Members & Firms

Meet:  Joe Fulton

Joe Fulton is a partner at Martineau King PLLC in Charlotte, specializing in civil litigation. His practice primarily revolves around insurance coverage and auto/CGL defense. Graduating from Elon University School of Law in 2012, Joe has been a member of NCADA since 2018. Join us in getting to know Joe better!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice?  I grew up hearing my parents and grandparents speak highly of attorneys that had help them in both their personal and professional lives. I also watched as attorneys in my community stepped up in leadership roles and were able to make a positive difference. When it came time for me to decide what to do, I decided I wanted to be like them.

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life?  The NCADA is fantastic resource on many levels but the one that has benefited me the most is the relationships. Litigation can be a tough gig at times. Seeing known and respected colleagues in court and at depositions greatly enriches the experience of practicing law and helps ease the burden.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?  Hard for me to imagine doing anything else but probably something in human resources or accounting.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?  Transitioning from associate to partner. Being a partner is extremely rewarding but I have a lot more things to juggle than I use to!

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?  Terry Sanford. He’s from my hometown, knew my grandfather, practiced law with my great uncle, and lead North Carolina as governor during the civil rights era.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done?  While on a canoe trip in the boundary waters wilderness area of northern Minnesota, I stood in the United States and Canada at the same time.

What excites you the most right now?  Watching my three children learn, grow, and develop their own personalities.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self?  Once you have done what you need to do to prepare, stop stressing and just go do your best!

MEET:  Ellen Persechini Wortman

We are delighted to recognize Ellen Wortman, a Partner with The Wortman Law Firm in Wilmington, NC where she specializes in General Liability and HOA law. Ellen received her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2002 and is very active member of the North Carolina legal community. Join us in getting to know Ellen!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? I participated in a mock trial during a school project after reading To Kill A Mockingbird. I was defense counsel and realized how exciting trial work can be. I love that every day is different and filled with unexpected surprises (good and bad).

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life? The NCADA is a wonderful organization. As a young lawyer the seminars and case law updates were extremely valuable. Now after more than twenty years of practice, I still appreciate the case law updates and information exchange the NCADA provides.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?
I’d be a school librarian and play more tennis!

Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I’ve worked in libraries during all aspects of my life (high school, college, law school and even now as a volunteer).

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done? I crawled through the undercarriage of a moldy trailer in a Tyvek suit- that’s what happens when you start practicing law during the peak of mold litigation.

What excites you the most right now? The prospect of a good cross-examination and developing themes for new cases.

Book and tennis lovers unite! Be sure to say hello and connect with Ellen. 

MEET:  Jilliann Tate

Jilliann Tate is a partner with Davis & Hamrick, LLP, in Winston-Salem where she has practiced since graduating Wake Forest University School of Law in 2018.  Jilliann's litigation practice focuses on insurance defense with a focus in mental health professional liability defense.  Jilliann joined the NCADA in December 2020 and currently serves on our Young Lawyers Steering Committee.

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? 
My firm! I never saw myself litigating so spent my 2L year taking every contract-drafting course possible. I stumbled into a summer clerkship position at my current firm and unexpectedly fell in love with it. I pestered my now-partners every single day after my position ended until they finally caved and offered me a post-grad position. I’ve never looked back and now cannot imagine a career outside of litigation.

Who and/or what inspires you? 
My mental health professional clients (specifically, clinical mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists). Their work is invaluable - especially as our culture evolves and sheds the stigma of mental healthcare - yet they often go without the recognition they deserve. They are the most gracious, engaged, and enthusiastic clients despite spending their days hearing the many woes of the world.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?
The most amazing person I’ve ever known: my late Grandma Elaine. I live every day trying to embody her integrity and selfless love and would give anything for another few moments with her.

What excites you the most right now?
The annual conference (can’t wait to see you all there)! Beyond that, my husband of four years and I are finally taking our honeymoon this summer. Send me all the Paris recommendations!

Describe your perfect day outside of work.
Coffee on the porch with my husband and my pups, a lazy day binge-watching Friends or The Great British Bakeoff, and a homecooked dinner with a nice glass of sparkling wine (also best enjoyed on the porch with my husband and pups).

If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Mindreading, though I have no doubt that would be both a blessing and a curse.

Grab a coffee and connect with Jilliann!

Meet:  Ervin L. Ball, Jr.

Erv is a principal in the Asheville law firm of Ball Barden Cury, P.A. where he has focused his practice in insurance defense for over 50 years.  Erv received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and has been a member of NCADA since 1994.  Learn what Erv would do if he was not a lawyer!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice?  Obtained job in an insurance defense firm as first employment from law school.

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life?  Great CLE's, seeing colleagues from around the state that I don't have a chance to work or visit with on a regular basis.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer? Elvis impersonator or cage fighter.

What is the biggest career challenge you've had to overcome?  Balancing time required for trial practice with family life.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV show and why?  "My Cousin Vinny" - very humorous and needed in our sometimes routine profession.

Fun fact that people probably don't know about you?  I do have a sense of humor.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?  Alexander Hamilton.  I would try to talk him out of having a duel with Aaron Burr.

What is the strangest thing you've ever done?  Climbing to summit of Monte Rosa in Pennine Alps, Switzerland and surviving to talk about it.

What excites you the most right now?  Waking up in the morning and knowing I'm still alive.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self?  Work hard, listen to other people, keep learning something every day, meet with and get to know people in other professions and trades to appreciate that individuals from different backgrounds contribute to well-being of our society and country.

Reach out to say hello to Erv and grab a coffee!

*Image is a rendering of firm offices from their website.

Meet:  Eleasa Harris Allen

Eleasa Allen is an attorney with Robinson & Lawing, LLP in Winston-Salem concentrating her practice in the defense of Workers' Compensation claims. She received her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2005. We asked Eleasa to share a little bit about herself and her practice.

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice?  In a way, I grew up in the courthouse. My mom spent 30+ years working as a court reporter for the State of North Carolina. At an early age, I was introduced to judges and lawyers and was able to see them in action in the courtroom. I grew up revering the practice of law and new from an early age that I wanted to become a lawyer.

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life?  I appreciate the opportunity to be connected with other attorneys and firms who also practice defense work. I have especially found the roundtable discussions and expert exchange helpful.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?  I would probably have become an English teacher. I had a really impactful high school English teacher who inspired me to write and be creative. If I were not a lawyer, I would hope to be able to be that type of teacher for other generations.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?  Learning how to maintain my career while dealing with significant personal loss.

What excites you the most right now?  The future…in our firm generally, and in my practice specifically, I see the potential for a lot of growth and development. Change can be intimidating, but it is a necessary part of life. I am looking forward to the next phase of my legal career and the opportunities set out before me.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self?  In your profession and in life…do not give up. There are times when life and work are really tough, and it can be difficult to just put one foot in front of the other. Surround yourself with good people, believe that you can get through to the other side, and do it. When you look back you will be amazed at what you have accomplished.

Meet:  Louis J. “Johny” Hallow, III

We're pleased to introduce you to Louis J. “Johny” Hallow, III. Johny is a new NCADA member practicing civil litigation with Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  He is a Class of 2021 graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law.  Let's get to know Johny a little bit here!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? I first thought about becoming a lawyer after participating in a mock trial in a high school Legal Studies class. As for litigation, I obviously enjoy the courtroom, public speaking, and thinking on my feet. But even more, I enjoy thinking outside of the box to come up with non-traditional solutions to help clients resolve their cases.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your for career? I would love to grow a strong civil litigation practice in Eastern North Carolina. As my career evolves, I also hope to become a certified mediator.

Who and/or what inspires you? My family – I would not be where I am today without them.

What excites you the most right now? I am getting married this month and going on a honeymoon in Costa Rica.

Describe your perfect day outside of work. In my perfect day outside of work, I would be deep sea fishing off the North Carolina coast.

Take a minute to connect with Johny and coordinate a deep sea fishing excursion out of Elizabeth City!

Meet:  Stuart L. Stroud

Stuart Stroud has been a member of the NCADA since 1997. He is a partner at Wallace Morris Barwick Landis & Stroud, P.A. in Kinston, NC, where he focuses his practice on insurance defense litigation and mediation. Stuart graduated from Campbell University School of Law in 1992 and has since devoted his practice to insurance defense litigation and mediation. If you're not familiar with Stuart yet, join us in getting to know him a little better.

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice?  I went to college with the idea of Pharmacy School. I quickly learned that science and math were not my strengths. However, I was making good grades in History, Political Science and English and decided to play to my strengths. I graduated with a degree in Education and then went to law school.

How has membership in NCADA benefited your professional life?  
NCADA is a great resource for professional information. The meetings are great for networking but the CLE topics and especially the annual case law updates are invaluable.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?  I was certified to teach secondary social studies, so I would have been a teacher. I don’t regret going to law school, but if I had gone into education, I would be retired now.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?  I have been fortunate to practice with two great mentors, PC Barwick and Tommy Morris. I have had the same challenges as everyone else in learning the process, dealing with difficult clients and opposing attorneys, and balancing family life, but having gFeat mentors helps mitigate the challenges.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV show and why?  I watched LA Law when I was in law school and To Kill a Mockingbird is a great drama. However, I rarely watch or read legal TV, movies or books. I have to deal with legal "drama" every day, so I choose not to do so with my free time.

Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you?  I spent almost 40 years involved with Boy Scouts. I was an Eagle Scout as a youth and worked with Scouts as an adult, including serving as Council Attorney for over 10 years.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?   Winston Churchill. I’m currently reading his biography. He was a fascinating person.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done? I have hiked some sections of the Appalachian Trail, usually by myself. I don’t think it’s strange but other people, including my mother, think it’s crazy.

What excites you the most right now?  I am expanding my Mediation practice. I still enjoy litigation but, even as a litigant, I have tried to focus on helping find a solution to the problem and mitigating risk. I find that acting as the mediator, I can help people create their own solutions to their problems. I am really enjoying working as a mediator and hope to continue to do more of them.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self?  Don’t be resistant to change. I hate change but change is constant. I have to remind myself of this daily.

If you don't know Stuart be sure to connect and get to know him!

Meet:  Taylor S. Richards

Introducing Taylor Richards, a Senior Associate Attorney with Garrison Law Group in Asheboro, NC. Taylor joined the firm in 2019 and has been focusing his practice on Medical Malpractice defense. He obtained his J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2016, and practiced as a prosecutor prior to joining the firm. We are delighted to have Taylor as a member and invite you to learn more about him and connect!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? My early love of history and civics and the long history of lawyers serving as a force for good in our society.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? To become partner at Garrison Law Group and provide legal assistance to healthcare providers and systems throughout North Carolina.

Who and/or what inspires you? My wife, she has always guided me personally and professionally. She inspired me to apply to law school.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why? Abraham Lincoln. It would be interesting to see how he operated and how he thought. His intellect and humor are well known and it would be fascinating to witness that in person.

What are you reading or listening to? Civil War books and I constantly listen to music especially rock/metal, and country.

What would be the theme song of your life right now?
Taking Care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO)

What excites you the most right now? That summer is almost here which means family vacation at the beach.

Describe your perfect day outside of work. Either hanging at home with my wife watching tv or spending time with my family at Disney World.

If you could have any superpower what would it be? The ability to cure/heal illness/disease.

How do you define success? From a professional perspective, making an impact on your client’s lives and in the community. However, I personally define success as being surrounded by the ones you love.

Thanks for sharing with us, Taylor!  Be sure to connect with Taylor and say hello.

Meet Jodee Sparkman Larcade

Jodee Sparkman Larcade is a Partner/Owner of Sparkman Larcade PLLC, a woman-owned small law firm practicing civil litigation statewide based in Raleigh, NC.  Jodee is a 1979 graduate Southern Methodist University School of Law, and has been a member of NCADA since 1990.  Jodee has been an active member having served as a program chair, past member of the Board of Directors, and past Treasurer.    We were excited to catch up with Jodee and learn her motivations for becoming a civil trial lawyer!

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? 
The short answer is my grandfather and watching Perry Mason as a child. I watched Perry Mason with my grandfather every Sunday night from the time I was 7 years old (even though it started way past my bedtime!) When he was a young man, my grandfather was interning/apprenticing with an attorney-mentor in order to become an attorney, but due to the Great Depression, he was unable to complete his studies. With that having been said, he eventually became the president of a local union for Bethlehem Steel for over 30 years. I grew up assisting him in preparing grievances and advocating in various steps of arbitration to and including 4th step arbitrations in Washington DC. He inspired my passion for the law. He inspired me to think independently, to champion the little guy, and to contend for what is right and good.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer?  
Being a lawyer is my passion, so it’s a difficult question to answer. I like the drama of the courtroom, the script, and the improvisation that is necessary. Ask anyone, I am a very competitive person and I very much enjoy the battle. But, if I was not a lawyer, and as you can tell from these comments, I would like to be a famous actress!

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? 
My answer may be predictable, but the biggest career challenge I’ve had to overcome quite frankly, was/is the undertones of sexual discrimination/bias and professional disrespect. I started practicing law in 1979 and very few women were in the courtroom trying cases back then, and if they were, they were never first chair and always in the background. I ONLY wanted to be a trial lawyer. I was first hired by a small insurance defense firm and I’m not sure anyone knew what to do with me, judges, lawyers, paralegals, and secretaries alike. In spite of appearances and an influx of women over the past years into the practice of law, those challenges remain even today in a courtroom setting and during a trial, particularly within the profession itself. I will say, however, being underestimated has been a strong weapon.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV show and why?
My favorite movie is "To Kill a Mockingbird". The personal family backdrop and the professional dynamics of the time are compelling. Standing up for what is right against public opinion and against all odds, regardless of the personal cost, inspires me to work hard, do my best, and be the best advocate I can be for my client.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?
Well, first of all, I don’t like coffee so it would have to be a cup of hot tea. I would like to sit down and talk with Abraham Lincoln. His wit and character are unmatched. He was a masterful storyteller and a excellent trial lawyer… and don’t trial lawyers need to be good storytellers?

Connect with Jodee for a great conversation over a cup of tea!

MEET:  Heather Call Fuller

Introducing Heather, an accomplished attorney at Lincoln Derr, PLLC in Charlotte, specializing in business litigation with a primary focus on medical malpractice cases. Heather received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico in 1994, and joined NCADA in 2021. Learn more about Heather and connect with her as a fellow member.

What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice? I had an ungraduated constitutional law class taught by a lawyer who brought the law to life, and I was hooked. I was drawn to medical malpractice because my father was a doctor. I witnessed his dedication to his patients and achieving a good outcome. I wanted to be able to defend professionals like my father.

What would you do if you were not a lawyer? A doctor.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? I took a number of years off to raise my 3 children and when I was ready to go back to work, we were not living in the state in which I was licensed. I had to take the North Carolina bar exam 20 years out of law school. It was challenging but in the end, I passed and was able to land in a fantastic firm.

Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you? I am a member of the Hopi Tribe.

What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self? It is ok to pause your career to raise children but have a plan for reentry.

Great advice!