Voices of NCAJ North Carolina Advocates for Justice

The skills and knowledge paralegals will bring back after attending the NCAJ Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 are well worth the day away from the office. 
In this episode, Amber Nimocks interviews Megan Jankowski, a paralegal at Henson Fuerst, about the upcoming Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 which takes place on October 13, 2023 at the NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference will focus on topics such as the eCourt system, medical record requests, ethics, and more, with a goal of providing paralegals with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and careers. Megan highlights the importance of in-person events for networking and community building among NCAJ members. 
Don’t miss out! To register for the conference go to ncaj.com/events. Attend in-person or virtually.
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Megan Jankowski
Connect: Henson Fuerst
💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:42] eCourts Will be the Focus of the Fall Conference for Paralegals:  Due to overwhelming interest in eCourts, the conference will focus on the eCourt system, with speakers discussing tips for paralegals and even providing a step-by-step guide for how to file. 
[04:36] eCourts is a Learning Process for Paralegals at the Moment: Once paralegals learn to navigate the eCourt system, it will make work a lot easier.  The key is to go through the learning process. 
[06:29] Ethics Matter for Paralegals Too: One of the speakers at the Fall Conference for Paralegals will focus on ethics for paralegals.  It is important to be mindful of behaving ethically at both the office and in daily life.
[08:55] Virtual Attendance at the Conference is an Option, but There’s Additional Value to Attending In-Person: In-person meetings foster connection, networking, and program engagement. Attending events is encouraged to enhance community cohesion.
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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...

“While things have moved slowly in the past, I strongly believe that since the court entered this leadership order…we're going to see things happen and move much, much quicker.”
Mona Lisa Wallace, co-lead counsel for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation team, joins Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks to offer updates on the litigation and a preview of NCAJ’s upcoming CLE. A hundred thousand claims have already been filed under the year-old act, which aims to bring justice to veterans and civilians poisoned or killed by the Marine Base's contaminated water supply between 1953 and 1987.
The founder of Wallace & Graham, P.A., Mona Lisa discusses the future of the litigation, the concerns of attorneys handling claims, the public outreach resources that will be available for lawyers as the litigation process unfolds and the need for collaboration among lawyers handling the cases.
Don’t miss out! On Sept. 27, 2023 Mona Lisa and several other leaders of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation will present a CLE providing updates on the status of the claims process. Visit ncaj.com/events to register!
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Mona Lisa Wallace
Connect:  Wallace & Graham, P.A. 
💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:52] Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation–The 30,000-Foot View: Mona Lisa provides an overview of the Camp Lejeune litigation after the passing of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
[04:46] Assembling the Litigation Team: As one of six co-lead counsels, Mona Lisa discusses the role of the leadership team.
[07:10] Unchartered Territory: Typically in big cases, liability is at issue, but Mona Lisa explains how this litigation is unique. 
[13:05] Latent Diseases, Justice Delayed: There are challenges with the Camp Lejeune litigation because many plaintiffs are now deceased or in their 60s and older.
[17:28] Words of Wisdom for Fellow Lawyers: Mona Lisa provides practical tips for lawyers new to cases like the Camp Lejeune litigation.
Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
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...

Michael Bertics - longtime NCAJ member, partner at Lennon, Camak and Bertics, PLLC, and board certified specialist in worker’s compensation law - joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a discussion of the upcoming “Quirky Issues in Workers’ Comp” CLE. 
Michael’s presentation this year, “Declawing the Labor Market Survey: Declawing Cats Is Inhumane. Declawing Vocational Experts is Good Lawyering, so Let’s Sharpen Your Voc Expert Declawing Tools!” is a hot topic in workers’ comp. Michael stresses that speaking the language of vocational experts is one key to success in this area.
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Michael Bertics
Connect:  Lennon, Camak, & Bertics, PLLC | LinkedIn
💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:40] Quirky Issues of Workers’ Comp CLE: Michael discusses the upcoming NCAJ CLE and how the CLE came to be.
[05:21] Vocational Expert Usage in Extended Benefits Claims Surges: A hot new topic in workers’ comp, Michael discusses the rise of vocational expert usage in extended benefits claims and the need for attorneys to be knowledgeable on the topic.
[09:24] The Language of Vocational Experts: Michael discusses the importance of knowing the language of vocational experts and resources that can be used to learn the language.
[12:24] CLE Agenda: Michael discusses the various topics and presentations that will be a part of the NCAJ CLE in September.
[14:40] Goals of the CLE: Michael speaks to how this CLE can be enjoyed by all: whether it is a young attorney just beginning in the field of Workers’ Comp or an experienced attorney looking for new information.
[15:31] The Importance of NCAJ CLEs: Amber and Michael both express the importance of CLEs and CLEs specific to the NCAJ.
Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
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...

“I think you can fight very hard and still get along.”
In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Kalarites speaks with Don Beskind about his illustrious career as a trial lawyer, educator, and mediator in North Carolina. Don is a professor at Duke University School of Law and Shareholder at Donald H. Beskind, P.A..
A longtime member and supporter of NCAJ, Don discusses the changes he’s seen in the legal field, advice for young lawyers, and sharing the profession with his daughter. Finally, Don reminds practitioners that it’s not necessary to be adversarial all the time; collegiality is often much more effective!
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Don Beskind
Connect:  Duke Law School | LinkedIn 
💡 Episode Highlights 💡[6:18] Practicing with Legends: Don recounts some of his favorite memories with legends of NCAJ.
[9:18] NCAJ Grows Up: Over the course of his career, Don has been delighted to see the growing diversity within NCAJ and the improvement of educational offerings.
[10:39] A Passion for Legal Education: Now a full-time professor at Duke Law School, Don reflects on how he got his start as a legal educator.
[13:33] Moving into Mediation: Don discusses his long-time work as a mediator in North Carolina and notes how much the legal field has changed since mediation has become the norm.
[18:22] Like Father, Like Daughter: Anna and Don express their delight at how many members of NCAJ have daughters following in their footsteps as trial lawyers.
[20:56] Advice for Young Lawyers: Don credits the ability to get along with other people as an essential part of effective representation.
[23:52] What NCAJ Means to Me: Don reflects on how instrumental NCAJ has been in his career, from providing educational opportunities to facilitating meaningful relationships and support systems.

Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Voices of NCAJ features intimate and inspiring conversations with organization members in celebration of its 60th anniversary.
Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect...

“Don't let anybody kid you. In the practice of law, luck has a lot to do with it.”
In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Philip Miller engages David Kirby in a candid discussion. David is a Founding Partner at Edwards Kirby, LLP who is consistently recognized as one of the most outstanding and accomplished trial lawyers in the United States. 
David reflects on his legal career, highlighting the role of luck and learning from fellow attorneys. He shares trial anecdotes where fortunate events and insights from fellow NCAJ colleagues played a significant role in his success.
David reveals how he got involved with NCAJ, shares valuable lessons he's learned from difficult cases, and talks about the importance of understanding the community to become a better trial lawyer. And as David reminds us, “no matter what anybody tells you, we all stand on the shoulders of those that came before us.”
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: David Kirby
Connect: Edwards Kirby, LLP 
💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:57] An Unexpected Invitation: David recalls when two highly skilled trial attorneys–leaders in the trial bar–from the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers showed up at his office. It wasn't just a surprise, it marked the beginning of an influential journey.
[06:07] Reflecting on His First Million Dollar Verdict: David reflects on his case in the late 80’s/early 90’s, including the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned. 
[12:48] Invaluable Role of Continuous Learning: David recalls reaching out to other trial lawyers and getting not only advice but also absorbing their experience, which he credits for honing his skills and imparting crucial wisdom.
[14:11] The Impossible, Luckiest Case: David reflects on the impactful role that luck has played in his successful career and then he gives an example of a multi-million dollar case verdict that he “luckily” won.
[17:35] Paying Tribute to NCAJ: David credits his career success to the organization and the people who are a part of it. He encourages young lawyers to join and participate in its leadership and seminars, and to talk to fellow members.
[20:29] Advice to Young Lawyers: David encourages young lawyers to think creatively, be willing to experiment, and emphasizes the importance of being involved in the community in order to be a better trial lawyer.
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It takes a certain type of attorney to be able to critique judges’ rulings. But to be able to do it at a yearly convention where lawyers and those judges are present, and do it well enough that judges are practically disappointed when they aren’t included…that’s next level.
In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Pishko Kalarites engages in a thought-provoking discussion with her father David Pishko, NCAJ Past President and a partner in the firm Pishko Kalarites.
David shares his valuable insights and experiences, as he reflects on the impact of NCAJ on his career and the importance of authenticity in the legal field. He also provides practical advice for early-career lawyers. A unique father-daughter dialogue, this episode shines a light on the world of law and advocacy, offering guidance for those in passionate pursuit of justice.
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: David Pishko
Connect: Pishko Kalarites Lawyers | LinkedIn

💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:01] A Wrongfully Convicted Client: David shares his most memorable client story and what inspired him to become a trial lawyer.
[04:16] Inspiring Generations within the Legal Field: David shares the joy and pride he feels in seeing his daughters follow in his footsteps while also reflecting on his time serving the NCAJ and the conventions, underscoring the importance of passing on the legacy.
[08:17] Judging the Bench: Notorious for his candid and unabashed critique of judges' rulings during his time giving the yearly Civil Law Update, David shares some anecdotes of judges’ reactions!
[10:01] In the Company of Giants: David discusses his long-standing involvement with NCAJ and how these communities have not only inspired him, but have also been a source of practical knowledge and actionable strategies to improve his practice.
[12:23] Achievements and Challenges in Legal Legislation: David recounts the triumph of increasing the statute of limitations on products liability cases and the subsequent challenge of attempting to reform contributory negligence.
[14:37] Pearls of Wisdom in Law Practice: David emphasizes the significance of quality client service, balancing case loads, and using one's unique qualities to succeed.
Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify, or a...