Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…
Since the beginning, members of the N.C. Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we’ll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – who founded the organization, whose dedication and energy kept it going and guided it through growth, change and challenges. Each conversation will inspire us to meet the future with a unified voice that channels the strengths and accomplishments of our organization. Welcome to Voices of NCAJ. For more information on the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and how to join or support NCAJ, please visit our website at www.NCAJ.com.
Since the beginning, members of the N.C. Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we’ll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – who founded the organization, whose dedication and energy kept it going and guided it through growth, change and challenges. Each conversation will inspire us to meet the future with a unified voice that channels the strengths and accomplishments of our organization. Welcome to Voices of NCAJ. For more information on the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and how to join or support NCAJ, please visit our website at www.NCAJ.com.
“What we do is tough, and Convention can be really cathartic,” says Kristen Dewar , co-chair of NCAJ's upcoming Convention 2025 in Charlotte. Speaking with host Amber Nimocks, Kristen previews the event, highlighting the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program and the location of the Friday Soiree at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A Charlotte resident, Kristen also shares her journey from Toronto to North Carolina, where she's built a criminal defense career she's dreamed of since age 4. Now finishing her second term as NCAJ’s DEI vice president, Kristen discusses NCAJ's Building Bridges to Excellence Initiative and the new Ambassador Program designed to welcome newcomers to the organization. Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Kristen Dewar Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:59] Finding NCAJ : Kristen joined during law school when her criminal justice clinic professor suggested using the listserv for case advice. [02:43] Building Connections : A sparsely attended Women's Caucus event in Charlotte provided quality time with NCAJ leaders, inspiring Kristen to see leadership possibilities for herself. [04:18] Building Bridges Initiative : As DEI vice president, Kristen helped develop this initiative to foster connections and ensure NCAJ's membership reflects diverse experiences and perspectives. [05:35] Ambassador Program : This new program will connect convention first-timers with veteran members, creating a welcoming environment and empowering longtime members. [08:15] Canadian Roots : Kristen shares her journey from Toronto to Charlotte, explaining she's been "running from the snow" and wanted to stay in the same time zone as her family. [09:53] Born Defender : Since age four, Kristen had a strong sense of justice, standing up for classmates accused of classroom infractions and inspired by TV lawyers. [11:47] Practical Experience : A high school co-op program placed Kristen with a criminal defense attorney in Toronto, allowing her to appear in court and continue cases—an experience that confirmed her career path. [13:10] Return of the Masters : Convention 2025 will feature the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program, focused on DWI defense. [13:33] Back in Charlotte : Another convention highlight this year is its return to Charlotte, which last hosted the event in 2022. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
After wrongful conviction, exoneration brings freedom but not healing. Chris Mumma , Executive Director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence , joins host Amber Nimocks to discuss the unique challenges faced by those released after years of wrongful imprisonment. Inspired by Joseph Sledge, who took his own life five years after being exonerated following 37 years in prison, the center is creating the Joseph Sledge Houses of Healing—a first-of-its-kind transitional sanctuary where exonerees can decompress and begin healing with comprehensive support. The project, being built on Second Act Farm in rural Alamance County, aims to address the often-overlooked trauma of wrongful incarceration. Learn more about how you can support the center's new re-entry project at their website at www.nccai.org or at Second Act Farm . You can also follow the center on Facebook . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Chris Mumma Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:54] Center Origins : The NC Center on Actual Innocence was incorporated in June 2000, consolidating work that started at UNC and Duke to prevent duplication of efforts. [03:46] Personal Pivot : Chris left a finance career and initially planned to practice corporate law before her clerkship revealed systemic justice issues she wanted to address. [06:35] Successes : The center has achieved 12 complete exonerations, helped six others gain release, and participated in investigating 18 additional exonerations over more than two decades. [08:19] Psychological Wounds : Being wrongfully imprisoned creates a fundamentally different psychological experience than serving time for an actual crime, with the constant question of "why?" eroding mental health. [12:56] Joseph's Story : Joseph Sledge spent 37 years in prison for a double murder he didn't commit. After his exoneration, he struggled to adjust to a changed world, eventually taking his own life after five years of freedom. [15:39] Houses of Healing : In partnership with journalists Mandy Locke and Alex Granados of Second Act Farm, the center is building two small homes—one for exonerees to live in temporarily and another for family reunification and service providers. [21:41] How to Help : You can donate funds, purchase items from an Amazon gift list for the homes, or attend work days and the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony in May. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
From bartender to high school English teacher to senior claims counsel, Warren Savage ’s winding career path brings valuable skills to his role at Lawyers Mutual . He sits down with host Amber Nimocks for a conversation about supporting small and solo practitioners, including lots of NCAJ members. Drawing from his insurance defense background, Warren offers a unique perspective on bridging divides between opposing counsel. He and colleagues from Lawyers Mutual will share insights during NCAJ’s Sidebar Social events at cities around the state this spring and summer. Click here to learn more. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Warren Savage Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:27] JV Coach to Claims Counsel : Warren jokes about his path from high school English teacher to legal claims counsel, saying he "didn't know what I wanted to be until I was 40." [04:35] Back Behind the Bar : Warren and his wife recently purchased House Creek Beverage Company, bringing his career full circle from his bartending days. [05:30] Teaching Skills Transfer : His background in teaching prepared Warren perfectly for his current role delivering CLEs to attorneys across the state. [07:49] Sidebar Socials : Warren enjoys participating in these events because they give him the opportunity to meet NCAJ members in-person and not in a crisis situation. [08:57] Solo Support Network : NCAJ members often come from small or solo firms without built-in mentorship, making Lawyers Mutual's support especially valuable. [11:02] Insurance Defense Beginnings : Despite initially declaring he'd never become an insurance defense lawyer, Warren's first position proved invaluable to his current work. [13:29] Bridge Builder : Having worked with both plaintiff and defense attorneys, Warren often serves as a peacemaker between opposing counsel. [16:22] Persistent Pitfalls : Despite technological advances, the most common issues remain timeless: statute of limitations problems and managing difficult clients. [19:50] Proactive Networking : Warren highlights the importance of young attorneys reaching out proactively for mentorship, citing Lex-Jordan Ibegbu as an exemplary model. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
With February being CLE season at NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Lauren Newton , an NCAJ leader who has helped develop popular CLEs, including the auto torts series. Lauren also discusses her involvement in other NCAJ initiatives, such as helping launch its Women’s Caucus. She describes serving as a delegate for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and – if all that’s not enough – acting as an avid Instagram poster outside of her law practice. Visit the NCAJ’s event calendar to learn about upcoming CLEs . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Lauren Newton Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:25] Amazing CLEs : Lauren reveals the secrets behind the NCAJ’s successful CLEs, including the virtual technology that broadens participation among trial lawyers. [08:12] Liens and Disbursements : For eight or nine years, Lauren has presented at this popular seminar that covers the “necessary evil” that all plaintiffs’ lawyers have to contend with. She’ll do so again this year, on Feb. 21. [08:49] The Women’s Caucus : Lauren recalls how she helped launch this NCAJ group shortly after she had her first child. She served as the chair for two years. [12:18] Secure Leave : The caucus spurred the codification of secured leave, a policy that protects lawyers who need to take off more than the previous standard of three weeks for childbirth or adoption. [15:53]: Women’s Caucus Retreat : It’s gotten bigger and bigger each year. It's different from other events because it transcends one practice area. This year, it will be held on March 13 and 14. [20:19] Find Her on Instagram : Lauren’s Instagram journey began when she decided to document all the “crazy decisions” she made while shepherding DIY projects at home. [28:33] AAJ Delegate : In addition to her work with NCAJ, Lauren is a delegate to the American Association for Justice (AAJ). She describes the group’s work ending forced arbitrations in the employment context. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
NCAJ President Kevin Bunn encourages attorneys to stay focused on advocating for vulnerable people and to resist any urge to check out because of frustration with the political climate. Bunn joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a midterm chat. One of the first in his family to attend college, he reflects on how different his perspective and political beliefs might be but for attending UNC. He reminds listeners that, although people may have different perspectives, it doesn’t mean they can’t find common ground. NCAJ members are often the only ones advocating for clients facing down powerful institutions, and NCAJ has a legacy of fighting for fair laws and a level playing field, he says. “I think that’s what sets us apart.” 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Kevin Bunn | LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [09:31] All Lawmakers the Same? Background and education influence perspective, but that doesn’t mean that someone with a different view is a bad person. [10:54] A Unique Role: All lawyers are sworn to uphold the Constitution regardless of the type of law they practice. [11:45] No Time to Check Out! Focus on your clients and on the people you represent. [14:03] NCAJ Membership on the Rise: It’s critical to find ways for members to come together in person. [15:12] The Anonymous Internet: People who know each other are kinder to each other.The anonymity of the internet tests that. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
NCAJ is losing a longtime member, but North Carolinians are gaining a judge on January 1, 2025. Sean Cole is passionate about service, his two constituents – the public and the Constitution – and the law. Also about having a sense of humor. Sean visits host Amber Nimocks for a retrospective on the various turns his life has taken. Twenty-four years ago, he was invited to interview for a plaintiffs’ firm but needed a friend to dig his car out of a snow drift so he could make the appointment. This year, he received a call asking him to run for the bench at the same time he was mulling where the next road would take him. “I really like wearing robes to work,” he jokes. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Sean Cole, judge-elect for Judicial District 10C of the North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division. 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:51] Interesting Tidbits : NCAJ’s member database has a treasure trove of information about Sean, such as his description of his meeting space: broad, open savannahs and mangrove swamps. [04:39] Encouragement and Inspiration : Sean celebrates the opportunities he enjoyed and relationships he built during his involvement with NCAJ. [08:56] Money : That’s Sean’s answer to a question that voters frequently asked him: What’s the biggest problem facing the judicial system? [14:56] Road to Damascus : Sean stepped away from defense to the plaintiff’s side after realizing that, if he did a good job on defense, someone who was hurt would either get less than they should or perhaps nothing at all. [25:21] Rules, Loopholes, Norms : Borrowing from Jon Stewart on The Daily Show , Sean places the judge’s role in the context of these three concepts in government. [27:54] Access : As a judge, Sean can’t give legal advice, but he can – and plans to – make himself available to the community, for example, at meetings, civic groups, or speaking engagements. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Fresh from profiling Ben Whitley for NCAJ’s flagship publication, Amber Nimocks invites him on the podcast so listeners can hear the story of this winning PI lawyer at Whitley Law Firm and familiar face on WRAL. From watching his father help clients as a child to launching his own career at the firm’s satellite office to honing his marketing skills before TV cameras, Ben reviews his career and highlights one constant: commitment to community. Click here to read Amber’s “Hero Profile” of Ben in Trial Briefs. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Ben Whitley Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram Whitley Law Firm on LinkedIn | Instagram | X | YouTube 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:26] Media Pioneer : Ben’s father, Bob, started advertising on television soon after the US Supreme Court allowed it. As Ben explains, his father’s technique was to approach the public like he was speaking to a jury. [08:32] Community Cares : The Whitley Law Firm highlights a different charity each month as part of its commitment to pro bono service. Learn more about this partnership with WRAL here . [15:35] UIM Stacking : Ben recently played an important role in persuading state legislators to change laws on uninsured motorist stacking and expand coverage limits. [15:51] Force for Change : In addition to being a member of NCAJ for two decades, Ben is actively involved in state politics to “make real changes for lives of North Carolinians.” [19:21] Earning His Wings : Ben grew up watching his father practice law, but before he received his law license, he got a different one: a pilot’s license. [24:51] Operation Airdrop : Ben is a member of this civilian air fleet that delivers supplies to needy communities when a hurricane or major disaster strikes. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Ian Mance has worked for almost 20 years on criminal and racial justice policy and litigation in North Carolina. His long-term projects include developing strategies for leveraging a database of law enforcement traffic stops in the state. Ian will offer a hands-on presentation about the database and its application in the courts at NCAJ’s upcoming Criminal Defense CLE. Twenty-five years ago, North Carolina was the first state to pass a law to create the database that logs enforcement patterns at traffic stops. Today, that database has information on 36 million stops. As Ian explains to host Amber Nimocks, the CLE will arm attorneys with strategies for using the data on behalf of clients with racial profiling claims. Click here to learn more and register for the NCAJ’s CLE on December 13, where Ian will present on “The Use of Traffic Stop Database in Litigating Criminal Cases.” 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Ian Mance Connect: LinkedIn | Emancipate NC | Instagram | Facebook 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:17] What Traffic Stops Show: The state’s database can reveal selective enforcement, commonly known as racial profiling, at traffic stops. Lawyers can access the information online. [03:40] State v. Johnson : This was the first appellate case to consider the traffic stop data in a defense context. Ian will explain the case and its implications at the December 13 CLE. [06:33] Treasure Trove : The traffic stop database contains information including the reason for the stop, the race of the driver and passengers, and anything notable that occurred. [08:13] The Pattern : The database shows that Black drivers are about twice as likely to be stopped and about three to four times as likely to be searched – a pattern that has persisted over the years. [18:26] Proactive Policing : Ian encourages police to use the database before a defense lawyer does: “I’ll say, ‘You can use this website to proactively monitor your officers.’” [21:39] The Greensboro Phenomenon : After a New York Times ’ expose on the city’s racialized pattern of making stops for non-moving, non-safety reasons, the city prohibited police from making those types of stops. The result was “unheard of,” Ian says. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Artemis Malekpour, a partner at Malekpour & Ball who specializes in strategic jury selection and solutions to case problems, previews the session she will lead at NCAJ’s November 7 CLE. The program will focus on evidence and pretrial motions, and attendees will participate in an interactive exercise on voir dire. In addition to laying out her CLE, Artemis joins host Amber Nimocks to share her insights on the importance of understanding jurors' perspectives and crafting trial themes based on their values. She highlights the need for attorneys to listen actively during voir dire, respect jurors' opinions, and create a connection with them. Learn more about the CLE at ncaj.com/events . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Artemis Malekpour at Malekpour & Ball Connect: Email | LinkedIn | Trial Guides 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:06] Jury Selection in North Carolina : Lawyers have more time here than in other states. Artemis suggests using that time to establish rapport, credibility, and connection. [08:57] “ Weird Path” : She thought she wanted to go into psychology. Then psychiatry. In grad school, Artemis became fascinated by a “guilty but mentally ill” bill related to a psychiatrist who was sued by UNC. [22:07] Showing Respect : Like all of us, jurors want to feel important, valued, and that they matter. Voir dire is the time to show that, Artemis believes. [25:20] Politics : You don’t want to bring politics into voir dire, but Artemis thinks it’s important to understand how it informs trial. [28:47] No Sitting Back and Watching : Attendees at Artemis’s interactive session during the November 7 CLE will be encouraged to participate as they deconstruct a voir dire. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Emily Beeson didn’t know that she would pursue a legal career when she got her first position as a bilingual case manager, and then as a paralegal. But after she was in that role for a while, she realized “this is a great opportunity for growth.” Law school followed. Now with a decade of experience, she is the lead workers’ compensation lawyer for Ward Black Law . She’s also a 2023 graduate of the NCAJ Next Leadership Program. On October 18, she’ll share the wisdom she gained from being a paralegal at NCAJ’s Fall Conference for Paralegals . Register here . Joining host Amber Nimocks, Emily previews her presentation, including her thoughts about the role that empathy plays in interacting with the client. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Emily Beeson | LinkedIn Connect: Ward Black Law | Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn | YouTube 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:16] Point of Contact :: From three years of paralegal experience, Emily knows how paralegals support a client: fielding questions, answering phone calls, and interpreting legalese. [03:45] Client Misconceptions : Clients often think their lawyer has more power than they really do. Lawyers, of course, do have some power – but it’s in the confines of the court. [06:13] Hallmarks of a Great Paralegal : The ability to anticipate the needs of the case right from the start is one quality that separates a great paralegal from the rest. [09:55] From Jargon to the Layman : As a mentor once told Emily: “If you are trying to explain a difficult concept to a client, explain it as if you were talking to a third-grader.” [12:24] Empathy for the Client : To succeed for their client, legal professionals need to remember that this is the first time, and hopefully the only time, that the client is going through a traumatic experience. [16:02] Delivering Bad News : It starts with setting the client’s expectations early and offering fallback plans if that time comes. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Artificial intelligence is transforming how lawyers research the facts and laws pertaining to their cases, negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and strategize the best way to present a case, so those who don’t keep up with the technology will be left behind, best-selling author Brian Carter says in this conversation with NCAJ host Amber Nimocks . Carter is one of several AI experts who will speak at NCAJ’s upcoming Mountain Magic conference in Asheville Oct. 3-5. Go to www.ncaj.com/mountain-magic to register. Insurance companies already have vast databases about settlements, and they’re using AI to help them decide settlement offers, so lawyers who aren’t also using AI are already behind, he explains. The best way to begin to use new technology is to use it as often as possible, Brian suggests, just as everyone did to learn the internet. For example, to learn AI programs that synthesize information, he recommends giving your program a list of ingredients and asking it to suggest recipes that include those ingredients. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Brian Carter Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [03:21] Lawyers Are Slow to Use Technology : Many law practices took a long time trying to figure out how to incorporate the internet and social media. [09:14] Some Jump in Too Early, Others Too Late : Not all technology works for every industry, and early leaders are the first to understand that. The second wave learns new technology when it becomes clear that it’s useful. Others are just too late. [10:18] Insurance Companies Are Ahead : They have a lot of data, and AI helps them shape settlement offers. [11:10] Pool Info for Greater Advantage : If law firms pool data, they can help each other against the insurance companies. [12:17] Learn the AI Programs : Each type of AI has strengths and limitations. Learn which AI is most useful for different tasks. [14:46] Understand a Firm’s Human Strengths : When law firms know the strengths and weaknesses of their team, it helps them decide how to use AI to fill in the gaps for such skills as memorizing details and frees up people to do what they do best. [16:57] Big Companies Test the Limits : Companies use AI to answer phones, direct callers, and test other ways to maximize profits by minimizing costs. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols , NCAJ’s Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks. Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including Senate Bill 319 , which was passed this summer, Chris describes how the law will affect personal injury lawyers and their clients. He offers a look into what’s in store come next July, starting with new minimum limits on a rolling basis. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name : Christopher Nichols | LinkedIn | Email Connect: Nichols Law Firm | Facebook | Phone 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [03:49] Senate Bill 319 : This bill represents technical corrections to SB 452, which would change minimum limits in liability insurance in North Carolina starting in January 2025. Plaintiffs’ personal injury lawyers were “hyped and excited” about 452. Then, things started to happen… [06:04 ] “Stack and Compare” : For nearly three decades, plaintiffs’ lawyers would “stack and compare” all possible uninsured motorist policies with the liability policy to determine the offset. SB 319 codified that practice, clearing up confusion that followed the N.C. Supreme Court decision in Farm Bureau v. Hebert this spring. [08:21 ] The Frankenstein Statute : SB 319’s drafters collaborated with the insurance industry to update the definition of underinsurance, dubbed the “Frankenstein Statute” because it’s a creation built by many stakeholders who have changed text in one document over time. [09:53] July 2025 : The corrections reflected in SB 319 go into effect, including this one: Every driver will have $100,000 in coverage, assuming somebody else has liability insurance. [19:22] The Impact of Raising the Minimum : Hint: It doesn’t mean more car accidents. It just means more coverage. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram & LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
As a successful trial attorney, Raleigh native and solo practitioner Lex-Jordan Ibegbu credits the NCAJ NEXT Leadership program with helping him build a community of colleagues and mentors. With Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks, Lex-Jordan “drops some gems” of inspiration for the next class of NEXT fellows. Collaborating with NCAJ, his goal is to positively affect the citizens of North Carolina “because that's what it's all about at the end of the day.” Tune in to hear how he does that through his determination, connection with NCAJ, and even his experience as a musician. NCAJ is accepting applications for the NEXT class of 2025 until September 16. Click here to learn more and apply. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name : Lex-Jordan Ibegbu Connect : Ibegbu Law, PLLC | Email | X | Instagram | Facebook 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [6:33] Growing Up in Southeast Raleigh : He was both shielded from and exposed to the neighborhood’s ruggedness, a unique experience that still impacts him today in all arenas of his life. [12:43] Music to the Jury’s Ears: His background as a recording artist with thousands of songs to his credit helps him strategically use inflection, tones, and pauses to make his voice heard in the courtroom. [13:26] Hanging Out His Shingle : One of the few NEXT fellows to build a solo practice, Lex-Jordan counts upon his entrepreneurial spirit to guide his career. [16:30] One Door Closes, Another Opens : After losing one job, he was hired by another firm that embraced his talents. And that role convinced him that he could eventually start his own practice, which he did. [24:56] How NEXT Helps : If being an attorney is isolating at times, the NEXT program introduces its fellows to colleagues and mentors who support and inspire. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram & LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
“The swingiest of swing, and the purplest of purple.” That’s North Carolina as we gear up for the hotly contested 2024 election season. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ , host Amber Nimocks welcomes seasoned political consultants Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker to the show to discuss North Carolina's political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections. Tune in as they discuss how media consumption is evolving so campaigns must find a way to adapt their strategies. Increasing voter turnout is critical for both parties in this election, as is finding a way to attract unaffiliated voters. North Carolina’s gubernatorial race is also gearing up to be one of the most important in the nation. Learn just how pivotal North Carolina is as a battleground state in national politics this election cycle. Morgan and Paul will speak at the NCAJ Convention in June. You can register for Convention 2024 here . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Paul Shumaker Connect: Capitol Communications, Inc. | Email | LinkedIn Name: Morgan Jackson Connect: Nexus Strategies | Email | LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:13] Suburban Surge: Whether soccer moms or grill dads, the suburban population in North Carolina is booming with new residents, many of whom are college-educated and female. [04:31] Exponential Urban Growth: Since the last presidential election, Wake and Mecklenburg counties have gained an average of 90 new voters a day, leaving smaller counties, like Henderson, in the dust. [05:06] The Swingest of Swing States: Because North Carolina has both urban and rural areas to offset any deficiencies in one demographic for either party, we’re seeing both sides commit significant resources to ensure the state swings their way. [06:50] Meeting Voters Where They Are: With the media becoming more segmented and greater options for voters to “cut cords” or avoid advertisements when getting the news, campaigns must meet voters where they are if they want to get their messages across. [08:09] Finding the Undecideds: Like businesses, campaigns use consumer data to find likely voters and potential voters because the undecided voters are often the most important segment of the population. [11:48] An Uber-Important Gubernatorial Race: Not only is the gubernatorial race going to be the most expensive in the country, it may also be the only race where Republicans have a chance to gain a seat in a presidential election year. [16:12] Fear or Hope: In recent years, we’ve seen a trend that suggests elections are as much about fear about the other candidate winning as they are about having hope in your own candidate. [17:26] Veto-Proof: If Democrats don’t remedy their voter turnout problem, especially with young voters and minorities, North Carolina may be gearing up to maintain the Republican supermajority for another term. [18:26] Repellent for Suburban Swing Votes: Though voter turnout generally expands in urban and suburban areas in presidential years, Republicans face the challenge of having nominated a candidate that repels many suburban voters. [21:15] Unaffiliated but Not Unimportant: The largest single voting block in North Carolina is unaffiliated voters, so to succeed, both Republicans and Democrats are going to have to chip away at this segment. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram & LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
Like it or not, law firms are businesses. Lawyers who own their own firms are business people as well as lawyers, but how can lawyers effectively handle the business side of their practice? In this episode of Voices of NCAJ , host Amber Nimocks speaks with experienced plaintiffs’ attorney Dan Bryson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, LLC , one of the largest and most successful plaintiffs’ firms in the country. Tune in as Amber and Dan discuss tips for building up a law firm from the business side including, contingency fees versus hourly billing, keeping up with emerging technology such as AI, and getting out of bad cases. Dan will present at NCAJ's upcoming Strategy Summmit, a Marketing, Business Development & Innovation Conference for Legal Professionals, Sept. 12-13. Register here . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Dan Bryson | LinkedIn | NCAJ Hero Profile Connect: Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, LLC | LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [00:35] NCAJ Convention 2024: Join Dan Bryson as he speaks about building a successful law firm at NCAJ Convention 2024 in June. Register for Convention at www.ncaj.com/convention-2024 . [02:06] Why Dan Does Plaintiffs’ Work: Dan Bryson began his career doing civil defense. He discusses what his experience was like, and why he made a career change and began doing plaintiffs’ work. [06:17] The Business of Plaintiffs’ Firms: Running a plaintiffs’ firm is a challenge. What type of work to do, how to get clients, and how to get paid are all things a plaintiffs’ firm owner needs to know. [08:45] The Advantage of Contingency Fees: Billing clients hourly is tedious and often leads to clients complaining about their bills. But switching to a contingency fee structure can result in higher revenue and fewer complaints. [11:51] Embrace Emerging Technology: Dan was a pioneer of law firm internet marketing, and he discusses embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to increase a firm’s efficiency. [14:55] Tips for Building a Successful Law Firm: Lawyers face diverse obstacles everyday, and it is important to be grounded in your work, and also to get out of bad cases as soon as possible. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram & LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!…
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