North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Icons & Phenoms 2024

CELEBRA

& PHENOMS 2024

Emily J. Beeson

Ashley M. Coghill

Table of Contents

Meredith P. Brewer .....................................................

Nia Doaks ..................................................................

Alexandra J. Hirsch

Melissa M. Jaskolka ...................................................

Jeffrey M. Kelly

Michele L. Livingstone ............................................... Page 14

Jeremy M. Locklear Page 14

Garen Marshall .......................................................... Page 14

Lillian C. Martin-Mashburn Page 14

Whitney R. Pakalka .................................................... Page 15

Tatiana Terry Page 15

Stanley G. Abrams ..................................................... Page 16

Charlotte-Anne T. Alexander Page 16

Ernest R. Lee ............................................................. Page 18

C. Amanda Martin Page 18

Caryn C. McNeill ........................................................ Page 19

Mark W. Merritt Page 19

Maureen Demarest Murray .......................................... Page 19

Robin E. Shea Page 20

Donald R. Vaughan .................................................... Page 20

Hon. Ralph A. Walker Page 20

Robert K. Walsh ......................................................... Page 20

Ronald G. Baker ......................................................... Page 16 Page 16 ........................................................ Page 17 Page 17 ............................................................ Page 17 Page 17 ...................................................... Page 18 Page 18

Emily Beeson credits her first mentor with motivating her to be strong, resilient and humble in work and in life.

“Lawrence Egerton told me that as lawyers and leaders, we must be ‘big enough for everybody to walk on us,’” she says. “That advice empowered me to stand up for myself and my staff when we face difficult situations, and it reminded me to be resilient and compassionate in those moments.”

As a child, Beeson says she had no idea she would ever be interested in law until she put her degree in Spanish language and literature to use as a bilingual case manager at a Greensboro personal injury firm. That work inspired her to enroll in law school at Elon University.

Today, as the lead attorney for workers' compensation at Ward Black Law, Beeson advocates for individuals who have been injured at work.

She considers every positive outcome a top accomplishment.

“The individuals whose lives are impacted by serious injuries make my job important,” she says

ASHLEY M. COGHILL PARTNER

DAVIS HARTMAN WRIGHT NEW BERN

Reared in North Carolina’s Triangle region, Ashley Coghill set a goal to become a helpful neighbor like the ones she grew up around. As a lawyer, her pro bono work and referral network of peers and clients have allowed her to become that helpful neighbor she dreamed of.

As a partner at Davis Hartman Wright in New Bern, Coghill defends clients in construction, insurance and professional liability matters. She earned her law degree at Campbell University.

Coghill gained experience early in her career by tackling pro bono projects intended to help underserved individuals and communities.

“I challenged myself to learn new areas of law and to help folks who had limited options,” she says.

A year or two out of law school, she helped a young woman undergoing gender reassignment change her name.

“I was honored to be part of her journey to becoming the person she wanted to be,” Coghill says. “I’ve since assisted others with the same issue, and I silently thank her every time.”

MEREDITH P. BREWER OF

COUNSEL

MAYNARD NEXSEN RALEIGH

Early in Meredith Brewer’s career, she discovered a way to make a meaningful impact in young people’s lives when she perceived a need for legal services related to Title IX.

“Drawing on my passion to help others navigate complex rules and policies, I established a Title IX practice at my law firm,” she says. “It involved extensive research and required me to stay abreast of developments in the legal landscape surrounding this area of law.”

Growing up in Raleigh, Brewer was drawn to the intricacies of law at a young age. She earned her law degree at Wake Forest University and is of counsel in Maynard Nexsen's government investigations and white-collar defense practice group.

She credits her network of female mentors for helping her become sure-footed in her career.

“As a young female professional, I have learned it is important to cultivate confidence and self-advocacy to advance goals and opportunities,” she says. “Building a strong support network is a catalyst to achieving growth and success.”

NIA DOAKS ATTORNEY

CONSTANGY, BROOKS, SMITH & PROPHETE

RALEIGH

As a child, Nia Doaks immersed herself in episodes of the television show “Law and Order” and was fascinated with the legal process. As she grew older, she developed a passion for mentoring others.

“In college, I held leadership positions in a variety of organizations, and I developed a huge interest in leading and advising others,” she says. “As an attorney, I wanted to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves due to the complexity of the law.”

Doaks participated in a dual degree program at Wake Forest University, earning her law degree and a Master of Business Administration. Today, she practices employment law at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete in Raleigh.

When Doaks graduated from high school, her parents gave her a gift inscribed with the quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail.”

“That quote has always stuck with me, and I continue to embody its spirit in everything I do,” she says.

Before going to law school, Alex Hirsch spent two years working as a staff operations specialist for the FBI. She interacted with attorneys when she appeared on the witness stand during trials.

That experience introduced her to a new career path, and after a brief stint as a professional tennis player, she enrolled in the Charlotte School of Law, graduating summa cum laude.

She went on to serve as an attorney in the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, a role she considers her top professional accomplishment.

“Although I only served four years in the Reserves, I am proud to have been able to offer my legal expertise to support those who defend our freedom,” she says.

Today, she is a partner at Fox Rothschild, where she focuses on commercial claims and subrogation for catastrophic property damage.

She credits her parents with inspiring her strong work ethic.

“My parents taught me that with determination and perseverance, no obstacle is too big to overcome,” she says.

JEFFREY M. KELLY PARTNER

NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH RALEIGH

As a leader at the intersection of law, business and technology, Jeff Kelly has a track record of advancing these disciplines to improve access to justice. He has become a rising star in the world of emerging technology law and regulation.

“I grew up during the dot-com bubble and have always been fascinated by technology’s impact on society,” he says. “I was proud to support the launch of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Innovation Lab last year.”

Kelly, who earned his law degree at Campbell University, is a partner at Nelson Mullins.

His grandfather, Richard Masaaki Yamada, was one of the original members of the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) of the U.S. Army and was among the first responders when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“Grandpa Yamada passed away when I was 11, but I was fortunate to learn from him during my formative years, and I have gained a deeper appreciation for his service through continued research.”

MELISSA M. JASKOLKA PARTNER

POYNER SPRUILL CHARLOTTE

Missy Jaskolka is known for her innate ability to lead by example. Her high standards and professionalism inspire her colleagues to elevate their

She is a partner at Poyner Spruill and represents financial institutions and other entities. Her interest in finance was sparked just after high

“I worked at a couple of regional banks in Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually I found my way into the privacy department, where I was responsible for building and maintaining compliance programs for the banks,” she says.

“This was my first interaction with legal matters, and I enjoyed it.”

She earned both her law degree and Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Marshall College of Law.

A mentor once told her to never turn down work and to always be available. She admits that while that can be overwhelming, she learned everything would balance out in the end.

“I believe this advice has been a big factor in the growth of my practice,” she says.

Michele Livingstone was 5 when she decided she wanted to be an attorney, even though she wasn’t sure what an attorney was.

“I was told that attorneys talk a lot, argue and get to read for a living,” she says. “Five-year-old me was sold.”

She earned her law degree from Wake Forest University and is an associate at Poyner Spruill, where she focuses on civil and commercial litigation.

Today, she loves practicing law as much as she thought she would. As a young attorney, she learned how easy it was to get overwhelmed and fall prey to imposter syndrome. A piece of advice she received helped her overcome her doubts.

“Someone told me it gets easier, and it’s true,” she says. “It has been rewarding to reflect on how much I have grown as an attorney, and now, when I am having trouble navigating a problem, I take solace in knowing that the next time I’m faced with the same issue, it will be easier.”

GAREN MARSHALL

COUNSEL

MCGUIREWOODS CHARLOTTE

Garen Marshall was a high school junior in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center.

“That day changed the course of my life,” he said.

He enlisted in the Navy and served five years.

When his service ended, he returned home to attend the City University of New York. A professor recommended he observe federal court proceedings in a terrorism trial.

“That was my first time in a federal courthouse, and I was hooked,” he says.

He received his law degree from New York University School of Law and went on to serve as a federal prosecutor. Today, he is a criminal defense attorney at McGuireWoods in Charlotte.

Marshall once served as a federal judicial law clerk and enjoyed helping the judge prepare for court proceedings.

“I asked how she always seemed ready for any issue that arose in the courtroom,” he says. “Her response was, ‘You never let them see you sweat.’”

JEREMY M. LOCKLEAR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

PARKER POE

CHARLOTTE

A self-described born and bred Tar Heel, Jeremy Locklear grew up with a love for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He received his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law and is an associate at Parker Poe in Charlotte, where he practices employment law.

A member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Locklear grew up in a rural North Carolina community, where the residents are predominantly American Indians.

“These experiences helped shape my worldview and provided me with a well-rounded background,” he says. “My goal is always to put my clients in the best position for success,”

Locklear recently won his first jury trial.

“It was hard work, but the results were worth the effort,” he says.

Someone once reminded Locklear that life is a marathon, not a sprint. That advice stuck with him.

“It helped me learn to enjoy the journey as I navigate toward my ultimate destination,” he says.

LILLIAN C. MARTIN-MASHBURN

PARTNER

MORRIS, MANNING & MARTIN RALEIGH

As a partner at Morris, Manning & Martin’s tax practice, Lili MartinMashburn is on the cutting edge of rapidly changing laws and regulations.

For Martin-Mashburn, her career has been a journey to discover the kind of lawyer she wants to be.

“When I entered law school, I planned on graduating with a dual degree in law and public health, but by my second year, I thought I’d become a corporate litigator,” she says.

Then, on her first day of work at MMM, the head of the litigation group suggested she start by helping the tax group. It was such a great fit that she stayed.

“Ten years later, I am still enjoying how MMM’s tax practice suits my desire to constantly learn and be creative,” she says.

Martin-Mashburn made history this year when she became the first woman in MMM’s tax group to be elected a partner at the firm.

“This achievement reflects the leadership role I’ve taken and the firm’s confidence in me,” she says.

Growing up in Texas and watching her father practice law gave Whitney Pakalka a deep respect for the profession, but she never thought she’d want to become a lawyer. After she graduated from college, she had a change of heart.

“I realized that the law is something I’d be good at and would enjoy,” she says. "I would get to help people solve problems, and every case is different, which keeps it interesting.”

Pakalka earned her law degree from Wake Forest University and is a senior associate at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, where she practices complex commercial litigation.

Active in her community, Pakalka enjoys chairing the board of trustees for Historic Bethabara Park and serving on the board of the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina.

Of all the guidance she has received over the years, her go-to advice is to appreciate every day.

“That advice helps me keep things in perspective on difficult days,” she says.

TATIANA TERRY

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

HEDRICK GARDNER KINCHELOE AND GAROFALO

RALEIGH

To say Tatiana Terry is a high achiever is an understatement. Before turning 30, she had already been a civil litigation attorney, assistant district attorney and a professor of law at Campbell University, her alma mater.

Terry can remember dreaming of becoming a lawyer when she was a child. She credits her parents with supporting her goals.

“I remember asking my mother to take me to Durham County Teen Court to volunteer,” Terry says. “I was smitten with the experience and volunteered as a prosecutor every week.”

As an associate at Hedrick Gardner, Terry focuses on litigation. Of all her accomplishments, she considers her first trial as the most important.

“It was a criminal contempt case that later led to a federal indictment and the imprisonment of a general contractor who was defrauding the elderly out of millions of dollars,” she says. “It was the first time I ever tried a case as a licensed attorney, and I’ll never forget that feeling.”

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STANLEY G. ABRAMS

ATTORNEY

N.C. EMINENT DOMAIN LAW FIRM DURHAM

Stan Abrams started his career as a general practice attorney before joining the N.C. Department of Justice as an assistant attorney general representing the N.C. Department of Transportation in condemnation litigation.

He switched his focus and began representing property owners in eminent domain matters, which he specializes in with the N.C. Eminent Domain Law Firm. His goal is to be the best in the business.

Abrams grew up in Wilson, where he watched his father use his law degree to help others. He saw the legal profession as a way he could follow in his father’s footsteps.

“My philosophy is based on Colossians 3:23-24,” he says. “I believe if my overriding goal is to help people and serve others and I work hard doing that, everything else generally takes care of itself.”

Growing up in a small town influenced Abrams’ view of what it means to be a good neighbor.

“You do for your neighbor just as you do for yourself,” he says. “Your family keeps you accountable, and your handshake is as good as law.”

RONALD G. BAKER PARTNER

SHARPE, GRAHAM, BAKER & VARNELL AHOSKIE

When college and law school beckoned, Ron Baker left his hometown of Ahoskie for Chapel Hill, where he earned his bachelor’s and law degrees with honors from the University of North Carolina. He practiced law in Greensboro before returning home to Ahoskie, where he eventually joined Sharp, Graham, Baker & Varnell. Today, he practices civil litigation, including defending medical and legal malpractice cases.

Active in the legal community, Baker served as president of the North Carolina State Bar and the N.C. Association of Defense Attorneys. He also served as state representative to the Defense Research Institute and is a member of the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners.

Baker is a past chair of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, a former member of the Hertford County Board of Education and a former president and director of the Hertford County Committee of 100. He also is devoted to the Jaycees and is an ambassador and life member of both the local and national Jaycees.

CHARLOTTE-ANNE T.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY COLOMBO, KITCHIN, DUNN, BALL & PORTER

Charlotte-Anne Alexander says she stumbled into her career when she decided her original goal to become a psychiatrist would not work out. Law became her backup plan, and she earned her Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio.

“I enjoyed writing, civics and debate and wanted to help vulnerable individuals, and a career in law was a good fit,” she says.

After law school, she crammed as much as she could fit into her car and moved to North Carolina to begin her career.

Today, she is a partner at Colombo Kitchin Dunn, Ball & Porter in Greenville, where she practices elder, estates, trusts and guardianship law.

She says her first job with AmeriCorps shaped her current law practice. She worked at Pamlico Sound Legal Services in Greenville, serving small community-based organizations and nonprofits.

“I took the scenic route to get to where I am today, but I have found the right areas of practice for my particular talents and interests,” she says

CHERI L. BEASLEY SHAREHOLDER

HAYNSWORTH SINKLER BOYD RALEIGH

Cheri Beasley’s distinguished legal career spans more than 30 years and is marked by her term as chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

The first African American woman to hold the position, she served as chief justice from March 2019 until December 2020. She began her service on the court in 2012.

She is a shareholder at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd in Raleigh, where she focuses on commercial litigation and economic development.

She recently served as a fall 2023 resident fellow at Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics.

Beasley is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law and Douglass College of Rutgers University. She earned a Master of Laws in judicial studies from Duke University School of Law.

Among her many other honors are the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented in 2023, and the North Carolina Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award and Citizen Lawyer Award, presented in 2021.

DAVID BENBOW IV

SENIOR PARTNER

BENBOW, DAVIDSON AND MARTIN STATESVILLE

David Benbow grew up in Statesville, where he practices law today.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he enlisted in the Army, which assigned him to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. He served along the Demilitarized Zone and saw eight of his comrades killed. When he returned home, he enrolled in law school at UNC on the GI Bill and graduated in 1972

He is a senior partner at Benbow, Davidson and Martin, representing clients in a wide variety of matters.

“I believe it is our duty to help people, and that is why I still enjoy practicing law at age 79,” he says.

Benbow received The Charlotte Observer’s Hero of Democracy Award for his testimony about the use of Agent Orange along the DMZ, which resulted in benefits for veterans who had been affected.

When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending time in nature

“Outside the law, I relax by walking in the woods,” he says. “I also enjoy writing, and I’ve had seven poems published.”

KEVIN B. BUNN

ATTORNEY

KEVIN BUNN, ATTORNEY AT LAW CARY

Growing up in Raleigh, Kevin Bunn learned the value of an education from her parents. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he worked at a private nonprofit public policy organization but had higher aspirations.

“While the work was rewarding, I decided that becoming an attorney was a good way to develop an independent career that would allow me to earn a living and continue to engage in public policy,” he says.

Bunn enrolled in the University of North Carolina School of Law and today owns a solo practice, where he represents plaintiffs in workers’ compensation matters.

His favorite motto — “keep moving forward, even if just a little” — inspires him to keep going, even when things get tough.

At the end of the day, self-care is important to Bunn, and he advises young attorneys to learn what is most important in their lives.

“Take time to nourish your mind, your body and your relationships,” he says. “You are going to need them all.”

LEANN NEASE BROWN

LeAnn Nease Brown says she took a circuitous route to law.

With her undergraduate degree in history and psychology, she became a counselor with North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.

“I worked with individuals with disabilities to help them return to the workforce and often interacted with their attorneys,” she says. “Ultimately, I decided law school would help me make a greater difference in people’s lives.”

Brown earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She is a member at Brown and Bunch in Greensboro. In 2019-20, she served as the 125th president of the North Carolina Bar Association and president of the North Carolina Bar Foundation.

Over the years, her career has evolved in positive ways.

“I think most lawyers begin law school believing they will have a certain focus in their career, but often interests and opportunities take them in different directions,” she says. “In my career, each experience expanded my knowledge and made me a better lawyer.”

JOHN N. “NICK” FOUNTAIN

OF COUNSEL YOUNG MOORE ATTORNEYS

Nick Fountain grew up the son of an insurance claims manager and a probation officer.

“I heard stories about grievous injury, financial need, drunks, thieves and con artists,” he says. “Lawyers came across as hard-working, caring people with a great sense of humor.”

With that, Fountain decided that a lawyer’s life is what he wanted. He enrolled in law school at Wake Forest University and practices of counsel at Young Moore.

Over his 55-year career, he has believed in giving back and today focuses on community service, including helping set up a nonpartisan voter registration project in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and helping create Preservation Raleigh.

He reflects on the lessons in public service he learned as a clerk for state Supreme Court Justice David M. Britt.

“Many in our society cannot afford to pay a lawyer, and it is important that a lawyer have, at all times, some work on his desk for which he would not get paid,” Fountain says.

RONALD P. JOHNSON

SPECIAL

COUNSEL

CARRUTHERS & ROTH GREENSBORO

Growing up in Clinton, South Carolina, Ron Johnson always knew he wanted to be an attorney.

“I wanted to have a ‘people job’ because I loved interpersonal relationships with clients,” he says. “I also had an insane love of math, so I decided the area of estate planning, estate administration and taxation would be a good fit.”

He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina and moved to Greensboro to practice law, and this year, he celebrates his 50th anniversary as a lawyer. Today, he is a special counsel at Carruthers & Roth in Greensboro.

Johnson has an abiding love for his practice and says he has always strived to be the best attorney he could be.

“In my 50 years of practicing law, I have represented innumerable families and now have represented as many as three generations of dozens of families in the greater Greensboro area,” he says. “I have helped literally thousands of people with estate planning, and I think I have made a difference in the Triad.”

ERNEST R. LEE

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

5TH PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICT JACKSONVILLE

Reared in a U.S. Air Force family, Ernie Lee lived in eight states growing up. He was a student in an Arizona classroom when a teacher sparked his interest in law.

“As a fifth grader, I became interested in law after my teacher inspired me through her love of social studies, government and history,” he says. “I learned that through law one can make a positive difference.”

Lee graduated from Campbell University School of Law and has been a career prosecutor in the 5th Prosecutorial District. He has served as the district attorney since January 2011. He also is the president of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys.

The lessons he has learned across his career run deep, and they have served him well.

“As a young assistant district attorney, I never knew I would become the D.A. one day,” he says. “But I never shied away from the difficult and challenging cases, and I live by the motto: ‘To always do my best, work hard, and treat others professionally and courteously.’”

BRADLEY R. KUTROW

Brad Kutrow discovered his interest in the law and journalism in high school. He majored in journalism and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, worked for the student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel, and interned at North Carolina newspapers.

After he graduated, he covered courts and government for a daily newspaper for two years. Along the way, he discovered some gaps.

“I was frustrated that I didn’t fully understand the court proceedings I was reporting about, so I went to law school at the University of Virginia,” he says. “My reporting experience proved to be great preparation for practicing law.”

A partner in McGuireWoods’ financial services litigation department, Kutrow co-chairs the firm’s appeals and issues group. After three decades in practice, he reflects on the lessons he learned from attorneys along the way and enjoys giving back.

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to handle a wide array of cases,” he says. “These days, I really enjoy helping young lawyers develop their own skills and know-how.”

C. AMANDA MARTIN

SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW FIRST AMENDMENT CLINIC DURHAM

As a young lawyer, Amanda Martin devoted her time to developing her skills as a communications lawyer and building a foundation that would serve her well in her career.

Her practice led her to the newspaper industry, culminating with her appointment as general counsel of the North Carolina Press Association, a title she still holds. She also was recently named supervising attorney for the First Amendment Clinic at the Duke University School of Law, a role she loves

“I am equally committed to legal education as to client representation,” she says. “My primary aspiration now is to teach law students how to develop as lawyers.”

Martin calls herself “a student of Atticus Finch,” the lawyer in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She says she was drawn to a profession that would serve justice and strive to increase equality in the world.

“I found my way to the area of media law, where I hope I have helped journalists investigate and report the news, sometimes shining light on important issues,” she says

CARYN C. M ATTORNEY

SMITH ANDERSON RALEIGH

Caryn McNeill remembers specific interactions with attorneys in middle school, high school and college who impacted her career aspirations, starting with a local judge she interviewed for a class project. She recalls the grace he showed her when she forgot to turn on her tape recorder and allowed her to re-interview him.

Other attorneys also took time from their busy schedules to help her with class projects, and she is forever grateful.

“My interactions with these lawyers, who were working on interesting matters and were exceedingly generous with their time, played a big part in my decision to go to law school,” she says.

Mitchell is a member of the management committee at Smith Anderson in Raleigh and leads the firm’s employment and compensation practice group. But the role she most enjoys is serving as a member of her firm’s lawyer development committee.

“This committee supports the professional development of our lawyers, and I’ve learned there’s a lot of joy to be found in helping others achieve their goals,” she says.

MAUREEN DEMAREST MURRAY

PARTNER FOX ROTHSCHILD GREENSBORO

When Maureen Demarest Murray was in high school, her mother encouraged her to take classes in typing and home economics. Instead, she gravitated to mechanical drawing.

“I thought I wanted to be an architect,” she says. “However, I learned my vision was better expressed in words than drawings and models, so I decided to become a lawyer, and it was the best decision I have ever made.”

Murray earned her law degree from Vanderbilt University, where she was a Patrick Wilson scholar. She is a partner at Fox Rothschild, where she co-chairs the firm’s national health law practice group. She has discovered a passion for health law and has worked hard to learn the inner workings of the health care sector.

“Once you understand the business and the different forces that impact clients’ decisions, you can give bigger-picture advice,” she says. “I strive to be very responsive, and in health care, that’s not just a tagline; there are times when the need is truly immediate.”

MARK W. MERRITT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL

CHARLOTTE PIPE & FOUNDRY CO.

From a young age, Mark Merritt was interested in history, politics and the role of legal institutions in society. He has enjoyed a broad career in private practice and public service.

“My goal as a lawyer has been to help people solve problems in ways that are constructive,” he says. “I have viewed my personal credibility as my most important asset, and I have tried to treat people with respect, listen to everyone’s side of a controversy and work hard to get the best result for my clients.”

Merritt recently left Robinson Bradshaw, his longtime law firm, to take a position as senior vice president and general counsel at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co. The lessons he learned from his practice stick with him today.

“The firm’s approach to the practice of law was a real gift,” he says. “As my career has evolved, I have focused more on the legal system and how we as lawyers can do better at protecting its integrity and ability to promote the rule of law.”

ROBIN E. SHEA

PARTNER

CONSTANGY, BROOKS, SMITH & PROPHETE

WINSTON-SALEM

Recognized as a leader in employment law, Robin Shea’s practice has evolved over her 36-year career. She is a partner at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete and is known as a trusted adviser who helps her clients navigate complex landscapes.

She parlayed her English degree into a brief career as a newspaper copy editor but felt drawn to law.

“The desire to practice law was based more on a gut feeling than anything else because I had no lawyers in my family,” she says. “About eight years after I got my bachelor’s degree, I entered law school at Wake Forest University and had a ‘this is what I was meant to do my whole life’ experience.”

DONALD R. VAUGHAN

DONALD R. VAUGHAN & ASSOCIATES

Over four decades, Don Vaughan has enjoyed an illustrious career

A native of Greensboro, Vaughan started out as a legislative law clerk to U.S. Sen. Robert Morgan, who was elected to the seat held by

“I saw history and constitutional law unfold,” Vaughan says.

Vaughan earned his law degree from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in public administration from American University.

After starting her career with a drive to prove herself according to the expectations of others, Shea believes she now has earned the experience that comes with time and focuses less on herself.

“I am entirely focused on whether I have served my client well, and if I have, then I am satisfied,” she says.

HON. RALPH A. WALKER

RETIRED JUDGE

NORTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS GREENSBORO

Judge Ralph A. Walker has served in many roles throughout his lifetime.

In his nearly 60 years of legal practice, he has served as a Guilford County solicitor, Guilford County attorney, partner of a private practice law firm, Superior Court judge and judge for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He also was director of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

He is a recipient of the North Carolina Bar's Citizen Lawyer Award and the Greensboro Bar's Distinguished Service Award.

He received his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.

Walker is a veteran of the U.S. Army and North Carolina National Guard. He has been a public member of the North Carolina Medical Board, a board member of Greensboro Urban Ministry and a member of the Greensboro Mental Health Association.

Committed to public service, he served seven terms on the Greensboro City Council and two terms as mayor pro tempore. He also served in the North Carolina Senate and currently is on the N.C. Banking Commission.

In addition to managing his practice in Greensboro, Vaughan teaches law at Wake Forest and Elon law schools.

“I’m a lucky guy to be able to serve the community where I grew up,” he says. “And I have been fortunate over the past 40 years to have practiced in nearly all of North Carolina’s 100 counties.”

ROBERT K. WALSH

DEAN AND PROFESSOR EMERITUS WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW WINSTON-SALEM

When Bob Walsh and his wife set foot on the campus of Wake Forest University in 1989, they fell in love with the place at first sight.

Walsh was dean of the Wake Forest Law School until he retired in 2007.

Today, he is recognized as a top leader in legal education, but when he graduated from Providence College with an English degree, he found himself at a crossroads.

“Like so many college graduates, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do,” he says. “I was interested in politics and public service, so I decided to go to law school.”

He went on to earn his law degree at Harvard University. After a short career practicing law in California, Walsh entered academia and has made a profound impact on the practice of law.

He has always followed a piece of his mother’s advice, which he considers his north star, pointing toward civility in all walks of life.

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” he says.