Mar., 2011 - Mecklenburg County Bar

March 2011
A publication of the Mecklenburg County Bar /26th Judicial District Vol. 37 No. 9 © 2011 Mecklenburg County Bar
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President’s Letter
Lawyers in the News
Upcoming Events
Law Day Luncheon
Charlotte ACC Chapter
Judicial Bar Election
Results
MCB Nominating
Committee
Young Lawyers Division
VLP Spotlight
Accepting Nominations for
Pro Bono Awards
Accepting Nominations for
Liberty Bell Award
Court Communiqués
Bar Leadership
Institute 2011
Mecklenburg County Bar
and Foundation Honored
with Diversity Pride Award
The Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB)
and the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation
(MBF) rang in the new year with a reason to
celebrate. At the 2011 Lowe’s Pride Awards
hosted on January 15, the MCB and MFB
were jointly named the 2011 Pride Awards
Nonprofit Beneficiary for their
demonstrated commitment to building
social capital and fostering inclusion
throughout the Charlotte community. As
the Nonprofit Beneficiary, the MCB and
MBF received a $10,000 donation in
recognition of their good efforts.
The Lowe’s Pride Awards — an annual
black tie gala hosted by Pride Magazine —
honors the achievements of African-
Americans in the Charlotte community and
serves as a fundraiser to support worthy
charitable community efforts. In addition to
recognizing local community organizations,
the gala offers the opportunity to celebrate
individuals within the community who
serve as catalysts for change.
This year Pride took an unconventional
approach in determining which
organization would receive the nonprofit
monetary donation. The two nonprofit
semifinalists, the Mecklenburg County Bar
and Foundation and the Women’s Intercultural
Exchange (WIE), were asked to
provide a series of presentations
highlighting the work of each organization.
After viewing each organization’s
presentations, gala guests were asked to cast
(from the left) Barbara Dortch, Nancy M. Roberson,
Hon. Albert Diaz, Robert C. Dortch and Maya M. Engle
Mayor Foxx along with MCB President A. Todd Brown
and MCB Executive Director Nancy M. Roberson watch
from the head table.
their vote for the most deserving of the
Beneficiary title.
Of the presentations, perhaps the most
notable and moving was a two minute creative
performance by MCB members Toussaint
C. Romain and LaVenetrra W. Reaves.
continued on page 11

From The President
A. Todd Brown
MCB President
What to Do?
Each February, the looming CLE
deadline puts a premium on meeting
space at the Mecklenburg County Bar
Center. A good problem to have for our
CLE apparatus. So it was last month that
the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Board of
Directors found itself without a meeting
place. Senior Resident Superior Court
Judge Richard D. Boner and Chief
District Court Judge Lisa C. Bell quickly
came to the rescue, however, securing
space for us in our ultramodern courthouse facility, which delighted
us. But one particular aspect of the judges’ “state of the courthouse”
reports to the board regarding courthouse personnel has lingered
with me. Judges Boner and Bell lamented the continued adverse
impact to Mecklenburg County’s judicial system as a result of the
state’s budget deficits, the latest projected at a whopping $3+ billion,
but then added this new twist: In late January 2011 all Senior
Resident Superior Court Judges, Chief District Court Judges, Clerks
of Superior Court and District Attorneys received notice to
commence implementation of a Voluntary Reduction in Force Plan.
After a careful and comprehensive examination of options, the
North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts was
recommending immediate implementation of the plan in the field, in
part because no assurances can be made about the availability of
funding for the payment of severance packages to eligible employees
who reject a voluntary separation option now but who are
involuntarily separated later. Because our courts have long endured
budget cuts, there was concern that this new plan could prove not
only demoralizing but also potentially devastating to court personnel
and operations alike.
Mecklenburg County’s judicial district is the state’s largest and
most complex. Part of its mission is to provide fair and accessible
justice to the community. A review of recent statistics for and
affecting the Mecklenburg County court system demonstrates the
need for more instead of less resources:
• North Carolina ranks second to last in the number of judges per
capita (1.2 FTE per 100,000 population).
• North Carolina ranks 50th in the percentage of justice system
funding spent on courts.
• North Carolina ranks fifth in the number of incoming criminal
cases per 100,000 population.
• Mecklenburg County logs approximately 18% of the Violent
Crime Index and approximately 14% of the Property Crime Index
in the state (2009).
• Mecklenburg County is home to roughly 10% of all North
Carolina citizens, but receives roughly 7.68%* of the Judicial
Branch budget (*based on FY 2008-09 FTE positions).
• Mecklenburg County processes 9.9% of all filings and
dispositions in the state (FY 2008-09).
Past MCB President Pat Kelly observed in 2009 that more than a
million paper files exist in the Clerk of Court’s Office and that there
are roughly 200,000 new filings per year, yet our courts must rely on
an outmoded paper filing system that is prone to delays, errors and
lost information.
With a projected budget deficit in the billions and corresponding
reductions mandated for virtually every level of state government,
our local judicial system is not likely to experience material funding
increases any time soon to address any of the issues above. One
federal judge appropriately has remarked, “the [federal] courts’
workload and the resources provided to handle that workload are
headed in opposite directions.” Ditto for the Mecklenburg County
state courts. This dismal state of affairs threatens the Mecklenburg
County court system’s commitment “to working collaboratively with
the community to prevent and solve problems to enhance the
quality of life for all.” So, for many, the immediate implementation of
the Voluntary Reduction in Force Plan may well prove the last straw.
The consequences of constant budget cuts are at hand. Our
judges and our public interest lawyers, who discharge
constitutionally and statutorily mandated duties daily, can do more
with less for only so long. Increasingly, court operations will begin to
suffer. Will we start to lose our most experienced judges? Will funds
to pay prosecutors, public defenders or court-appointed counsel for
indigent defendants become unavailable? Will funds to pay jurors in
civil and criminal trials run low or run out, throwing into jeopardy
the availability of trial by jury? Invariably, budget shortfalls will force
court-support agencies to scale back operations as well. For
example, will supervision decrease for offenders who could pose a
risk to public safety? Only time will tell.
What to do? Let us commit, as ordinary North Carolinians in
these extraordinary economic times, to assist Mecklenburg County
courts and public interest attorneys in the pursuit of justice. Our
country’s history is replete with stories of ordinary Americans, at
extraordinary times, who took strides to protect and defend our
basic, inalienable rights. The rule of law is central to those rights. As
practitioners in Mecklenburg County courts and as citizens who rely
on the judicial system to uphold the rule of law, we have a
responsibility to help secure fundamental rights. As members of a
noble profession, we are obliged to ensure that our courts remain
effective guardians of those rights.
As a state agency, the MCB is prohibited from supporting political
or ideological causes. But its mission permits advocacy for matters
related to the regulation of the legal profession. Indeed, the MCB
mission statement compels it “to serve the public and the Bar
continued on page 4
2 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org

Lawyers
in the News
Everett J. Bowman Selected for
Distinguished Service in
Antitrust Practice
Mark W. Merritt (left) presents the Distinguished
Service Award to Everett J. Bowman (right)
Upcoming Events
Details and registration information at www.MeckBar.org or 704/375-8624
Thursday, March 10
Law & Society Luncheon – The annual luncheon where lawyers enjoy good fellowship, an
inspiring message, and support the good work of the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation. The
keynote address will be provided by “Master of Disasters” Kenneth Feinberg. The
luncheon will also feature the presentation of the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation’s highest
honor, the Ayscue Professionalism Award. Hilton City Center (222 E. Third Street);
12:00 p.m.; $35/person for lunch only or $75/person for lunch and 1 hour CLE credit.
Thursday, March 24
Memorial Service for William (Bill) Watts Sturges – Mecklenburg County Courthouse,
Room 5370 (832 E. Fourth Street); 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 7
Lawyers Luncheon Series – Join your colleagues at a regular monthly lunch meeting to eat,
socialize and hear remarks from a speaker. First Presbyterian (200 W. Trade Street); 12:15-
1:15 p.m.; $10/person.
Thursday, April 21
Memorial Service for Joseph W. Grier, Jr. – Mecklenburg County Courthouse, Room 5370
(832 E. Fourth Street); 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 28
Spring Swearing-In – Join the MCB for the swearing in of newly licensed attorneys to the
state and federal courts. The Blake Hotel (555 South McDowell Street); Registration 2:45-
3:45 p.m.; Ceremony 4:00-5:30 p.m.; Reception 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Everett J. Bowman, an attorney with
Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., was
awarded the Antitrust Section’s
Distinguished Service Award from the
North Carolina Bar Association. Bowman,
who focuses his practice in antitrust and
complex commercial litigation, was
presented with the award at the annual
meeting of the Antitrust and Trade
Regulation section of the North Carolina
Bar Association.
In nomination letters from fellow
lawyers, Bowman was lauded for his
leadership in helping establish the North
Carolina Bar Association’s Antitrust and
Trade Regulation Committee nearly 20
years ago and for his years of service,
beginning as the Section’s Chairman in its
early days. Bowman’s colleagues
throughout the state also cited his
continued demonstration of the highest
ethical standards, his high level of
professional competence, and his
significant and ongoing contributions to
the development of North Carolina
antitrust law.
Editorial Policy
The Mecklenburg Bar News accepts editorial and advertising material of general legal interest to the practicing Bar of
the 26th Judicial District. The implicit purposes of the newsletter, website, and related methods of communication are
to educate members of the Mecklenburg County Bar and to create and maintain shared communication with its
members. The Communications Committee reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit all material.
DISCLAIMER Efforts will be made to provide information of interest that is timely, accurate, and relevant to the legal
community. The Mecklenburg County Bar is not responsible for misprints, typographical errors, or misinformation in
The Mecklenburg Bar News. The views and opinions are not necessarily those of the 26th Judicial District Bar.
Communications Committee: J.P. Davis, Chair, Justin Carpenter, Alan Edmonds, Bob Johnston, Charles Keller, Rhea
Kelley, Hannah Little, Carrie Mansfield, Chara Moore, Phillip Lewis, Nancy Roberson, Michael Shor, Rob Wick
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www.MeckBar.org March 2011 3

Mediation
& Arbitration
Services
in Federal Cases
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Law Day Luncheon
Each Law Day, we come together as a nation to celebrate and reflect on the role of
law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance to society.
Please join the Bar for our annual Law Day luncheon on Thursday, May 5, 2011
featuring keynote speaker The Honorable Albert Diaz, United States Court of Appeals
for the Fourth Circuit and the presentation of the Liberty Bell Award.
When:
Where:
12 p.m.–1:30 p.m
Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 East Third Street
Cost: $30 person
Carl Horn, III
• United States Magistrate Judge,
1993-2009; Chief Assistant U.S.
Attorney, 1987-93
• Co-author of Federal Civil Practice in
the Fourth Circuit and author of Fourth
Circuit Criminal Handbook
• Experience handling the full gamut
of federal civil litigation, including
Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, Sexual
Harassment, ERISA, Fair Labor
Standards Act, Intellectual Property,
Civil Rights, Construction, Education,
Insurance and Antitrust Claims,
as well as a variety of personal and
commercial claims under the Court’s
diversity jurisdiction
• Successful in settling most cases
mediated, first as a Judicial Settlement
Officer and, more recently, as a Courtappointed
or privately retained
Mediator
• Adjunct Professor, Charlotte School
of Law
• Named a 2011 North Carolina Super
Lawyer
Carl Horn, III
2810 Wamath Drive
Charlotte, NC 28210
704/591- 6398
ch@carlhornlaw.com
Registration: Register online at www.MeckBar.org, or call 704/375-8624 by
April 25, 2011. Ticket donations will be accepted to underwrite
attendance costs for public interest attorneys wanting to attend,
please call 704/375-8624 to discuss.
Sponsorship: Early-bird firm table sponsorships are available for $450.00 through
March 15, 2011; half table sponsorship available for $225. After
March 15, table sponsorships will be available for $550; half-table
sponsorship will be $275. Please contact Jenny Mayer at
704/375-8624 ext.100 to support this special luncheon and/or
purchase additional tickets.
Questions? Contact Jenny Mayer at jmayer@meckbar.org or
704/375-8624 ext.100
Please note, for security purposes, all attendees will need to be registered in advance and
will need to show photo identification at registration. For more details, please visit
www.MeckBar.org.
President’s Letter
continued from page 2
members in improving and preserving the
administration of justice.” And we all
possess the constitutional right to petition
for redress of grievances, including the
dismal state of court funding. It falls to us,
as ordinary citizens and as extraordinarily
privileged lawyers, to help our elected
leaders appreciate the need for greater
resources for Mecklenburg County’s judicial
system. In addition, we are free to reach out
to Judge Boner and Judge Bell, as well as
District Attorney Andrew Murray, Public
Defender Kevin Tully and Clerk of Superior
Court Martha Curran, to inquire if we
might be of some assistance in this time of
economic crisis and, if so, how.
Mecklenburg County’s star continues to
rise on so many different stages. The
selection of Charlotte as host of the 2012
Democratic National Convention is
sufficient evidence of that. Let us then, as
lawyers with unique legal privileges, take
the initiative to do something meaningful to
bolster Mecklenburg County’s courts and
their constituent parts. To be sure, the
effectiveness of Mecklenburg County’s
judicial system depends in large part on
adequate funding to promote the
administration of justice, to protect the rule
of law. That system, also, ought to be able to
count on the services of MCB members in
times of need.
What to do? Rise up and speak out!
4 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org

Judicial Bar Election Results
Jena P. Culler, Maria Long and Ben S.
Thalheimer (order of most votes received)
were the three candidates to receive the
most votes in the Mecklenburg County Bar
Election for the District Court Judgeship -
26th Judicial District for the seat vacated by
Hon. H. William Constangy. The three
candidate's names were submitted to Gov.
Perdue on Wed., Jan. 26, 2011 for a final
decision on the nomination. Gov. Perdue
has 60 days to announce her decision or if
she does not decide, the top voter will
receive the nomination.
Judge Constangy was elected in the
November 2008 general election to serve a
4-year term beginning in December 2008.
In November 2010, Judge Constangy was
elected to the NC Superior Court bench,
vacating his District Court seat effective Jan.
1, 2011. Judge Constangy was not elected as
the nominee of a political party; therefore
2010-11 Members
In accordance with Article VI, Section 2(b)
of the bylaws of the Mecklenburg County
Bar , the Board of Directors has approved
the following persons to serve as members
of the 2010-2011 Nominating Committee:
• Mr. James E. Ferguson, II
• Hon. Shirley L. Fulton 1
• Mr. Mark D. Gott
• Hon. Tyyawdi M. Hands
• Ms. Irene P. King 2
• Ms. Sarah J. Kromer
• Mr. Anthony T. Lathrop 1
• Ms. Georgia Jacquez Lewis
• Hon. Hugh B. Lewis
• Mr. R. Andrew Murray
• Mr. Vaughn K. Reynolds 2
• Mr. John R. Wester
• Mr. Michael L. Wilson
• Ms. Miranda Zolot
Patrick E. Kelly, as Immediate Past
President of the Mecklenburg County Bar,
serves as Chair of the Nominating Committee.
Executive Director Nancy Roberson serves
political affiliation is not a consideration in
this nomination process.
There were nine names on the ballot:
Jena P. Culler, Maria Long, Roy B. Santonil,
John R. Seymour, Tim Smith, Christa Cox
Sumwalt, Ben S. Thalheimer, Donald Vicini
and Joshua Yablonski.
Tyyawdi HandsBen S.Thalheimer and
Tim Smith (order of most votes received))
were the three candidates to receive the
most votes in the Mecklenburg County Bar
Election for the District Court Judgeship -
26th Judicial District for the seat vacated by
Hon. Hugh B. Lewis. The three candidate's
names were submitted to Gov. Perdue on
Wed., Jan. 26, 2011 for a final decision on the
nomination. Gov. Perdue has 60 days to announce
her decision or if she does not decide,
the top voter will receive the nomination.
Judge Lewis was elected in the
MCB Nominating Committee
as staff liaison to this committee.
Procedures for Board of
Directors Nomination
In accordance with Article VI, Section
2(f) of the MCB bylaws, interested members
of the Mecklenburg County Bar are
encouraged to submit their name or the
names of other active members of the Bar
for consideration as nominees for various
offices and board of directors' seats for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011.
Names should be submitted no later
than March 15, 2011 to Nominating
Committee Chair Patrick E. Kelly, MCB
Executive Director Nancy M. Roberson, any
member of the Nominating Committee or
mailed to Nominating Committee, c/o
MCB, 438 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC
28207. All names must be received by Mar.
15, 2011 at 5 p.m. The Nominating
Committee will meet on Tues., Mar. 15,
2011 at 5 p.m. at the MCB Center on 438
Queens Road. MCB members may elect to
appear at 5 p.m. to nominate a member.
A list of the persons nominated by the
Committee will be posted on
November 2008 general election to serve a
4-year term beginning in December 2008.
In November 2010, Judge Lewis was elected
to the NC Superior Court bench, vacating
his District Court seat effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Judge Lewis was not elected as the nominee
of a political party; therefore political
affiliation is not a consideration in this
nomination process.
There were seven names on the ballot:
Tyyawdi Hands, Roy B. Santonil, John R.
Seymour, Tim Smith, Ben S. Thalheimer,
Donald Vicini and Joshua Yablonski.
Any member of the Mecklenburg County
Bar (26th Judicial District) who resides in the
District and is in "good-standing" with the NC
State Bar and the Mecklenburg County Bar
was eligible to submit their name as a
candidate. All members of the Mecklenburg
County Bar were mailed ballots to return by
Thursday, Jan., 25, 2011, 5 p.m.
www.MeckBar.org in March, printed in the
April edition of the Mecklenburg Bar News
and presented to the membership at the
MCB Annual Meeting for approval.
Additional nominations may also be made
from the floor at the Annual Meeting.
Please note that nominees must have
agreed to serve prior to being officially
nominated.
The Committee shall nominate persons
to serve in the following offices for the
2011-12 term:
• President-Elect (one-year term)
• Vice President (one-year term)
• Secretary (one-year term)
• Treasurer (one-year term)
• Board of Directors (six members, three
year terms - two of whom must be
current members of the Young Lawyers
Division)
• Young Lawyers Division Chair (one-year
term - current member of the Young
Lawyers Division)
1
Past-President 2 Young Lawyers
www.MeckBar.org March 2011 5

YLD Volunteers Shine Through Public
Service
By Daniel A. Merlin, Chair
The end of 2010 and the first few
months of 2011 were marked by numerous
MCB YLD members giving selflessly to
encourage both collegiality among the YLD
and serving the community as a whole.
In November 2010, Susan Hill, a YLD
Community Service Committee member,
organized the YLD’s support of a
Thanksgiving Project with Thompson Child
& Family Focus. We received donations
from 21 firms/institutions/individuals which
provided Thanksgiving meals to 33 families
(approximately 128 people total.) The
Community Service Committee is excited to
continue its support of Thompson Child &
Family Focus next year.
In December 2010, Cabell Clay, a YLD
Community Service Committee member,
coordinated the YLD’s involvement with the
Salvation Army Angel Tree. Cabell set a goal
to beat the 2009 total of 289 angels by
sponsoring at least 300 angels. We are
excited to report we met and far exceeded
that goal by sponsoring 375 angels! Twentythree
firms/institutions/individuals
participated in this project. A special thanks
to Alston & Bird LLP and Parker Poe
Adams & Bernstein LLP for their
tremendous support. In an
effort to increase our
involvement with the
Salvation Army, Mary
Bennett, a YLD Community
Service Committee member,
organized a group to work at
the Salvation Army
Christmas Center. The group
helped to log-in gifts as they
were dropped off and sort
gifts to be picked up by each family. The
YLD Community Service Committee looks
forward to a continued relationship with the
Salvation Army. Special thanks to Stacey
Vandiford, chair of the Community Service
Committee, for all she has done for the
YLD.
On January 31, 2010, Tony Taylor and
the YLD Social Committee collaborated
with the North Carolina Bar Association’s
Young Lawyers Division to host a joint
social open to all attorneys in North
Carolina. More than 60 attorneys attended
the event, which served as a great
opportunity for attorneys from across the
state to get to know each other. The event
also supported Larry King’s Clubhouse by
collecting much needed items for the
organization including children’s snack
More than 130 community members attended the MCB YLD Ask a Lawyer
foods, clothes and wipes.
On February 5, 2011, Taylor Stukes and
the YLD Legal Assistance Committee hosted
Mecklenburg County’s Ask-A-Lawyer Day
in conjunction with the North Carolina Bar
Association. More than 20 attorneys took
time out of their Saturday schedule to
provide legal assistance to members of our
community. The program was highly
attended and by all accounts a big success.
A few days before the event, Taylor Stukes
and Lauren Vaughn organized a training
session / networking evening for young
lawyers to meet each other and learn more
about providing free legal assistance.
Thank you to all of the individual
members of the YLD who are working hard
to ensure that the YLD’s goals of promoting
professionalism and helping the community
are met.
6 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org

Volunteer Lawyer Program SPOTLIGHT
Jacqueline Y. Ferrell
Hunton & Williams Associate
Jacqueline Y. Ferrell was described as
“compassionate” and “completely reliable”
by John Parker, Council for Children’s
Rights’ Lead Attorney on Custody
Advocacy. Parker continued to explain
that, “She’s got at least one case going on
all the time. She cares about the kids she
represents.” To become involved in giving
a voice to children’s rights, contact CFCR
Volunteer Coordinator Mary Schilli at
704/372-7961 or Volunteer Lawyer
Program Coordinator Mary Jordan Samuel
at 704/375-8624.
MCB VLP: Current Employer / number of
years with current employer?
JYF: Hunton & Williams LLP / 8 years
MCB VLP: Area of Practice / Expertise?
JYF: Labor & Employment Law
MCB VLP: Law School / Law School
Graduation Year?
JF: University of Virginia School of Law,
Class of 2000
MCB VLP: How did you begin working
with Council for Children’s Rights?
JYF: Hunton & Williams has been involved
with the Council for Children’s Rights for
many years, and I pursued the opportunity
to work with the CFCR soon after joining
the firm. I have found the work to be
extremely rewarding and have continued
working with the CFCR and its custody
advocacy program since my first case. In
fact, I helped implement a new pro bono
initiative last year at Hunton & Williams
in which individual lawyers and staff
members from the firm work together as
part of the custody advocacy team. We also
assist the CFCR by assigning the attorney
and custody advocate ourselves whenever
we receive a new case, to help cut down on
the CFCR’s administrative burden.
MCB VLP: What is a typical case like?
JYF: The court appoints the CFCR to high
conflict child custody disputes. The
custody advocacy team for a case typically
consists of three people: the CFCR
attorney, an outside volunteer attorney and
a volunteer custody advocate. We first
interview the parties involved and then
interview collateral witnesses, conduct
home visits, gather records, conduct
school visits and meet with the children.
We also conduct settlement conferences,
when they are appropriate, and prepare for
and attend trial.
Each case is different, but our goal is
always to represent the children and to
work for what is in their best interests.
Often, the children are caught in the
middle of custody disputes with no one
watching out for what is best for them.
That is where we get involved.
MCB VLP: How many of these cases do you
typically handle at one time?
JF: I typically handle one case at a time.
MCB VLP: What is your hope for the future
with regard to these cases?
F: I hope to continue working with the
CFCR, which does such important work in
supporting children. I hope that the end
result in each
case is to make a
positive
difference in the
children’s lives. Jacqueline Y. Ferrell
MCB VLP: What is the best advice you’ve
received during your legal career?
JF: Don’t lose sight of the forest for the
trees. As lawyers we sometimes focus so
much on the details that we have a hard
time keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
MCB VLP: What advice would you give
others?
JF: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We are
all fortunate to work with very talented
people who have different backgrounds
and experiences, and we should learn as
much as we can from each other.
Collaboration is an important aspect of our
work.
MCB VLP: What is the most challenging
part of your career?
JF: Trying to fit it all in! I am constantly
challenged by the demands of time. I am
fortunate, however, to have a wonderful
support system at home and at work, and
that makes a big difference.
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www.MeckBar.org March 2011 7

Accepting Nominations
for Pro Bono Awards
The Mecklenburg County Bar Volunteer Lawyer Program is accepting nominations for
the 2010-11 Pro Bono Awards to be presented at the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Annual
Meeting in May.
I. Outstanding Individual Attorney
Criteria: Has contributed extraordinary service to provision of pro bono services for
indigents, children or non-profit agencies by providing legal services directly or by
developing programs or projects within the volunteer's firm.
II. Outstanding Large Firm with 25 Attorneys or More*
Criteria: A firm that has done any one or combination of the following:
A. Contributed an extraordinary amount of pro bono services directly to indigents, children,
or non-profit agencies serving indigents or children; or
B. Provided an extraordinary impact for justice to indigents, or children, or developed
particularly innovative or enduring projects or programs that serve indigents, children, or
non-profit organizations that serve indigents or children; or
C. Demonstrated a dramatic improvement in its pro bono services to indigents, children, or
non-profit organizations that served indigents or children in the previous year.
III. Small Firm with 24 Attorneys or Less
Criteria: A firm that has done any one or combination of the following:
A. Contributed an extraordinary amount of pro bono services directly to indigents, children,
or non-profit agencies serving indigents or children; or
B. Provided an extraordinary impact for justice to indigents, or children, or developed
particularly innovative or enduring projects or programs that serve indigents, children, or
non-profit organizations that serve indigents or children; or
C. Demonstrated a dramatic improvement in its pro bono services to indigents, children, or
non-profit organizations that served indigents or children in the previous year.
* Firm total not limited to Mecklenburg County
Please submit your nominations to MCB, Attn: Pro Bono Awards, 438 Queens Road,
Charlotte, NC 28207, fax 704/333-6209, or e-mail mjsamuel@meckbar.org. Nominations
deadline - Mar. 18, 2011.
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Nominations
for 2011
Liberty Bell
Award
The Law Day Committee is
accepting nominations for the 2011
Liberty Bell Award. This annual
award, our Bar’s highest honor for a
non-lawyer, will be presented during
the MCB Law Day Luncheon on
Thursday, May 5 at the Hilton
Charlotte Center City.
The Liberty Bell Award recognizes
an individual who has performed
community service that has
strengthened the American system of
freedom under the law. The following
criteria govern consideration by the
committee to recognize outstanding
service by a non-lawyer in one of
these areas:
1. Promoting a better understanding
of our Constitution and the Bill of
Rights.
2. Encouraging greater respect for law
and the courts.
3. Stimulating a deeper sense of
individual responsibility so that
citizens recognize their duties as
well as their rights.
4. Contributing to the effective
functioning of our institutions of
government.
5. Fostering a better understanding
and appreciation of the rule of law.
Please submit your nominations,
including supporting materials and
résumé of the nominee (if possible),
by April 1, 2011 to Liberty Bell Award,
438 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC
28207; fax to 704/333-6209,
addressed to Liberty Bell Award; or e-
mail jmayer@meckbar.org, subject
line: Liberty Bell Award. All
nominations will be held in
confidence.
8 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org

Court Communiqués
Race Matters for Juvenile Justice
By Charles Keller, Jr.
“We envision a Charlotte-Mecklenburg
community where the composition and
outcomes of juvenile courts cannot be predicted
by race and/or ethnicity,” said District
Court Judge Louis A. Trosch Jr when talking
about disproportionality in juvenile courts.
Research has demonstrated that children
and families of color are disproportionately
represented in the child welfare system and
frequently experience disparate outcomes.
Whereas children of all races are equally as
likely to suffer from child abuse and neglect,
the percentage of African-American and
other minority children who enter and
remain in out-of-home care is greater than
their proportion in the population.
In an effort to raise awareness and begin
a dialogue toward making changes and
reducing the disproportionate
representation and disparate outcomes for
children and families of color in the juvenile
justice system, Race Matters For Juvenile
Justice was formed. The collaborative
group, led by the Juvenile Court judges of
the 26th Judicial District, brings together
judicial officers, systems’ experts, service
providers and community partners.
On January 28, Race Matters for Juvenile
Justice hosted a ground-breaking
Dr. Carol Wilson Spigner
symposium that examined disproportionality
and disparities in the child welfare
system. Dr. Carol Wilson Spigner, who most
recently served as the Kenneth L.M. Pray
Distinguished Professor at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and
Practice and is best known for reform of
public child welfare agencies and child
welfare policy, served as the keynote speaker.
Nationally recognized child welfare experts,
Dr. Mark Testa and Dr. Dean Duncan,
discussed national and local research data
regarding disproportionality within the
juvenile justice system. Additional
presenters included Judge Louis A. Trosch,
Jr., Judge Elizabeth T. Trosch, Judge Rickye
McKoy-Mitchell, Judge Kimberly Y. Best-
Community, faith-based and business leaders came together to
begin an important dialogue.
Staton, Chief District Court Judge Lisa Bell,
Dr. Susan McCarter and Mary Wilson.
More than 300 community leaders and
advocates, faith-based leaders and representatives
from small businesses and corporations
who wanted to offer their leadership to help
improve the quality of justice in our
community attended the symposium. “I look
forward to the community’s participation in
the most significant initiative our Juvenile
Court has embarked on in the last decade,”
stated Chief District Court Judge Lisa Bell.
Mr. Keller works in the Mecklenburg County
Trial Court Administrator's Office as the
Community Access & Outreach Administrator.
www.MeckBar.org March 2011 9

Bar Leadership Institute 2011
Building on the Legacy of Bar Leaders Past
By Aretha V. Blake
On the evening of February 3, the
Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB) and
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation (MBF)
kicked off the tenth year of the Bar
Leadership Institute (BLI). Surrounded by
the stunning views and magical ambiance
afforded by Bentley’s on 27, the MCB and
MBF welcomed the 20 members of the BLI
Class of 2011 while also recognizing the
many volunteers and leaders that have been
critical to the success and growth of the
MCB and MBF.
At the BLI Kick-Off and Volunteer
Recognition Dinner, more than 100
attendees celebrated the BLI Class of 2011
and honored the many hours of service
MCB members provide through leadership
and volunteer opportunities. More than 40
attendees were specifically recognized for
their past and present service to both the
Bar and the community. BLI Committee
Chair Aretha V. Blake acknowledged that
these leaders “are an example to all of us.
In the years ahead, each of us, and
especially the BLI Class of 2011, should be
challenged to continue the legacy of
leadership that you have established.”
Keynote Speaker and Past President of
the North Carolina Bar Association John R.
Wester reminded
the attendees
that, “Nearly a
hundred years of
lawyers in this
county have come
before you. You –
and all of us here
this evening –
stand on their
shoulders.” With
this historical
perspective, Mr.
Wester charged
the future leaders
of the Bar to
Keynote Speaker John R.
Wester
remember that, “Leaders will take risks.
They will rock the boat. The very best will
turn the boat over. They will not choose
their ideas by averaging the distance
between the ideas of others. The very best
leaders will see the box everyone thinks
inside of – and they will take that box
apart.” Mr. Wester also implored the
attendees to provide much needed pro bono
representation to the underserved in our
community including requesting support
from volunteers at the Statewide 4ALL
Service Day on March 4, 2011.
After Mr. Wester’s call to action, BLI
Committee Vice
Chair John H.
Cobb introduced
the participants in
the 2011 BLI
Class explaining,
“The BLI Class of
2011 is made up
of public interest
and private
attorneys. Large
firm attorneys
and solo
practitioners.
BLI Chair Aretha V. Blake This group of 20
represents
diversity in race and gender, background
and practice area. We even have a Cubs
fan.”
The BLI Class of 2011 consists of:
Michael Anderson of Johnston, Allison &
Hord, P.A.; Tania Archer of Moore & Van
Allen, PLLC; John Bowers of Horack Talley
Pharr & Lowndes PA; Jon Carroll of James,
McElroy & Diehl, P.A.; Joshua Davey of
McGuireWoods LLP; Sarah DiFranco of
Poyner Spruill, LLP; William Esser of
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP; Faith
Fickling of Legal Aid of North Carolina,
Inc.; Rebecca Lindahl of Katten Muchin
Employment
General Civil Litigation
Constitutional Law
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Civil Rights
Professional Liability Defense
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10 March 2011 www.MeckBar.org

and Present
Rosenman LLP; Hannah Little of Garfinkel
Immigration Law Firm; Brandon Lofton of
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.;
Michael Navarro of The Law Office of
Michael E. Navarro, PLLC; Gretchen Nelli
of City of Charlotte; Andrew Nesbitt of
Nesbitt Law PLLC; Kristen Northrup of
Mecklenburg County District Attorney's
Office; Lindsay Peed of Ogletree Deakins
Nash Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Vaughn
Reynolds of Hunton & Williams LLP;
Sarah Stone of Womble Carlyle Sandridge
& Rice PLLC; Katherine Tenfelde of
Robinson Elliott & Smith; and Janice Tucker
of Wells Fargo.
On the morning of February 4, this
group of future Bar leaders embarked on a
weekend retreat under the facilitation of
Myndworks Learning Network. In the
weeks to come, they will participate in an
intensive schedule of leadership sessions
and will develop a year-long service project
to address the needs of the Bar and the
community. This dynamic group of
individuals will soon join the ranks of the
more than 140 graduates of the BLI and
will provide effective leadership to the
MCB, MBF and community at-large for
years to come.
Diversity Pride Award
continued from cover
Romain and Reaves skillfully crafted and
presented an artistic representation of the
diverse legacy of the Mecklenburg County
Bar and Foundation to the 650 person
audience. Romain performed an original
poem of self-reflection on his journey as a
young lawyer, while Reaves
simultaneously sang an a capella
accompaniment with historic verses from
We Shall Overcome. Their remarkable
talent coupled with a powerful message
resulted in the Mecklenburg County Bar
and Foundation receiving 54 percent of
the audience’s vote.
MCB President A. Todd Brown and
MCB Executive Director Nancy M.
Roberson accepted the recognition and
donation on behalf of the Bar and
Foundation. “This recognition is a
testament to the steadfast dedication and
commitment of our members,” said
Brown. “We are extremely appreciative of
this great honor and for the opportunity to
showcase the Mecklenburg County Bar
and Foundation’s commitment to diversity
and inclusion in our Bar and the
community at large.”
Although the competition was stiff, the
Lowe’s Pride Awards was a great
opportunity for both the Bar and
MCB President A. Todd Brown accepts the honorary
check from Pride Communications CEO Dee Dixon.
Foundation to tell their story, promote
their strategic goal of educating the public,
highlight the support of the Foundation
and celebrate the collaborative works of
the Bar and Foundation. In the end, both
the Mecklenburg County Bar &
Foundation and WIE received a $10,000
donation.
The Mecklenburg County Bar and
Foundation would like to extend its
appreciation to Pride Communications,
the Bench, Bar and Community
Subcommittee of the MCB Special
Committee on Diversity and the countless
members who volunteered to support both
the MCB and MBF in this endeavor.
www.MeckBar.org March 2011 11

MECKLENBURG COUNTY BAR
438 Queens Road
Charlotte, NC 28207
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March 2011
www.MeckBar.org