This year’s conference will highlight the good works and efforts of the NCAJ Diversity & Inclusion Committee, along with presentations by local and nationally renowned speakers on topics related to the important issue of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
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President
President
John M. McCabe is the founder and president of The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, P.A., which is located in his hometown of Cary, North Carolina. John graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1991 with a degree in economics, and in 1994, he graduated, cum laude, from Campbell University School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor of the Campbell Law Review and was named to several national moot court teams.
Over the last 27 years, John has developed a statewide practice, devoted largely to representing the victims of trucking and auto collisions, on-the-job accidents, animal attacks, and nursing home neglect.
John is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and he has earned numerous recognitions, including: (1) Tier 1 Best Law Firms and Top Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report; (2) The Best Lawyers in America; (3) North Carolina Super Lawyer (Top 100), (4) North Carolina’s Legal Elite, (5) Best Lawyers in North Carolina, and (5) Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
John has remained active in NCAJ through his career. He has served on the Executive Committee since 2014, and last year, he chaired NCAJ’s Advocacy Strategic Plan Task Force, the Finance Committee, and the Nominations & Awards Committee. He was also appointed to the Chief Justice’s COVID-19 Task Force. John previously chaired the Auto Torts Section and the New Lawyers Division, and in 2015, he received the Ebbie Award.
John frequently presents at CLE’s and law schools throughout the State, and he serves on the Board of Visitors at Campbell Law School. He also authored The Analysis and Investigation of Personal Injury Cases” in the book Personal Injury Practice in North Carolina.
In his spare time, John enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and going to concerts with his wife, Rebecca.
President-Elect
President-Elect
Valerie A. Johnson represents injured workers and individuals who have been wronged or injured at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, a law firm with offices in Charlotte and Durham. Valerie graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and the UNC School of Law, and is a board-certified specialist in workers’ compensation law. Valerie taught elementary school after graduating from college and now helps to educate the next generation of lawyers, teaching trial advocacy at the UNC School of Law. She serves on the board of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice as the Education Vice President and on the board of Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company.
I belong to NCAJ because of my clients. My clients deserve a lawyer who is up-to-date on the law that relates to their cases. NCAJ also advocates for a fair playing field, the crucial factor in order for them to receive justice.
– Valerie Johnson, 2021-2022 President-elect
Legislative Vice President
Legislative Vice President
Ann Ochsner practices with the Whitley Law Firm in Raleigh. Well versed in civil litigation and appellate advocacy, she concentrates in automobile collisions, slip and fall cases, dog bites and general negligence. Ochsner has been an NCAJ member since 2011 and has previously served as NCAJ’s education vice president. She is a graduate of Methodist University and Campbell University School of Law.
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past President
David Henson is a partner with Henson & Fuerst Attorneys and manages the firm’s eminent domain land condemnation division. David represents individuals, families, businesses, churches and other property owners across the state of North Carolina who are having their land taken by the government or other private condemnors. David received his bachelor’s degree with academic distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995 and his Juris Doctor from University of North Carolina School of Law in 1998.
A member of NCAJ since 1998, David has actively participated in the Eminent Domain and Auto Torts sections and the Hispanic-Latino Division. Since 2012, he has served on numerous committees and task forces as a member or chair of: Finance, Building, Strategic Planning, Advocacy Strategic Planning, PAC, Governance Review, Ethics, Personnel, Nominating, and others. Further, he has served on the Executive Committee in the roles of Education VP, Communications VP, Legal Affairs VP, Fundraising and Development Officer, and at-large. He served as President-elect from 2019-2020, and then President from 2020-2021.
David is an ardent supporter of and believer in NCAJ and its mission.
I’m involved with NCAJ primarily for two reasons: 1) because there is strength in numbers; and 2) I believe in their mission. NCAJ’s members represent clients who are often fighting larger corporate interests or the government. Through NCAJ’s fellowship, education and community we are able to learn from each other which, in the end, makes all of us better advocates.
– Ann Ochsner, 2021-2022 Legislative Vice President
