emerging frameworks in international business transactions.

Swearing In Ceremony for Newly Admitted Lawyers - Friday, October 14, 2011

2011-10-13T13:02:00.002-04:00

Greensboro Bar Association members are invited to attend

SWEARING IN CEREMONY
October 14, 2011 at 2 p.m.
Courtroom 4C of the Guilford County Courthouse
Reception Immediately Afterwards at Green Hill Center for NC Art on Davie Street

The Young Lawyers Section of the Greensboro Bar Association
has organized the Swearing In Ceremony for Newly Admitted Lawyers.

It will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011,

in Courtroom 4C of the Guilford County Courthouse.

U.S. District Court Judge Catherine C. Eagles

and Resident Superior Court Judge John O. Craig, III, will preside.

Judge Eagles served as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge

in Guilford County from 2006 until 2010,

when President Obama appointed her to the federal bench.

Judge Craig has served as Resident Judge, District 18-B (High Point) since 2002.

The reception with wine, beer and light hors d’oeuvres

will follow immediately after the ceremony

at the Green Hill Center for NC Art, 200 North Davie Street, Greensboro.

The center is located at the corner of Friendly and Davie Streets,

across from Center City Park and beside Cafe Europa.

Parking is available in the Davie Street Parking Deck about 100 feet away.

Reminder -- CLE This Fall: How Greensboro and Its Lawyers Led the Debates that Culminated in the Constitution of 1868 and its Ground-Breaking Public Education Clause

2011-10-03T08:14:00.002-04:00

The Greensboro Bar and The Rights of State Citizenship:

How Greensboro and Its Lawyers Led the Debates that Culminated in the Constitution of 1868 and its Ground-Breaking Public Education Clause

Deadline to RSVP for "A View from the Top" CLE is October 6

2011-10-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

A View From The Top

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum

134 South Elm Street, Greensboro

CLE Credit: 2 Hours of General Credit for Continuing Legal Education

Approved by NC Bar

RSVP to Chris Gumbiner by October 6: 336.378.0300 or greensborobar@bellsouth.net.

Include your NC State Bar number for CLE credit, your mailing address, and indicate in the RSVP if interested in the free Museum tour. (We will accept reservations for the first 185 respondents.)

For more information, please contact Robert Heavner with First Citizens Bank at 336.412.4007 or robert.heavner@firstcitizens.com.

Volunteer Judges and Jurors Needed – 5th Annual Carolina Classic Mock Trial Tournament Hosted by Elon Undergraduate Mock Trial

2011-09-21T15:46:00.004-04:00

Elon MockTrial wishes to invite local legal professionals to participate as judges andjurors in the Carolina Classic Invitational Tournament at Elon University. Elon competes in the American Mock Trial Association, and we hold our ownnational tournament at Elon. This year's tournament is on October 14, 15,and 16 at the Koury Business Centeron Elon's main campus. Judges and jurors rate the performance of teams onopening statements, closing arguments, and direct and cross-examinations. Thecase problem for this year is a criminal case (murder trial), and it promisesto bring out excellent work from the students. It is exceptionallyimportant that these students, coming from as far away as Harvard and as nearas UNC and Duke get the experience of trying cases before attorneys. Therules of evidence are a simplified derivative of the federal rules. Because the trials are supposed to be “jury trials”, you do notneed experience in Mock Trial to serve as a judge. Volunteers are encouragedsign up for as many rounds as they are available.

Please consider joiningus if your time allows. For more information and our online registrationform, please visit our Judge website at: http://org.elon.edu/mocktrial/Elon_Mock_Trial/Judges.html.

Please contact Elon University’sAdjunct Professor and Competitive Teams Coach, William Warihay at wwarihay@elon.edu to sign-up or with any questions.

Federal Bar Association - 2011 Fall Banquet and CLE

2011-09-20T12:13:00.006-04:00

Federal Bar Association
Middle District of North Carolina Chapter

cordially invites you to attend its

2011 FALL BANQUET AND CLE

with keynote remarks by the Honorable N. Carlton Tilley, Jr.
Senior United States District Judge

OCTOBER 25, 2011

CLE: 2:00 pm

Reception: 5:30 pm

Banquet: 6:30 pm

Embassy Suites Greensboro -- Airport

To register for the CLE and/or the banquet, please click here.
For the CLE program agenda, please click here.
For more information about the FBA, or to join, please visitwww.fedbar.org.
FBA MDNC programs and events are for all lawyers, regardless of FBA membership.

Potters House Volunteers Needed

2011-09-14T21:40:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro Bar Association, through its community involvement committee, has again committed to help serve brunch (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) at the Potters House community kitchen of the Greensboro Urban Ministry this fall -- five volunteers on the third Sunday of each month, specifically Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18.

If you are interested in being one of those volunteers for one or more of those Sundays, please contact the community involvement committee chair Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet: jbryan@nexsenpruet.com, 373-1600) and let us know the dates you want to volunteer.

Date Announced for This Year's Swearing-In Ceremony

2011-09-06T22:03:00.004-04:00

This year's swearing-in ceremony for new attorneys will take place on Friday, October 14, 2011. Itwill be in Courtroom 4C of the Guilford County Courthouse at 2pm with JudgeEagles and Judge Craig presiding.

More details to follow!

"Play for Hope" Golf Event to Feed the Hungry and House the Homeless

2011-09-02T14:50:00.000-04:00

COME TO WMUMC'S "PLAY FOR HOPE"

Friday, September 16, 2011

Bryan Park's Champion Course

Benefits the Urban Ministry and Salvation Army

Help feed the hungry and house the homeless.

We need hole sponsors, players, and donations for the silent auction.

Contact Jim Weeks (weekslaw@xspedius.net) for information and to sponsor a hole, play, or donate for the silent auction.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - FREE Continuing Legal Education Seminar sponsored by First Citizens Bank and the Greensboro Bar Association

2011-08-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The International Civil Rights Center & Museum
134 South Elm Street, Greensboro
CLE Credit: 2 Hours of General Credit for Continuing Legal Education
Approved by NC Bar

A View From The Top

Agenda

1:00–1:30 Registration

1:30–2:30 Roy Cooper, NC Attorney General
Top Issues in the Attorney General’s Office
1. Fighting Crime-new laws
2. Protecting Consumers-current scams
3. Public Protection-seniors, children and patients

2:30–3:00 Break/Program

3:00–4:00 Ben Tennille (Former Chief Judge of the Business Court)

“Litigation v. Arbitration in the complex business case: Views from a Business Court Judge”

4:00–5:00 Reception
Tour the International Civil Rights Center and Museum compliments of First Citizens Bank

RSVP to Chris Gumbiner by October 6: 336.378.0300 or greensborobar@bellsouth.net. Please indicate in the RSVP if interested in the free Museum tour.

We will accept reservations for the first 185 respondents.

For more information, please contact Robert Heavner with First Citizens Bank at 336.412.4007 or robert.heavner@firstcitizens.com.

Volunteer Judges and Jurors Needed – 5th Annual Carolina Classic Mock Trial Tournament Hosted by Elon Undergraduate Mock Trial

2011-08-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

Elon Mock Trial wishes to invite local legal professionals to participate as judges and jurors in the Carolina Classic Invitational Tournament at Elon University.

Elon competes in the American Mock Trial Association, and we hold our own national tournament at Elon. This year's tournament is on October 14, 15, and 16 at the Koury Business Center on Elon's main campus. Judges and jurors rate the performance of teams on opening statements, closing arguments, and direct and cross-examinations.

The case problem for this year is a criminal case (murder trial), and it promises to bring out excellent work from the students. It is exceptionally important that these students, coming from as far away as Harvard and as near as UNC and Duke get the experience of trying cases before attorneys. The rules of evidence are a simplified derivative of the federal rules. Because the trials are supposed to be “jury trials”, you do not need experience in Mock Trial to serve as a judge. Volunteers are encouraged sign up for as many rounds as they are available. Please consider joining us if your time allows. For more information and our online registration form, please visit our Judge website at: http://org.elon.edu/mocktrial/Elon_Mock_Trial/Judges.html.

Please contact Elon University’s Adjunct Professor and Competitive Teams Coach, William Warihay at wwarihay@elon.edu to sign-up or with any questions.

CLE This Fall: How Greensboro and Its Lawyers Led the Debates that Culminated in the Constitution of 1868 and its Ground-Breaking Public Education Clause

2011-08-18T22:26:00.002-04:00

The Greensboro Bar and The Rights of State Citizenship:

How Greensboro and Its Lawyers Led the Debates that Culminated in the Constitution of 1868 and its Ground-Breaking Public Education Clause

North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers Fall 2011 Meeting/CLE

2011-08-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers' Fall 2011 Meeting /CLE will be hosted by the John S. Leary Association of Black Attorneys, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County's Black Lawyers Association, and will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Charlotte School of Law.

The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a trial advocacy CLE featuring a panel of distinguished speakers followed by a business meeting, cocktail hour and social.

For more information, we would request that members of the bar contact Tanisha Johnson at tjohnson@fergusonstein.com or visit www.learybar.com.

Guilford County Attorneys -- Consider Becoming a Judge for Guilford County Teen Court

2011-07-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

About Teen Court

The benefits of a child participating and completing the Teen Court program is that they gain understanding of consequences for their negative actions, learn about self and community responsibility and accountability, and how their actions effect not just them, but those around them. Youth are required to admit guilt for their offense, and appear in front a jury of their peers for sanctions, which they have 90 days to complete. Many of our Teen Court clients return to become volunteers for the program. Being referred to participate in the program provides the youth one opportunity to have that charge dismissed and not acquire a juvenile criminal record.

Referrals

We obtain referrals for Teen Court from School Resource Officers, Juvenile Court Counselors, Police and Sheriff Dept. personnel, School Principals, etc. for first-time offenders of Class I, II, and III misdemeanor offenses. Once required sanctions are completed, the charge is dismissed.

The Need

The Teen Court guidelines developed by our Advisory Committee in 1998 state that judges for Guilford County Teen Court must either be Judges or practicing attorneys in Guilford County. The need for more volunteer judges has increased in the past few years due to many more referrals being received (300+ youth) and more judges are needed to assist us in staying on top of our caseload. Teen Court is held every Tuesday. The 1st Tues. of each month is in High Point; every Tuesday thereafter is held in Greensboro in the evenings. Court is held at the Guilford County Courthouses in both Greensboro and High Point, and usually begins by 6:15 p.m. Our success rate averages between 90- 92%.

Last school year, we received more High Point referrals than previous years, and continue to do so on a consistent basis. Since court in High Point is only held once a month, the need to run two court rooms is necessary to prevent a backlog of cases.

To date, there has not been a training session for new judges scheduled, but can be provided for any new attorneys who are interested and willing to volunteer. The average time commitment is usually no more than one court night (1 ½ to 2 hrs.) every 2 months or so, unless specified for more or less, depending on other outside time commitments.

Interested? Call (336) 275-3699, Ext. 207 or e-mail dhill at onestepfurther.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A MAGISTRATE JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

2011-06-16T22:31:00.002-04:00

The United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina is recruiting to appoint
a full-time United States magistrate judge to a vacancy in Winston-Salem, NC.

The duties of this position are demanding and wide-ranging, including to:

conduct most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases such as
initial presentments, arraignments, detention and bail hearings, and
receive reports of the grand juries
try misdemeanor cases
conduct pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings referred by the district judges
try civil cases upon consent of the the litigants.

The basic jurisdiction of the United States magistrate judge is specified in 28 U.S.C. � 636.

To qualify for an appointment an applicant must:

Be, and have been for at least five years, a member in good standing of the bar of
the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
the Territory of Guam, the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin
Islands of the United States, and have been engaged in the active practice of law for a
period of at least five years (with some substitutes authorized);
Be competent to perform all the duties of the office; be of good moral character; be
emotionally stable and mature; be committed to equal justice under the law; be in good
health; be patient and courteous; and be capable of deliberation and decisiveness when
required to act on own reason and judgment;
Be less than seventy years old; and,
Not be related within the degree of first cousin to a judge of the district court.

A Merit Selection Panel composed of attorneys and other members of the community will
evaluate all applicants and recommend, in confidence, to the district judges the five persons it
considers best qualified. The court will make the appointment, following an FBI full-field
investigation and an IRS tax check of the appointee. The Merit Selection Panel will give due
consideration to all qualified candidates, including women and members of minority groups. The
current annual salary of the position is $160,080. The term of office is eight years.

An application form and more information on the magistrate judge position may be obtained from
www.ncmd.uscourts.gov, or the offices of the Clerk of Court, John S. Brubaker, listed below
Clerk�s Office
324 W. Market Street, Rm 401
Greensboro, NC 27402
Applications must be submitted in writing only by potential nominees personally and must be
received stamped in the Clerk's Office by close of business Friday, July 8, 2011.
Application materials should be placed in an envelope marked �Confidential� and to the
Attention of Human Resource Division. All applications will be kept confidential, unless the
applicant consents to disclosure, and all applications will be examined only by members of the
Merit Selection Panel and the judges of the district court. The panel's deliberations will remain
confidential.
The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Elon University School of Law receives full accreditation from American Bar Association

2011-06-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

Elon University School of Law has received full accreditation by the American Bar Association. The Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar approved Elon’s application June 10, at its meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Elon Law’s ABA full approval was achieved at the earliest possible date under accreditation guidelines, certifying that the school is in full compliance with all ABA standards for the approval of law schools. Elon achieved provisional approval in 2008, allowing its graduates to take bar examinations in all jurisdictions in the United States.

Elon University trustees approved the establishment of the law school in 2004, with the aim of developing an innovative approach to legal education that builds on the university’s national reputation for leadership education and engaged learning. Elon Law prepares students to be lawyers and leaders in the profession and in society with a rigorous core curriculum, an emphasis on ethics, and an active, experiential style of learning that integrates classroom teaching with field-based experiences.

Potters House Volunteers Needed

2011-06-06T13:19:00.002-04:00

The GBA, through its community involvement committee, has again committed to help serve brunch (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) at the Potters House community kitchen of the Greensboro Urban Ministry this summer and is looking for five volunteers for the third Sunday of the next four months, specifically June 19, July 17, August 21, and Sept. 18.

If you are interested in being one of those volunteers for one or more of those Sundays, please e-mail community involvement committee chair Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet: jbryan@nexsenpruet.com, 373-1600) and let us know the dates you want to volunteer.

Funeral Service for Richard Wharton

2011-05-23T13:28:00.000-04:00

Richard L. Wharton, 89, died at Guilford Health Care Center on Saturday, May 21, 2011, after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church. There will be a section reserved for GBA members; identify yourself to the usher when you arrive and you will be directed to the section. The family will greet guests in the Virginia Gilmer Room at the church immediately following the service.

For the Greensboro Bar Association, Richard served both as Secretary and President and received that Bar Association's Community Service Award in 2001.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401-2095 or to the Children's Home Society of North Carolina, 604 Meadow St., Greensboro, NC 27405-6600.

You can find the entire obituary in today’s News & Record.

Marketing and Business Development LPM Colloquium - May 26

2011-05-23T12:52:00.000-04:00

A marketing and business development program will be held on May 26th at the Carolina Theatre. Lunch will be served at 12 noon, and the program will begin at 12:15 p.m. and last until 1:15 pm.

Lee Rosen, a recognized and accomplished attorney from Raleigh, will present the program which will be applicable to any lawyer and any type of practice. You will leave with information and automatic steps which you can immediately use to develop and market your practice.

The lunch and program are free and sponsored by First Citizens Bank, the sponsor for all LPM Colloquium programs this year. Reservations are required for lunch. Make your reservation with a phone call to 378-0300.

Reservations for lunch are due by 5 PM TODAY; if you don’t need lunch, you may attend without a reservation.

Author to Discuss Biography of Justice Brennan on May 12

2011-05-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Greensboro Public Library, in partnership with the Greensboro Jewish Federation, presents “A Look Inside the Supreme Court: The View from Justice Brennan’s Life.” The event is from 2 to 3 p.m. on May 12, 2011, at the Central Library, 219 N. Church St., Greensboro.

The featured speaker will be Stephen Wermiel, author of JUSTICE BRENNAN: LIBERAL CHAMPION, published in October by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

From Mr. Wermiel’s website: JUSTICE BRENNAN: LIBERAL CHAMPION is the definitive account of the life of the justice whose 34-year-tenure helped shape the constitutional landscape and define the role of the Supreme Court for decades to come. The book is based in large measure on more than 60 hours of taperecorded interviews Justice Brennan did between 1986 and 1990 with co-author Stephen Wermiel and on unprecedented access to Brennan’s case files and correspondence.

Wermiel, who wrote the book with Seth Stern, will discuss his interactions with Brennan, the insights he learned about Brennan the man and the justice, and the perspective he gained on the workings of the Supreme Court.

Tomorrow - Law Day 2011

2011-05-05T13:11:00.000-04:00

"THE RULE OF LAW"

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011, Noon, GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL PLAZA,

(Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Old Courthouse if bad weather)

Distribution of US Flags and copies of the US CONSTITUTION and DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, by Uncle Sams: Locke Clifford, member of GBA and another Uncle Sam.
PRESENTATION OF COLORS: Guilford County Sheriff’s Department HONOR GUARD.
SINGING OF "NATIONAL ANTHEM ": English Bernhardt of Raleigh, NC, Granddaughter of Rip Bernhardt, GBA member.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE................lead by Colonel Randy Powers, Chief Deputy, Office of B J BARNES, “OUR” Sheriff.
INVOCATION: THE HONORABLE W. DOUGLAS ALBRIGHT, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, retired.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS and SUPPORTERS : JIM WEEKS, CHAIRMAN OF GBA LAW DAY COMMITTEE.
SPEAKERS:
          The Honorable Catherine Eagles, Federal Judge, Middle District NC, formerly Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.
          The Honorable Howard Coble, US CONGRESSMAN.
          The Honorable Jeff Thigpen, Register of Deeds of Guilford County.
          The Honorable William H. Knight, Mayor, City of Greensboro.
          The Honorable Robbie Perkins, Greensboro City Council
          Brenda Fox, County Manager, Guilford County
          Steve Friedland, Professor of Law and Senior Scholar/Director of the Center for Engaged Learning in the Law at Elon University School of Law.
          Richard Craig, Attorney Legal Aid
          Chris Parrish, ADA, Office of Doug Henderson, District Attorney
          The Honorable Fred Lind, Chief Public Defender
CLOSING: What We All Can Now Do to Support the "RULE of LAW’ and to provide "EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL?" tentative JANET WARD-BLACK, former President of NCBA and NCAJ, formerly NCATL, who developed NCBA’s JUSTICE 4 ALL.
SINGING OF "GOD BLESS AMERICA," Lead by Ken Free, KNIGHT & FREE, former ADA, Greensboro Attorney.

CREDITS:

Copies of US Constitution..................Office of “OUR” Congressman Howard Coble

US Flags...............Angela Fox, Member of the Greensboro Bar Association

Organization and Coordination...........................Greensboro Bar Association

Sound Equipment...........................................Greene Street and Carey Sound

Chairs and Podium ……….Dr. Dave Melton, West Market United Methodist Church

Security...........................Guilford County Security and Sheriff Department

Publicity .....Richard W. Gabriel, GABRIEL, BERRY, WESTON & WELLS, attorney; The Business News; GBA; WMFY TV2; Simon, 98.7; The Rhino Times and The Greensboro News & Record

Law Day Resolutions... ….Guilford County Commissioners and City Council, City of Greensboro

Printing ………………… Eddie Deal, COMMERCIAL PRINTING of GREENSBORO

Judicial Candidates Forum

2011-04-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

GREENSBORO CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESENTS,

in association with the Greensboro Bar Association, the High Point Bar Association, the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers, and all of the members of the 18^th Judicial District Bar:

Judicial Candidates Forum

May 18^th, 2011

12:45 pm

(Please plan to arrive prior, as the forum will begin at 12:45 sharp)

GREENSBORO

Courtroom 1C

Please come out and get informed about our potential new Judicial Candidates to fill Judge Turner’s District Court seat – An educated vote is the only vote worth having!

ALSO ON

May 10^th, 2011

12:45 pm (Please plan to arrive prior, as the forum will begin at 12:45 sharp)

HIGH POINT

Lawyers’ Lounge

Please submit your questions prior to Chad Garrett at chaddgarrett@yahoo.com or 336-379-0539, or post them on the Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association Facebook page

All potential candidates, please RSVP to Chad Garrett.

Greensboro Bar: April 21st Member Meeting

2011-04-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

The regular monthly member meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Starmount Forest Country Club beginning with a social gathering at 5:30 PM. Seating for dinner will be at 6:15 PM. Members will vote on the slate of nominees for the 2011-12 Board of Directors (check the April newsletter for the list), a memorial resolution for Gus Meyland will be presented, and Chief Justice Sarah Parker will speak.

Reservations are required and must be made no later than NOON on Monday, April 18, 2011. Make your reservation with a response to this email or leave a phone message at 378-0300. If you require a vegetarian meal, please make that request with your response. Guests are welcome for a cost of $30, payable at the door.

Reminder: Register NOW to Attend April 20 CLE: Tips for Opening a Law Practice

2011-04-15T14:26:00.000-04:00

In today’s turbulent economy more people are starting a law practice by necessity, if not by choice. With many of today’s new law practices failing during their infancy, learning how to effectively and efficiently open a law practice will lay the foundation for success for years to come.

Local attorneys will present a seminar on how to efficiently and effectively open a law practice.

The seminar is from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 20, 2011. It will be at the Elon University School of Law in Room 207. The fee is $50 for attorneys, with no charge for Elon law students. CLE credit has been requested. To register or for more information, please contact Damon Duncan, CLE coordinator, at 336.856.1234 or www.DuncanLawOnline.com.

Six speakers will discuss practical and necessary tips of how to best open and thrive in your new law practice. The end of the seminar will have a 30-minute question and answer session. Below are the presentation topics and the person speaking on that topic:

2:00 – 2:20 - Choosing a Business Entity (Adam Tarleton)

2:20 – 2:40 - Finances & Fees (Afi Johnson-Parris)

2:40 – 3:00 - Ethics & Avoiding Malpractice (Alan Woodlief)

3:00 – 3:20 - Maintaining a Balanced Life (Janet Ward Black)

3:20 – 3:40 - Finding & Keeping Clients (Cheryl David)

3:40 – 4:00 - Tech Tips to Increase Efficiency & Decrease Costs (Damon Duncan)

4:00 – 4:30 - Q&A

Law Day 2011: "The Rule of Law"

2011-04-15T14:21:00.000-04:00

THE GREENSBORO BAR ASSOCIATION PRESENTS LAW DAY 2011: “THE RULE OF LAW”

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011, GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL PLAZA

MC...................................tbd

PRESENTATION OF COLORS. Guilford County Sheriff’s Department HONOR GUARD

SINGING OF “NATIONAL ANTHEM”. Elizabeth Bernhardt, Raleigh, NC, Granddaughter of Rip Bernhardt, GBA member

DISTRIBUTION OF COPIES OF US CONSTITUTION. MEMBERS OF THE BAR, supplied by Congressman Howard Coble

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. tentative - B J BARNES, SHERIFF

INVOCATION. THE HONORABLE DOUGLAS ALBRIGHT, Superior Court Judge, retired.

RECOGNITION OF GUESTS and SUPPORTERS. JIM WEEKS, CHAIRMAN OF GREENSBORO BAR ASSOCIATION LAW DAY COMMITTEE

Speakers:
  The Honorable Catherine Eagles, Federal Judge Middle District NC, formerly Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.

  The Honorable Howard Coble, US CONGRESSMAN.

  Jeff Thigpen, Register of Deeds of Guilford County.

  William H. Knight, Mayor, City of Greensboro.

  Robbie Perkins, Greensboro City Council

  Brenda Fox County Manager of Guilford County

  Steve Friedland, Professor of Law and Senior Scholar/Director of the Center for Engaged Learning in the Law, Elon University School of Law.

_______Attorney Legal Aid ( tbd)

Chris Parrish, Office of Doug Henderson, District Attorney

Fred Lind, Chief Public Defender

Janet Ward-Black, former President NC Bar Association and NCATL
(Tentative)

Closing: “ What We All Can Now Do to Support the "Rule of Law"

SINGING OF “GOD BLESS AMERICA,” Lead by Ken Free, Greensboro Attorney.

Fred Lind Swearing-In

2011-03-31T10:42:00.000-04:00

You are invited to attend

the Swearing-in

Fred Lind

Public Defender

Friday, April 1, 2011

12:00 noon

Courtroom 3 H

with

Reception following

Jury Assembly Room.

Fred Lind Gets Guilford County Public Defender Job

2011-03-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro News & Record reports HERE that Fred Lind has become only the second person to lead the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office.

"Workday" for Volunteers Planned for April 9

2011-03-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

We need volunteers for Saturday, April 9. The Greensboro Bar Association’s community involvement committee is giving its adopted park (Sussmans Park) a little TLC and we need some people power. We plan to plant petunias and verbena flowers, pick up trash, spread mulch, and paint four-square lines on the concrete pad, .... and have fun. Children are welcome if supervised. We will work from 9:00 a.m. to about noon. The address is 299 Sussmans Street (near Hampton Homes, Florida Avenue and Randleman Road).

Please let us know if you can join us: Respond to committee chair Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet, jbryan @ nexsenpruet.com.

Memories About Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston

2011-03-18T12:42:00.001-04:00

Justice Timmons-Goodson is soliciting experiences with, and personal memories of, Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston, the first black female lawyer in North Carolina's history.

If you wish to share your experiences, please forward them to Justice Timmons-Goodson, P.O. Box 1841, Raleigh, NC 27602.

Seeking Judges for Elon Law’s Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition

2011-03-10T16:15:00.002-05:00

Elon Law School seeks volunteers to judge oral arguments in the inaugural Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition. We are excited to have 31 teams from 17 law schools across the country competing this year, including UNC, Wake, Duke and Charlotte. Your assistance as a judge for the oral argument rounds is crucial to the success of the competition and would be most appreciated. Judges are needed for the following times:

Friday, April 1
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 2
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Each judge will receive a special token of appreciation. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served for the morning rounds. Dinner will be served Friday evening.

If you can volunteer to judge at one or more of these times, please email Alan Woodlief at awoodlief@elon.edu or call him at 336-279-9203. Thanks for your support.

Reminder: Deadline for Greensboro Bar Newsletter is March 15

2011-03-09T20:26:00.000-05:00

The deadline to submit announcements and articles for inclusion in the April newsletter is Tuesday, March 15. Please send your news to Peter O’Connell at his email address (pfo@sharpless-stavola.com) by 5:00 PM. (Send any paid advertisements to greensborobar@bellsouth.net).

Law Practice Management Colloquium on Wednesday, March 30, 2011

2011-03-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Law Practice Management Colloquium on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at Elon University School of Law

12:00 Lunch--provided by First Citizens Bank

12:15 – 1:15 Program “Practicing Law with a Virtual Office” [Introduction to Virtual Law Practice, Structures of Virtual Law Practice, Ethical Issues, & Best Practices]

Presented by Stephanie Kimbro

1 hour CLE credit--subject to approval

The deadline to reserve a lunch is Monday, March 28.

Please call 378-0300 to reserve lunch.

SPRING 2011 LUNCHEON AND CLE PROGRAM

2011-03-04T10:22:00.003-05:00

Federal Bar Association --
Middle District of North Carolina Chapter

cordially invites you to attend its

SPRING 2011 LUNCHEON AND CLE PROGRAM

featuring:

The Honorable Ripley Rand, United States Attorney, "Update from the United States Attorney's Office"

The Honorable L. Patrick Auld, United States Magistrate Judge, "Discovery Issues in Federal Civil Litigation"

Professor John Korzen, Wake Forest University School of Law, "Criminal Appeals to the Fourth Circuit"

Richard D. Dietz, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, "After Twombly & Iqbal: Unanswered Questions About Rule 8"

Friday, April 8, 2011 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Piedmont Club BB&T Building, 19th Floor 200 West Second Street Winston-Salem

To register, please click here.
For the CLE program agenda, please click here.
For more information about the FBA, or to join, please visit www.fedbar.org.
FBA MDNC programs and events are for all lawyers, regardless of FBA membership.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2011 NCBA CITIZEN LAWYER AWARDS

2011-03-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Citizen Lawyer Awards! This award recognizes and thanks lawyers who exemplify the ideals of a citizen lawyer. In addition to their legal work, lawyers throughout North Carolina serve their communities in numerous ways every day including, public service in appointed and elected positions, work with non-profit charitable and political organizations, and volunteering with youth sports programs and religious organizations.

We need your special insight to recognize your deserving colleagues for this award, which will be presented at the 2011 NCBA Annual Meeting, scheduled June 23-26 at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville. Nominations will be accepted through March 7.

Please contact David Bohm, Assistant Executive Director at dbohm @ ncbar.org or 919-677-0561 with any questions or completed nomination forms.

We look forward to hearing from you and serving your needs!

Judge Gale's Swearing-In - March 1

2011-02-25T11:26:00.002-05:00

On February 2, 2011, Gov. Beverly Perdue appointed James L. “Jim” Gale as a Special Superior Court Judge. Chief Justice Sarah Parker plans to designate Gale as a Special Superior Court Judge for Complex Business Cases, replacing Judge Ben Tennille, who retires March 1.

Mr. Gale will be sworn in at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 in the courtroom of the North Carolina Business Court-Greensboro.

Nominations for NCBA Awards due March 4

2011-02-24T13:05:00.001-05:00

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Pro Bono Awards! These awards, presented annually by the NCBA Foundation, recognize attorneys, bar organizations, and law firms for providing exemplary legal services to low-income people throughout North Carolina. Act now to nominate your bar (local or district) and your deserving colleagues for an award. To learn more about each award, including criteria used in the selection process and the form used for nominations, please see the attached form, or learn more online at: http://ncbar.org/public-pro-bono/pro-bono-public-services/the-pro-bono-project.aspx. Nominations will be accepted through March 4, and awards will be presented during the 2011 NCBA Annual Meeting in Asheville on June 24, 2011.

Please contact Mary Horowitz, Director of Pro Bono & Public Service Activities at mhorowitz @ ncbar with questions and completed nominations.

Thank you for your help nominating deserving recipients!

Clyde T. Rollins - Memorial Service - February 26

2011-02-23T12:52:00.002-05:00

Clyde Rollins, passed away Saturday morning, February 19 at 6:30 am. There will be a memorial service at Grace United Methodist Church, 438 West Friendly Avenue at 2 pm on Saturday, February 26; visitation with the family will follow the service.

The entire obituary can be read in today's News & Record.

Greensboro Bar Association: Monday is Reservation Deadline for Feb. 17 Dinner

2011-02-11T06:08:00.003-05:00

The regular member meeting will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Starmount Forest Country Club. The social will begin at 5:30 with dinner seating at 6:15. . Patricia Timmons-Goodson will speak. In addition, two memorial resolutions will be presented: one for Trudy Ennis and the other for Charles Hagan.

Reservations are required and must be made no later than NOON on Monday, February 14, 2011. If you have registered for the CLE, you do not automatically have a reservation for dinner. Make a reservation by calling 378-0300. If you require a vegetarian meal, please note that request with your response. Guests are welcome for a cost of $30, payable at the door.

Funeral Service for Wally Harrelson

2011-02-10T08:48:00.002-05:00

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 12 at The West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market Street. A section will be reserved to seat members of the Greensboro Bar Association.

Visitation will be Friday evening, February 11 from 6 until 8 PM at Forbis & Dick Funeral Home, 1118 North Elm Street.

Greensboro News & Record: Wally Harrelson dies

2011-02-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

The News & Record reports here that Wally Harrelson, a former Guilford County commissioner and the county’s only public defender, has died.

Lunch and Learn - Ethics/Substance Abuse/Mental Health Awareness CLE

2011-02-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

12:30-2:00

The Greensboro office of Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. will host a Lunch and Learn CLE on Ethics Thursday, February 24, 2011. This will satisfy the one hour substance abuse/mental health awareness requirement by the North Carolina State Bar. Registration will be from 12:00-12:30 and the program will be from 12:30-1:30 in the 8th floor conference room of the Self Help Building located at 122 North Elm Street in Greensboro. This CLE will be free to those attending who agree to take a pro bono case with Legal Aid during 2011. A box lunch will be provided. To register, please call Renée Gabriel-Alford at (336) 272-0148, ext. 1711.

Middle District: Proposed Amendments to Civil and Criminal Local Rules

2011-02-03T19:55:00.000-05:00

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina has approved for publication proposed amendments to the civil and criminal local rules.

You can read more details here: http://www.ncmd.uscourts.gov/lr_info.htm.

Follow us on Twitter - Twitter.com/GreensboroBar

2011-02-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

Are you following the Greensboro Bar Association on Twitter? Why not?

Law Practice Management Colloquium - Thursday, February 3, 2011

2011-01-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

Deadline to reserve lunch is NOON Monday, Jan. 31

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Law Practice Management Colloquium

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Civil Rights Museum

11:30 Lunch

12:00 – 1:00 Program “Legal Community vs. Fraud “

12:00 to 12:35 Learn about Scams targeted toward Law Firms – Linda Morris Financial Crimes Investigator - First Citizens Bank

12:35 to 12:50 How to Manage Network Security Risk – Shirley O’Donnell - First Citizens Bank Insurance Services

12:50 to 1:00 The Ethics of Provisional Credit – Christopher Vaughn - Attorney with Carruthers & Roth

Members are welcome to bring their office administrators, etc. to this program; please indicate how many will be needing lunch when you make your reservation.

The program will be presented in the Auditorium of the Civil Rights Museum, but NO FOOD IS ALLOWED in the Auditorium. Lunch will be provided by First Citizens Bank at 11:30 in a space outside the auditorium. Members are welcome to come for the program only at 12:00 without a reservation and not eat lunch. If you reserve lunch and arrive after 11:55, you will be ushered into the auditorium for the program and be able to take your lunch with you when you leave at 1:00.

The deadline to reserve a lunch is Monday, January 31. To reserve lunch, please phone 378-0300.

Justice O’Connor to deliver keynote address at Elon Law's inaugural moot court competition

2011-01-27T16:27:00.002-05:00

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will deliver the keynote address for Elon University School of Law's inaugural Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition taking place March 31 through April 2, the law school announced on January 27.

Seventeen law schools and more than 30 teams of law students will participate in the competition, which will take place annually.

Memorial Service for McNeill Smith is Tomorrow

2011-01-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

Long-time Greensboro Bar Association member, J. McNeill Smith Jr., died January 15, 2011. A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of the West Market Street United Methodist Church tomorrow, January 22 at 2 PM. A section has been reserved to seat members of the Greensboro Bar Association who attend; please alert the usher when you arrive of your wish to be seated in that section.

A reception will follow at the church.

North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Competition

2011-01-19T20:43:00.000-05:00

RE: North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Competition

Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011

Dear Fellow Attorneys and Judges:

The North Carolina Advocates for Justice’s Carolina Center for Civic Education is sponsoring the 19^th annual North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Competition. High school teams will be competing statewide in eight regions. The regional winners will compete in Raleigh on March 5, 2011 at Campbell University School of Law for the state championship. The state champion will represent North Carolina in the 28^th Annual National High School Mock Trial Competition on May 5-7, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Please volunteer to serve as evaluating or presiding judges in the Guilford Regional. It will be held at the High Point Courthouse on Saturday, February 5, 2011. There are morning, afternoon and championship rounds scheduled at times listed on the enclosed volunteer form.

It is always a challenge to recruit the fifty-plus volunteer judges and lawyers who participate at this competition in High Point, but your participation assures a wonderful experience for students, their families and teachers. The focus of the competition is on education and teamwork, particularly educating them about the way our court system really works.

This year the students are trying a negligence case involving injuries suffered by a young athlete visiting a zoo as a result of a gorilla attack, ending a promising basketball career.

For a participation form, e-mail Rebecca @ brittonlawfirm.com.

Celebration - Judge Catherine Eagles

2011-01-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

Please join the Greensboro Bar Association in its celebration of Judge Catherine Eagles' 17 years of service to the state court and to wish her well on her new appointment to the federal bench.

Friday, January 21, 2011

In the Jury Assembly Room on the 3rd Floor

1-3 PM

In Memoriam: John McNeill Smith

2011-01-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

John McNeill Smith of Greensboro, acclaimed civil rights attorney and founding chair of the NCBA’s Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities Section, died Jan. 15 at the age of 92.

A memorial service for the former state legislator will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at the West Market Street United Methodist Church.

Law Practice Management Colloquium - February 3

2011-01-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Law Practice Management Colloquium

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Civil Rights Museum

11:30 Lunch

12:00 – 1:00 Program “Legal Community vs. Fraud “

The program will be presented in the Auditorium of the Civil Rights Museum. NO FOOD IS ALLOWED in the Auditorium. Lunch will be provided by First Citizens Bank at 11:30 in a space outside the auditorium. Please respond by phone (378-0300) to reserve lunch. Members are welcome to come for the program only at 12:00 and not eat lunch; if you reserve lunch and arrive after 11:59, you will be ushered into the auditorium for the program and be able to take your lunch with you when you leave at 1:00.

The deadline to reserve a lunch is Monday, January 31.

CLE: Nuts and Bolts of Guardianship

2011-01-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE

To register for the CLE program “Nuts and Bolts of Guardianship” to be presented by Steve Arrington on Tuesday, January 18^th, please phone 378-0300; be sure to include your name, contact information and NC State Bar number.

The CLE will be offered from 11:30 AM until 12:45 PM in Room 820 of the Self-Help Building, 122 North Elm Street. Bring your own lunch and $3.00 to cover the CLE reporting fee. One hour of general credit has been applied for.

Steve Arrington of the Elder Law Firm will present this seminar on guardianship proceedings. It is a repeat of his presentation a seminar in Cary sponsored by the Elder Law Section. It is designed for the attorney who has little or no experience with the guardianship process, and who wants to get tips from an expert.

Receptions with the Legal Community at Elon University School of Law

2011-01-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

You are invited to the Thursday spring term Receptions with the Legal Community at Elon University School of Law from 5:00-6:00pm on February 10, March 10 and April 14. Come socialize with Elon Law students, faculty, and administration. No RSVP is required, and questions may be directed to Dale Lunsford at dlunsford2 @ elon.edu or telephone 336-279-9204.

During the academic year, Elon Law hosts monthly receptions with local attorneys and judges, including our Preceptors, creating an opportunity for students to interact with practicing lawyers in a casual setting.

Please plan to join us … we look forward to seeing you.

Elon Law -- Elaine R. Jones to speak at third-annual Martin Luther King, Jr. forum - Jan. 13

2011-01-12T20:20:00.002-05:00

Elaine R. Jones, who served as the first woman president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund from 1993 to 2004 and championed a number of groundbreaking civil rights cases over a career spanning three decades, will deliver the keynote address at Elon University School of Law's third annual Martin Luther King, Jr. forum on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the law library.

Greensboro Bar Association Newsletter Deadline is Jan. 17

2011-01-11T14:46:00.000-05:00

The deadline to submit announcements and articles for inclusion in the February newsletter is Monday, January 17 at NOON.

Please send your news to Peter O’Connell at his email address (pfo@sharpless-stavola.com) by 5:00 PM. (Send any paid advertisements to greensborobar@bellsouth.net).

It is time to rally the troops for the Teacher Supply Warehouse project!

2011-01-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

On Friday and Saturday, January 14 & 15, 2011, we need your help.

The Guilford Education Alliance has a program where individuals, businesses and organizations donate school supplies to a warehouse, and then Guilford County school teachers "shop" and take items back to the classroom. Teachers use this program extensively to supplement what they already have in the classroom. Law firms have unused, old, outdated etc. office supplies that are perfect for donating, such as 3-ring binders, index cards, labels, coffee mugs, old letterhead, old file folders, etc. We are asking law firms and other bar members to put their donated items in boxes for our committee to pick up on Friday, Jan. 14.

We will deliver the supplies to the warehouse in the morning of Sat. Jan. 15 and help stock the shelves with our donated items until noon. We need volunteers to work on this large project. Anyone interested in volunteering in this worthy cause, please contact Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet [phone 373-1600, or e-mail jbryan@nexsenpruet.com]. The link to the Teacher Supply Warehouse webpage is http://guilfordeducationalliance.org/support/teacher-warehouse.php.

Thank you for your support!

January 12 CLE: The Art and Science of Corporate Minutes

2011-01-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

To register for the January 12, 2011 CLE titled “A la recherché du temps perdu: the Art and Science of Corporate Minutes” being offered at the Greensboro Public Library, send your check for $50 made out to the Greensboro Public Library Foundation to Michele Richardson, P. O. Box 3178 Greensboro, NC 27402. Also include your name, contact information, and North Carolina State Bar number.

The deadline to register is Friday, January 7, 2011. If anyone has any questions, email michele.richardson @ greensboro-nc.gov.

Below are details of the program being offered:

Prompted by recent court decisions and fueled by changing social expectations about boards and governance, best practices for drafting corporate minutes are evolving.

Increasingly, minutes of both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations are expected to show that the board has complied with relevant standards of performance while also satisfying applicable statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, intermediate sanctions, Dodd-Frank). Minutes are also expected to serve as internal controls on board operations.

This CLE program offers discussions of:

applicable law and best practices with practical examples for drafting effective minutes (enriched with insights drawn from the works of Marcel Proust),
ethical considerations and the attorney-client privilege, and
issues specific to non-profit boards.

CLE credit of 1.5 general credit hours and 0.5 ethics credit hours has been applied for. There is a $50 fee for those seeking CLE credit.

Speakers will include:

- GBA President Ed Winslow, who represents business and corporate clients with an emphasis in the fields of banking and financial services. His experience in the details of producing and handling minutes is drawn from his service in the roles of legal counsel, corporate secretary, director and trustee.

- Reid Phillips, general counsel for Brooks Pierce, who regularly advises members of the firm on issues involving ethics and professionalism. He is a past member of both the ABA Coordinating Council on Professionalism and the NC State Bar Ethics Committee.

- Bob Saunders of Brooks Pierce, who focuses his practice on representing tax-exempt organizations including charities, trade associations, social welfare organizations and social clubs.

Leadership program for young lawyers

2010-12-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

The North Carolina Bar Association is launching an exciting new program in early 2011 as part of the Association’s Young Lawyer Initiatives. It is the Leadership Academy, a leadership training program for young lawyers that has been designed and developed by a subcommittee of the Young Lawyer Initiatives Task Force in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership, a world-renowned leadership training organization headquartered in Greensboro.

More detailed information about the Leadership Academy, including a program summary and schedule, participant eligibility requirements, and an application form, can be found on the NCBA website at www.ncbar.org. This will be a unique opportunity for the young lawyers who participate to develop and refine important leadership skills that will be of great benefit to the profession, to their workplaces and other communities, and to their own professional and personal development.

Since the first session of the Leadership Academy will be on March 4, 2011 and the application deadline is January 28, 2011, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

NCBA Labor and Employment Law Section Honors Dan McGinn of Greensboro

2010-12-16T20:07:00.001-05:00

The NCBA Labor and Employment Law Section recently honored Daniel M. “Dan” McGinn of Greensboro as the 2010 recipient of the Jonathan J. Harkavy Award.

The details can be found here: http://www.ncbar.org/about/communications/news/2010-news-articles/labor-and-employment-law-section-honors-mcginn.aspx

Elon University School of Law establishes Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic

2010-12-15T09:06:00.002-05:00

Elon University School of Law has established the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic, allowing students under the supervision of law faculty to provide free legal services to low-income refugees and asylum seekers in North Carolina.

The clinic begins operations in January 2011 and will be the third clinic operated by Elon's law school. The Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic will fill an urgent need in the Triad region, which receives more than a quarter of approximately 2,000 refugees resettled in North Carolina annually through the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. Legal services to refugees and those seeking asylum had been provided by Lutheran Family Services (LFS) for more than 20 years until LFS closed its Greensboro office on Sept. 30, 2010.

Applicants for refugee or asylum status must demonstrate that they were persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, and must meet other legal criteria. The Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic will assist clients in applying for political asylum, permanent residency, citizenship, and employment authorization, as well as reunifying families separated by war and conflict.

Under the supervision of law faculty, Elon Law students will manage all aspects of refugee and asylee cases, meeting with clients, performing intake interviews, analyzing cases for legal remedy, gathering evidence, drafting and filing applications and briefs, and maintaining client correspondence. Students will also observe and participate in hearings before federal administrative agencies and courts.

“The clinic can provide valuable learning opportunities for our law students, meet an important need in our region, and serve hundreds of people who face incredibly challenging legal issues and life circumstances,” said George Johnson, dean of the law school.

“The need for this clinic cannot be overstated,” said Gerard Chapman, a Board Certified Immigration Specialist in Greensboro. “The clinic will be an approved provider of immigration services, authorized to do so by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). It will provide both a much needed service, and a shield against those who prey on refugees and other immigrants while engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Finally, it will provide excellent real life, and very challenging experience for the students who participate in it. Those students will have to address crisis cases and apply all of their skill and creativity to help the clients of the clinic. They could not ask for a more productive and satisfying clinical experience in their law school careers.”

“The indigent individuals served through the clinic have few, if any, alternatives for legal representation in the region,” said clinic director Helen Grant, professor of law at Elon. “Because outcomes in each case handled through the clinic have enormous significance for clients and their families, students will not only gain valuable legal training, they will also experience first-hand the impact their work as lawyers will have in the lives of the people they serve.”

The law school anticipates that the clinic will handle approximately 500 to 600 refugee and asylum cases annually in its initial stages, serving clients from numerous countries. In recent years, refugees resettling in Guilford County have come from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Congo, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Laos, Liberia, Somalia, and Sudan, among others.

Each student participating in the clinic will spend at least 107 hours per semester representing clients and 13 hours per semester in classes associated with the clinic. Grant will be joined at the clinic by a clinical practitioner-in-residence, an immigration counselor, and a clinic paralegal. The clinic will be housed in Elon Law’s Clinical Law Center at 210 West Friendly Avenue in Greensboro, N.C., joining the school’s Wills Clinic and Juvenile Justice Intervention and Mediation Clinic.

The North Carolina Refugee Assistance Program, part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, has selected the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic at Elon University School of Law to be an official program provider to refugees in the state for elderly citizenship and naturalization services.

Come Wrap Books for Foust

2010-12-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

Members of the Greensboro Bar Association will be wrapping books this week for the students of Foust Elementary School. Please come out and join us:

Wednesday, December 15th: 12:00 – 2:00 pm

Tuggle Duggins, 100 North Greene Street, Suite 600

Wednesday, December 15th: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Smith Moore Leatherwood, 300 North Greene Street, 14th Floor, Guilford Room

If you have questions about volunteering, please contact Collins Pickup at collins.pickup@smithmoorelaw.com.

Greensboro Bar Association Newsletter Deadline is Dec. 15

2010-12-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

The deadline to submit announcements and articles for inclusion in the December newsletter is Wednesday, December 15th. Please send your news to Peter O’Connell at his email address (pfo @ sharpless-stavola.com) by 5:00 PM. (Send any paid advertisements to greensborobar @ bellsouth.net).

Can You Volunteer at Potters House?

2010-12-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

The GBA, through its community involvement committee, has again committed to help serve brunch (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) at the Potters House community kitchen of the Greensboro Urban Ministry on five Sundays in 2011 and is looking for five volunteers for each day – Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr. 17, and May 15. We also need volunteers for Sunday, December 19.

If you are interested in being one of those volunteers for one or more of those Sundays, please respond to this e-mail (or to the community involvement committee chair Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet: jbryan@nexsenpruet.com, 373-1600) and let us know the dates you want to volunteer.

GSO Lawyers are NC Lawyers Weekly Emerging Legal Leaders Finalists

2010-12-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

North Carolina Lawyers Weekly recently recognized some of the state’s brightest young lawyers at its first annual Emerging Legal Leaders event at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro. Four Greensboro lawyers were among them.

You can read the article here.

Owen Cooke's Funeral

2010-11-30T16:48:00.001-05:00

W. Owen Cooke died last night at Wesley Long Hospital.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church.

Greensboro Bar Association Members - Don't Forget the Holiday Party!

2010-11-21T13:35:00.002-05:00

Send your reservation and payment to attend the holiday party on December 3^rd.

The invitation and form were included with the November newsletter, can be accessed off the GBA website, or I can forward one to you with a reply to this email.

DON’T DELAY: Reservations are due by November 30!

Greensboro Bar Association - Holiday Book Drive

2010-11-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

The Greensboro Bar Association is collecting children's books for its Holiday Book Drive. This annual tradition brings a lot of joy and excitement to young students at Foust Elementary School. Please bring one or more unwrapped books to the Holiday Party on Friday, December 3, 2010. For each book you bring to the party, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. Monetary donations are also welcome.

If you are unable to attend the Holiday Party, please drop off any books or monetary donations to the Greensboro Bar Association office by Monday, December 6, 2010.

We also will need volunteers to wrap the books. (Many hands make light work!) If you are available to wrap books the evening of Wednesday, December 15th, please contact Collins Pickup at collins.pickup@smithmoorelaw.com.

Reservations for November 18 Member Meeting

2010-11-14T06:38:00.002-05:00

The regular monthly member meeting will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010 in The Empire Room, 203 South Elm Street, downtown. Lunch will be served promptly at 12:30 PM. Matt Brown from the Greensboro Coliseum will speak on “The Way Forward”.

Reservations are required and must be made no later than NOON on Monday, November 15, 2010. Make a reservation with a response to this email or leave a phone message at 378-0300. If you require a vegetarian meal, please make that request with your response. Guests are welcome for a cost of $30, payable at the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In addition, we will kick off the Holiday Book Drive for Foust Elementary School. You may bring your unwrapped books to the November 18 meeting, to the Holiday Party on December 3^rd, or to the GBA Office. If you cannot drop off a book, you may instead make a monetary donation for the purchase of books. Checks should be made out to GBA Foundation and mailed to Post Office Box 1825, Greensboro, NC 27402.

If you plan to attend the Holiday Party, please send your reservation form—found in the newsletter or on the website—along with your payment to the GBA office (same address as above).

Free CLE: Nuts and Bolts of Mediation

2010-11-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

THE GREENSBORO BAR ASSOCIATION

PRESENTS A FREE CLE SEMINAR:

“NUTS AND BOLTS OF MEDIATION”

LUNCH AND LEARN

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

11:30 AM-1:00 PM

8th Floor Conference Room 820, Self Help Building, 122 North Elm Street

This is a basic seminar is designed for those attorneys, new and old, who do not have experience in mediation, but who would like to bone up on the ins and outs of the Mediated Settlement Conference. Lynn Gullick, a certified mediator, and a panel of attorneys experienced in the dos and don'ts of mediation will guide you through the process. The attorney panel will represent various areas of practice and viewpoints.

Bring your lunch and combine lunch and CLE. CLE credit has been applied for. You will be billed $3.00 for the CLE certification fee. Reserve your place by replying to the Greensboro Bar Association Office at greensborobar@bellsouth.net.

New GBA Community Service Project

2010-11-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

The Community Involvement Committee of the Greensboro Bar Association is announcing a new big project for law firms of all sizes.

Put Friday and Saturday, January 14 & 15, 2011 on your calendar.

We are asking law firms to put their donated items in boxes for our committee to pick up on Friday, Jan. 14. We will deliver the supplies to the warehouse in the morning of Sat. Jan. 15 and help stock the shelves with our donated items until noon.

We need volunteers to work on this large project. Anyone interested in volunteering in this worthy cause, please contact Jim Bryan at Nexsen Pruet [phone 373-1600, or e-mail jbryan @ nexsenpruet.com. The link to the Teacher Supply Warehouse webpage is http://guilfordeducationalliance.org/support/teacher-warehouse.php

Interesting Article About Elections and Judges

2010-11-05T12:58:00.000-04:00

The New York Times has an interesting article here about the ouster of three judges in Iowa.

Greensboro Bar Association Community Involvement Committee Is Working On Worthy Projects

2010-11-05T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Community Involvement Committee has been helping to serve meals at the Greensboro Urban Ministry's community kitchen, known as the Potter's House. On the third Sunday of each month, five members of the bar association volunteer their time and help serve about 300-350 meals at the Sunday brunch.

The committee also participates in the City of Greensboro's Adopt-A-Park program, and we have adopted Sussmans Park, a 14-acre park near Hampton Homes and Florida Avenue. The City has installed an Adopt-A-Park sign announcing that the park has been adopted by the Greensboro Bar Association. Last Saturday, 10 bar members planted flowers around the park, spread mulch around trees, picked up litter and debris, did some weedwhacking, and painted colorful hopscotch lines on the concrete slab.

The committee is close to announcing a new project involving donating old, unused office supplies to the Teacher Supply Warehouse operated by the Guilford Education Alliance for the benefit of teachers and students in the Guilford County Schools.

Anyone wanting to be a part of these worthy projects should contact the committee chair Jim Bryan, at Nexsen Pruet.

Herb Falk Society

2010-11-04T20:23:00.000-04:00

Beginning this year, the Greensboro Bar Association is asking all members to report their pro bono service. GBA Members who perform as many as 75 hours of pro bono service during Calendar Year 2010 will be recognized at a dinner next spring as 2010 Members of the Herb Falk Society.

There is still time to put in those 75 pro bono hours for CY 2010! If you need the form, e-mail us at greensborolawblog@gmail.com.

N.C. Court of Appeals race whittled from 13 to 2

2010-11-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro News & Record has this article about the N.C. Court of Appeals race.

Elon Law advisory board members recognized for leadership in the law

2010-11-04T12:07:00.000-04:00

W. Randy Eaddy, James G. Exum, Jr., James E. Holshouser, and James B. Hunt, all members of the Elon Law School Advisory Board, have been recognized recently through honors and appointments for their leadership in law and public service.

Election Roundup: N.C. Appellate Court Races

2010-11-03T10:05:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro News & Record provides this election roundup on the N.C. appellate court races.

Judges and Money

2010-11-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

This year's local judicial elections were similar to many judicial contests throughout the country. The New York Times has an interesting editorial piece about Judges and Money.

N&R: Spreadsheet will tally instant runoff votes

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

The latest on the North Carolina Court of Appeals run-off vote can be found here.

The Greensboro Bar Association is now on Twitter!

2010-10-26T12:38:00.003-04:00

15 More Donors Needed For Blood Drive!

2010-10-25T13:14:00.002-04:00

15 MORE DONORS NEEDED!

You don’t need to be a member of the GBA to donate. You can schedule your donation time by going to the following website: http://www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule/login.php?cid=13831 or you can call or email Mark Cain (mcain@schellbray.com; 370-8863) to sign up.

If you have already signed up, thank you! Please remind your family and staff that they are eligible to participate as well.

Donors Still Needed For The Greensboro Bar Association Blood Drive

2010-10-22T13:14:00.002-04:00

The Greensboro Bar Association is holding its annual blood drive on October 27, 2010, with appointment times available at the Empire Room, in downtown Greensboro from 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM. We need more good people who are willing to donate about an hour of time and a pint of blood to sign up.

You don’t need to be a member of the GBA to donate. You can schedule your donation time by going to the following website: http://www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule/login.php?cid=13831 or you can call or email Mark Cain (mcain@schellbray.com; 370-8863) to sign up.

If you have already signed up, thank you! Please remind your family and staff that they are eligible to participate as well.

Reminder: FREE CLE On October 29 at Elon School of Law - Sign up today!

2010-10-20T09:47:00.001-04:00

The Elon Law Review invites you to attend a symposium, approved for CLE credit, on transparency, secrecy and the Internet, featuring several of the nation’s top scholars in IP Law, Friday, October 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Elon School of Law.

The following web link has details on the panels and participants of the symposium, plus information on how you can watch it on the web via live stream if you can’t attend in person: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/law/law_review/symposia.xhtml

Greensboro Bar Association - October 21 Member Meeting

2010-10-15T13:58:00.000-04:00

The regular monthly member meeting will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Starmount Forest Country Club. The social hour will begin at 5:30 PM with dinner and meeting to follow at 6:15 PM. The program consists of a memorial resolution for Cliff Frazier, another memorial resolution for Jim Turner, presentation of the 2010 Distinguished Service Award, and Hector McEachern, well-known executive coach, will speak.

Reservations are required and must be made no later than NOON on Monday, October 18, 2010. Make a reservation by e-mailing greensborobar at bellsouth.net or leave a phone message at 378-0300. If you require a vegetarian meal, please make that request with your response. Guests are welcome for a cost of $30, payable at the door.

Blood Drive - Sponsored by the Greensboro Bar Association

2010-10-14T12:43:00.000-04:00

The Greensboro Bar Association is holding its annual blood drive on October 27, 2010, with appointment times available at the Empire Room, in downtown Greensboro from 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

We need good people who are willing to donate about an hour of time and a pint of blood to sign up. You don’t need to be a member of the GBA to donate.

You can schedule your donation time by going to the following website: http://www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule/login.php?cid=13831

If you have already signed up, thank you for your support!

Elon Law symposium to focus on law surrounding secrecy, transparency and the Internet

2010-10-14T05:58:00.000-04:00

Scott Turrow at the Carolina Theatre - Last Night

2010-10-14T05:57:00.001-04:00

Did you attend last night's Scott Turrow event at the Carolina Theatre? We'd love to hear about it!

TONIGHT: Scott Turow speaking tonight in Greensboro

2010-10-13T15:34:00.000-04:00

Elon Law invites Greensboro Bar Association members to hear acclaimed writer and attorney Scott Turow tonight, discussing the role of lawyers in society and the perception of lawyers in the media. The event is free, at the Carolina Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Details here.

"Mac" McLendon's Memorial Service

2010-10-13T12:40:00.001-04:00

A memorial service for L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr. will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St. A section of seating will be reserved for Greensboro Bar Association members; please mention to the usher that you want to sit in the designated area.

The full obituary can be found in today’s News & Record.

Doug Clark (Greensboro News & Record) on the Instant Runoff System

2010-10-13T11:45:00.001-04:00

Doug Clark, an Editorial Writer for the Greensboro News & Record, has written this interesting blog post about the Instant Runoff System the state will use in this year's Court of Appeals race.

Updated: L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr.

2010-10-12T16:46:00.000-04:00

From the North Carolina Bar Association:

L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr. of Greensboro died last night. The Brooks Pierce senior partner and longtime division counsel for Norfolk Southern (formerly Southern Railway) served three terms in the N.C. Senate, as president of the Greensboro Bar Association and as a vice president of the NCBA. A memorial service is scheduled Friday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, located at 617 N. Elm Street.

L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr., Has Died

2010-10-12T14:16:00.000-04:00

L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr., a longtime local attorney and former state senator, has died. He was 86.

The Greensboro News & Record has an article about Mac's death, which can be read here.