We all fear that tragic event that can send your life into a tailspin — serious injury, the death of a loved one, getting fired from a job, financial loss. When you are facing a personal tragedy caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, the odds against you can seem overwhelming. You need some firepower on your side. I’m David Pishko and I have been helping individuals take on powerful forces — insurance companies, corporations, health care providers, financial advisors, government agencies — for more than 40 years. My team has a proven track record of righting wrongs. If you have a serious legal problem, contact my office. We’ll set up a time for you to come in and talk to me so that, together, we can determine the best course of action. I promise you this — if we take on your case, we will fight until the end to make the legal system work for you.
The Queen City’s so nice,
we’re going twice!
Meet us in Charlotte again this year as we hear from some of the sharpest legal minds in the profession, share our stories and build camaraderie.
Register now and you’ll:
- Receive a minimum of 6.5 hours of CLE credit
- Learn new strategies for trial from The Attorney Whisperer Sari de la Motte and explore the intersection of AI and the legal profession with Duke Professor Nita A. Farahany
- Enjoy the company of colleagues at Charlotte hotspots The Mint Museum and Queen Park Social and get your groove on at a Saturday Soiree at the Omni Charlotte Hotel
The NCAJ room block at the Omni Charlotte Hotel is officially sold out.
Please directly contact the Omni reservations team for remaining available rooms and rates at https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/charlotte or 1.888.444.OMNI.
Download a PDF of the Convention Agenda
Download NowConvention 2023 Agenda
Noon – 2 p.m.
Exhibitor Set-Up
***Please note that some exhibitor tables will not be available for setup until 6 p.m.***
11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Past Presidents Lunch
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
New Lawyers Division Meeting
Business meeting of the New Lawyers division. All lawyers licensed fewer than 10 years are welcome. Division chair, Pat Wallace, presiding.
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration Desk & Exhibit Hall Open
2 p.m – 3 p.m.
Criminal Defense Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Criminal Defense section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Dionne Gonder-Stanley, presiding.
Products Liability, Class Actions & Mass Torts Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Products Liability, Class Actions & Mass Torts section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Audrey Snyder, presiding.
Professional Negligence Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Professional Negligence section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Kristen Beightol, presiding.
Workers’ Compensation Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Workers’ Compensation section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Martha Ramsay, presiding.
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Auto Torts and Premises Liability Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Auto Torts and Premises Liability section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Gabe Zeller, presiding.
Eminent Domain Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Eminent Domain section. All section members are welcome. Acting Chair, Shiloh Daum, presiding.
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Employment Law Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Employment Law section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Holly Stiles, presiding.
Women’s Caucus Meeting
Business meeting of the Women’s Caucus. All female attorneys are welcome. Caucus chair, Paige Pahlke, presiding.
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
PAC Reception | By Invitation Only
Join us for our annual recognition event for NCAJ Political Action Committee donors and leaders.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Merriment at the Mint | Welcome Reception
Let’s kick off the weekend artfully! Join us at Charlotte landmark The Mint Museum for cocktails and heavy hors d’oeurves with a view. The galleries will be open and docents will be on hand to provide insights, tidbits and guidance on one of the most spectacular collections of art in our state.
7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Workers’ Comp Discussions @ Dawn
Join Vernon Sumwalt and other die-hard Workers’ Comp practitioners for an early morning conversation about cases, recent decisions, best practices.
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration Desk/Exhibit Hall Open
Visit exhibitors or stop by and pick up your Convention registration packet!
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
8:55 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Summer Conference for Paralegals
Learn more and register now: https://www.ncaj.com/events/summer-conference-for-paralegals
9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Duct Tape for Humpty Dumpty: Dealing with Motions Under Rules 59 and 60
Have you ever won a good verdict or favorable judgment, only to have the other side file motions to set that aside? This presentation covers motions under Rules 59 and 60 and the implications of that body of law for trial strategy as well as appeals.
Workers’ Comp Practice Tips
Eminent Domain Update
Odom will go through North Carolina eminent domain cases from June 2022 to present and explore their holdings and any changes or modifications to the existing law and discuss how they can be used every day to protect landowners using the North Carolina and United States Constitutions.
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Civil Law Update
This year’s Civil Update will consist of cutting-edge analysis, mind-blowing comedy and life-changing legal insights. So, come get your CLE: Criticism, Laughter, Elixirs.
Products Liability Update
Poking Holes in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
A DRE/SFST expert from Alpharetta, Georgia, Palacios recently helped David Teddy obtain dismissals in three DWI cases by helping him successfully attack the officer’s failure to properly administer the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test (HGN). He’ll share his secrets.
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Auto Torts Update
Workers’ Compensation Update
As always, this year’s Workers’ Compensation Case Law Update will present summaries of every workers’ comp-related case that has been published by our appellate courts in the past year, since the last update. The presentation is intended to be a practical tool, for use in finding cases that can be used by our members to get better results for our clients.
DWI Update
The NC DWI Guy, Minnick has his finger on the pulse of what is happening in North Carolina when it comes to defending DWI cases and how trial lawyers can still win despite the difficult landscape we face in the trenches each and every day. Minnick will review the important criminal and DMV cases from the past year and forecast market trends coming down the pike for DWI practitioners.
12 p.m.
Never Worry About Winning Again: How Shifting Your Mindset Can Shift Everything
We’re thrilled to finally welcome The Attorney Whisperer Sari de la Motte to Convention 2023! You will not want to miss this innovative session from one of the nation’s most sought-after consultants on authentic communication in the courtroom.
*This sessions includes 1.0 hour general CLE credit.*
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Insurance is Boring – But Money Isn’t!
Maynard will cover the key insurance law cases, both state and federal, pointing out the cases to look out for in the future which can affect your clients’ recoveries. Plus, he’ll discuss apparent trends.
Digital Forensic Evidence: How Smartphones Can Make or Break Your Case
Digital Forensic Evidence with Micah Sturgis, a digital forensic expert, offers a deep dive into the hidden information contained in smartphones and other digital devices. This is information that can sometimes make or break your case. Sturgis recently testified for the defense in the Alex Murdaugh case and he is primed with critical information that you need to hear as you wage battle against the government.
3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Medicare: Staying on Track When Medicare is Involved
4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Professional Negligence Immunity
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Motion to (Bowl a) Strike Mixer
Get ready to be bowled over at our Friday night event at Queen Park Social! We’ll gather at this local hotspot — a vintage bowling alley and arcade — for amusements and competition among friends. Food and drink and fun are all on the agenda!
6:25 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
5K Fun Run/Walk
The annual favorite returns! Join us bright and early for an organized 5K Fun Run/Walk on a nearby greenway. This event is free to all.
7 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Workers’ Comp Discussions @ Dawn
Join Vernon Sumwalt and other die-hard Workers’ Comp practitioners for an early morning conversation about cases, recent decisions, best practices.
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration Desk & Exhibit Hall Open
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
NCAJ Annual Meeting
Our annual business meeting, the NCAJ Annual Meeting offers an opportunity to recognize the hard work and many successes of our members throughout the past year. Join us as we celebrate the second cohort of NCAJ NEXT, honor our annual award winners, formally elect our new leaders and officially pass the gavel from President Valerie Johnson to President-elect Andy Banzhoff.
12:30 – 2 p.m.
The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, the Legal Profession and Society
Nita A. Farahany is a leading scholar on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies. She is the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, the Founding Director of Duke Science & Society, the Faculty Chair of the Duke MA in Bioethics & Science Policy, and principal investigator of SLAP Lab.
Farahany is a frequent commentator for national media and radio shows and a regular keynote speaker. She presents her work to diverse academic, legal, corporate, and public audiences including at TED, the World Economic Forum, Aspen Ideas Festival, Judicial Conferences for US Court of Appeals, scientific venue including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society for Neuroscience, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, the American Society for Political and Legal Philosophy, and by testifying before Congress.
Her current scholarship focuses on the implications of emerging neuroscience, genomics, and artificial intelligence for law and society; legal and bioethical issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic; FDA law and policy; and the use of science and technology in criminal law. In addition to publishing in legal and scientific journals, as well as edited book volumes, Farahany is the author of the forthcoming book The Battle for Your Brain: Defending Your Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology (St. Martin’s Press 2023).
*This sessions includes 1.0 hour general CLE credit.*
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday Soiree
The pinnacle event! We’ll toast another fabulous year for NCAJ and celebrate Andy Banzhoff’s installation as President with a live band party featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and more. Come ready to dance the night away in celebration of NCAJ’s past, present and future.
NCAJ Honorees
Founders Award to David Henson
The highest award given by the Advocates for Justice. For extraordinary service to justice and to the Advocates for Justice in the tradition of our founding members, Allen Bailey, Charles Blanchard, James Clontz, Eugene Phillips and William Thorp.
Annie Brown Kennedy Award to Rep. Robert Reives
Given for commitment to acquiring “full freedom” for all citizens of North Carolina and exceptional advocacy that protects individual liberties. Recognizes active service in their local community with a focus on the status and welfare of families and minority citizens.
Kellie Crabtree Award to Paige Pahlke and The Greene Family
Given to an attorney and his or her client in cases where the client’s story and the attorney’s representation has made a real difference in protecting people’s rights.
Thurgood Marshall Award to Dan Bryson
Established to recognize extraordinary and selfless service to the people of North Carolina in keeping with the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Special Award to Jay Trehy
Given in circumstances such as outstanding leadership during a legislative session or outstanding leadership/assistance in a public service project.
Convention 2023 Preferred Partners
Thank you to the following NCAJ Preferred Partners for their annual investment and continued support of NCAJ’s mission.
Advocate Level Preferred Partners | $40,000
Silver Level Preferred Partners | $10,000
Bronze Level Preferred Partners | $7,500
Convention 2023 Law Firm Sponsors
Many thanks to these NCAJ member law firms for their commitment to ensuring that this year’s Convention is the best yet.
Diamond Level | $5000
Platinum Level | $3500
Convention 2023 Exhibitors
We look forward to welcoming the following exhibitors to Convention 2023.
Convention FAQs
Where is Convention 2023 being held? –
The North Carolina Advocates for Justice 2023 Convention will be held at the Omni Charlotte Hotel located at 132 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The NCAJ room block at the Omni Charlotte Hotel is officially sold out.
Please directly contact the Omni reservations team for remaining available rooms and rates at https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/charlotte or 1.888.444.OMNI.
How can I get more information on sponsoring or exhibiting at Convention 2023? –
All exhibitor tables for Convention 2023 are officially sold out.
If your NCAJ member law firm is interested in sponsoring an element of Convention, please directly contact Hallie Kennedy.
Suitcasing and/or outboarding at NCAJ Convention are strictly prohibited. Please see NCAJ’s Suitcasing/Outboarding policy statement for more details.
Is there a virtual option for Convention 2023? –
There are no virtual or streaming options available for any of the Convention 2023 events.
Please plan to join us in person — you won’t want to miss it!
When will the app for Convention 2023 be available? –
We are thrilled to once again be partnering with Whova to provide an event app to all Convention 2023 attendees.
Stay tuned for information on the official event app’s release — projected for early May 2023.
What is the last day to register for Convention 2023? –
The official early bird rate will end on May 19, 2023 and rates will increase at that time. Online registration will officially close on June 7, 2023.
You will be able to register at the increased onsite rate at the Omni Charlotte Hotel beginning June 15, 2023.
I am no longer able to attend Convention 2023. How do I cancel my registration? –
Cancellation requests received by May 30, 2023 will be refunded less a $75 service fee.
No refunds will be honored after May 30, 2023.
I am no longer able to attend Convention 2023. Can I send another member of my firm in my place? –
Substitutions are welcome and may be made until the date of the seminar.
We are not able to offer registration transfers for credit to another NCAJ CLE program.
I cancelled my Convention registration. Will NCAJ cancel my hotel reservation? –
NCAJ will not cancel your hotel reservation. Please reach out to the Omni Charlotte Hotel directly to cancel your reservation.
Is childcare being provided? –
No childcare services will be provided for Convention 2023.
Should you require assistance with childcare, please reach out to the concierge at the Omni Charlotte Hotel.
Will there be wifi at Convention? –
Yes, there will be wifi at Convention 2023. The information will be provided onsite upon check-in.
Many thanks to our wifi sponsor Byrd Settlements for their continued commitment to connecting NCAJ.
What are the health and safety guidelines? –
NCAJ Leadership will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will set new guidelines if the situation demands.
Attendance at this event is voluntary. By registering for the event, you acknowledge that you are not required to attend this event and that, if you choose to do so, you are attending such event voluntarily. You further acknowledge the following:
- There is a risk that you may be exposed or infected with COVID-19 by attending such event
- Such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death; and
- The risk of such exposure or infection by attending such event may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of yourself and others, including, but not limited to other attendees.
What are the parking details at the Omni Charlotte Hotel? –
The Omni Charlotte Hotel offers valet parking only.
Valet parking prices:
- $40.00 for overnight parking (inclusive of tax) with unlimited in and out privileges
- $25.00 for 0 – 4 hours (inclusive of tax); no in-and-out privileges
- $30.00 for 4 – 8 hours (inclusive of tax); no in-and-out privileges
- Prices are subject to change
Valet parking details:
- More than 8 hours will be charged overnight rate of $40.00
- Full size vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans, etc.) is available for $45.00
- Valet parking for 1 vehicle per guest room
- Self parking is available at city-owned garages in the surrounding area.