Through a combination of education, networking, and leadership development, the program introduces participants to the value and responsibilities of NCAJ membership while fostering meaningful relationships with fellow young trial lawyers from diverse practice areas and communities across the state.
Whether your future leadership role is within your law firm, your community, NCAJ, or the legal profession as a whole, the NCAJ NEXT Program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to lead with confidence and purpose.
NCAJ offers countless opportunities for attorneys to grow as leaders. Throughout the NCAJ NEXT Program, participants will explore those opportunities and be empowered to:
The NCAJ NEXT Program features a series of interactive sessions designed to build leadership skills, strengthen professional relationships, and deepen participants’ engagement with NCAJ and the legal profession. Each session builds on the last, creating a comprehensive leadership development experience throughout the program year.
The 2026-2027 program schedule is outlined below. Session locations will be determined based on the geographic distribution of the selected cohort. Once applications have been reviewed and the cohort has been finalized, we will select locations that are most convenient for participants.
Tuesday, November 10 | 5:30-7 p.m.
NEXT Kickoff Reception
NCAJ Headquarters
Meet your cohort, connect with NCAJ leaders, and begin your leadership journey.
Wednesday, December 16 | Noon-1 p.m. (Zoom)
NEXT Program Orientation
Thursday, January 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
A Deep Dive into Authentic Leadership + History of Leadership
Thursday, February 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Power of Trust and Storytelling in Leadership + Intro Fab 4 Leading Teams
Lunch with Mentors
Thursday, March 18 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Power of Legal Leadership Viewed Through the Lens of History: Lessons of the 1898 Wilmington Coup D’etat
Thursday, April 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Understanding What Board Leadership Means & Legal Legends are People Too: The Secrets to a Successful Career and a Life Outside the Practice of Law
Friday, April 16 | 10 a.m.-Noon
NCAJ Board of Governors Meeting
Wednesday, May 19 | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
From Strategy to Impact: Inside NCAJ’s Advocacy Work
Thursday, June 10 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Leadership Philosophies + Leading Beyond Burnout
Thursday, June 24
NEXT Leadership Program Graduation
NCAJ Convention | Charlotte
Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2027 NEXT cohort during a special graduation ceremony held as part of NCAJ’s Convention.
Jes Averhart is the founder of Jes & Co. specializing in stakeholder engagement and leadership development. Jes advises executive leadership on growth strategies and talent development.
Her cross-industry corporate engagement includes companies within Research Triangle Park and the American Underground, a Google for Startups Tech Hub (aka, the “Startup Capital of the South” by CNBC).
Learn More About JesEligibility:
To be eligible for the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program, applicants must:
Application Requirements:
Applicants should submit:
Participants are selected through a competitive application process. Each NEXT class is intentionally composed of attorneys representing diverse geographic regions, practice areas, and professional backgrounds across North Carolina.
The NCAJ NEXT Program is designed for early-career trial lawyers who are passionate about professional growth, leadership, and service.
We encourage applications from NCAJ members who have been practicing for fewer than 10 years and who are interested in becoming more involved with the Association. Ideal candidates demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to serving their communities and the legal profession, and a desire to help strengthen the future of trial advocacy in North Carolina.
Participation in the NCAJ NEXT Program requires a meaningful investment of time and engagement. Sessions are designed to be interactive, and participants are expected to attend, contribute, and build lasting relationships with their classmates.
The experience extends well beyond the classroom. Through networking, mentorship, and leadership development, participants gain valuable skills and connections that continue long after the program concludes.
Tuition for the NCAJ NEXT Program is $750.
This investment, together with support from NCAJ partner firms, sponsors, and the Allen A. Bailey Endowment, helps cover the cost of program sessions, educational materials, and related events.
Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and any incidental expenses associated with attending the program.
If you’re an early-career trial lawyer who is passionate about leadership, professional growth, and serving the legal community, we encourage you to apply for the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program.
Join a network of emerging leaders who are committed to strengthening the future of trial advocacy in North Carolina.
Applications for the 2026-2027 NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program are now open.
Associate litigation attorney, Brent Adams & Associates
Attorney, Ward Black Law
Associate attorney, The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Attorney, Henson Fuerst Attorneys
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings
Attorney, Maginnis Howard
The Law Offices of Sharika M. Robinson, PLLC
Attorney, Edwards Beightol, LLC
Associate attorney, Wilder Pantazis Law Group
Litigation Attorney, The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Attorney at The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Litigation Attorney, The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Attorney, CR Legal Team LLP
Founding Partner, Ibegbu Law, PLLC
Attorney, Deuterman Law Group
Litigation Attorney, Whitley Law Firm
With over 30 years of litigation and settlement planning experience, Raleigh attorney Tacker LeCarpentier started Settlement Planning Services to provide comprehensive settlement planning services to injury victims, their families and attorneys throughout the State of North Carolina.
A North Carolina native, Tacker has been a strong NCAJ supporter, member and sponsor for over 17 years. At no charge to your clients, Tacker and his associates offer life care planning cost analysis, governmental benefits assessments, mediation attendance, as well as appearances at all settlement hearings. Settlement planning solutions include Structured Settlements, Special Needs Trusts, Family Security and Settlement Preservation Trusts, Medicare Set-Aside Accounts, and lien resolution assistance.
Securing Your Clients’ Future Financial Needs.
