Embracing Opportunities Amid Legal Challenges: Highlights from the Annual Meeting Program
This year's Annual Meeting provided members with enriching networking opportunities and impactful continuing legal education sessions. Guests included representatives from our state’s judiciary, law schools, and other bar organizations, adding depth and diversity to informal discussions.
Highlights from the programming included sessions such as 'Recent Decisions of Relevance,' a key practice resource for members, and a panel discussion on 'Navigating the Legal Impacts of the New DEI Executive Orders.' Attendees gained perspectives from a 'View from the Bench' session featuring judges from the Court of Appeals, Business Court, and Superior Court, a keynote address on maintaining professional well-being by Molly Grantham on 'Practice Makes...Progress,' and an ethics discussion centered on lessons from the Murdaugh Case, featuring Judge Clifton Newman. Additionally, breakout sessions led by the Practice Groups provided interactive discussions tailored to specific practice areas of interest.
During the Annual Meeting, the annual membership and business meeting was held, alongside the recognition of professionalism award winners. Bob Sumner, Partner Emeritus of Cranfill Sumner, was honored with the J. Robert Elster Award for Professional Excellence, and Jon Berkelhammer of Ellis & Winters received the Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.
At the Business Meeting, outgoing President J.D. Keister reflected on the year’s initiatives and outlined critical areas of focus for the NCADA, including trial skills training programs leveraging experienced trial attorneys, strategies to address nuclear verdicts through a specialized sub-committee, and the adoption of an updated diversity, equity, and inclusion policy. Keister thanked his colleagues for their support during his presidency and commended the Board for their thoughtful handling of these initiatives. (Watch and listen to JD's remarks here.)
The meeting concluded with the election and confirmation of the 2025-2026 Officers and Directors. George Simpson, IV was confirmed as President; Erin McNeil Young was elected President-Elect; Daniel M. Nunn as Executive Vice President; Scottie Forbes Lee as Treasurer; and Nicole B. Slaughter continues her term as Secretary.
The NCADA also welcomed several new members to the Board of Directors for a term through June 2028: Allison Becker, Bruce Daughtry, John Kubis, Jr., John Nunnally, and Jilliann Tate. Continuing Board members were recognized for their ongoing service and contributions: Kara Bordman, Ryan Bostic, Christy Dunn, Joshua Durham, JD McAlister, Kristine Prati, Stuart Stroud, and Robert Young remain integral to the organization's leadership. Ex-officio members including Gary Parsons, Bob Kaylor, Ashley Brathwaite, Ryan Eubanks, and Nathan Hewitt were also acknowledged for their work across key initiatives.
Heartfelt thanks was extended to retiring Board members after their service terms: Denaa Griffin, Scottie Forbes Lee (transitioning into the Treasurer role), Charles McGee, Jasmine Pitt, and Austin Walsh. Chris Kiger completed his term as an officer and is a past president of the NCADA. Each member was thanked for their dedication and contributions to the organization.
Wrapping up the event, incoming President George Simpson shared reflections on his professional journey, stemming from his early career at Cranfill Sumner, where he was encouraged to engage with NCADA by Richard Boyette. Simpson committed to honoring the organization’s legacy and emphasized priorities such as networking, CLE opportunities, amicus work, and legislative efforts. As he steps into leadership, Simpson pledged to build on NCADA's foundation and advance the organization’s mission for the civil trial bar in North Carolina. (Watch and listen to George's remarks here.)
