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Convention 2026
Thanks to Our Co-Chairs!
Get Ready to Relax and Rejuvenate
In addition to the great CLEs and speaker sessions, this year’s schedule offers more time to socialize and connect. Plan your downtime with this extensive guide to Wilmington and the surrounding area, created by our friends at Horton & Mendez, Circle of Leadership Partners and Port City locals.
Peruse the Guide to Wilmington
Start this summer with a weekend you’ll never forget.
*Important Registration Information
If you are a Criminal Defense Attorney and you want to attend Criminal Masters at Convention register here.
If you are a Paralegal and you want to attend Summer Conference for Paralegals at Convention register here.
During the registration process you will have the option to add the full Convention, from Wednesday evening’s Kick-off Reception to Saturday morning’s Rise and Shine with NCAJ event.
Schedule of Events
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Registration Open
Stop by the registration desk to check in, pick up your badge and get everything you need for Convention. Our team will be available to answer questions and help you get oriented.
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Convention Kickoff Reception
Sponsored by
Henson Fuerst Attorneys
Welcome to Wilmington! Celebrate the start of Convention with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and great company. It’s the perfect way to get oriented, reconnect and explore what our sponsors and exhibitors have to offer.
7 a.m.
Workers’ Comp Discussions @ Dawn with Vernon Sumwalt
Join Vernon Sumwalt and other die-hard Workers’ Comp practitioners for an early morning conversation about cases, recent decisions and best practices.
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Stop by the registration desk to check in, pick up your badge and get everything you need for Convention. Our team will be available to answer questions and help you get oriented. Don’t miss the Exhibit Hall – an opportunity to connect with exhibitors, discover new offering and engage with our valued partners.
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Morning Bites
Start your day with a light breakfast featuring a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. A perfect way to fuel up before Convention sessions begin.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Criminal Masters in Advocacy at Convention 2026: The Ultimate Checklist Returns
Back by popular demand, this full-day program provides North Carolina trial lawyers with practical, courtroom-ready tools they can use immediately. From District and Superior Court “lifelines” to key insights on criminal defense practice, immigration consequences, and preserving issues for appeal, sessions focus on real-world application. Designed for immediate, real-world application, this program equips trial lawyers with valuable strategies, checklists, and insights needed to strengthen their advocacy at every stage.
The program also features a lunch plenary with The Wall Street Journal reporter and author Valerie Bauerlein, who will discuss her book The Devil at His Elbow and the implications of the Alex Murdaugh case.
If you are a Criminal Defense Attorney and you want to attend Criminal Masters at Convention, click the Criminal Masters Registration Link above the description. During the registration process you will have the option to add the full Convention, from Wednesday evening’s Kick-off Reception to Saturday morning’s Rise and Shine with NCAJ event.
9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Obtaining Public Records and Using Other Investigative Tools in Multiple Practice Areas
Professional Negligence Update
Workers’ Comp Update
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Auto/Insurance Law Update
Social Security Boot Camp – Part 1
Special Needs & Beyond: Post-Settlement Trust Planning
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Social Security Boot Camp – Part 2
11 a.m. – Noon
Ethics of Utilizing AI in a Personal Injury Case
1.0 ethics hour if attended. Sign-in required.
Streamlining E-Discovery: Tech Tools and AI
1.0 technology hour if attended. Sign-in required.
Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Lunch Plenary Session
Valerie Bauerlein, Wall Street Journal reporter and author of “The Devil at His Elbow,” the definitive account of the Murdaugh murders, will discuss her book and the implications of the Alex Murdaugh case. CLE credit: 1.0 hour
2 p.m.
Auto Torts & Premises Liability Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Auto Torts & Premises Liability section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Lauren Newton, presiding.
Eminent Domain Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Eminent Domain section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Brad Stark, presiding.
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Workers’ Compensation Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Workers’ Compensation section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Casey Spence, presiding.
3 p.m.
Civil Rights Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Civil Rights section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Paul Smith, presiding.
Disability Advocacy Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Disability Advocacy section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Christine Latona, presiding.
Professional Negligence Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Professional Negligence section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Will Elam, presiding.
4 p.m.
New Lawyers Division Meeting
Business meeting of the New Lawyers division. All division members are welcome. Division chair, Amanda Memmler, presiding.
Products Liability Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Products Liability section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Adam Langino, presiding.
5 p.m.
Criminal Defense Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Criminal Defense section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Chris Heaney, presiding.
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
PAC Reception
Sponsored by
Abrams & Abrams, The Law Offices of John M. McCabe
Join us for NCAJ’s PAC Reception, an invitation-only event honoring the members whose support is vital to our advocacy efforts. This exclusive reception will be held just before the Happy Hour by the River.
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Happy Hour by the River
Sponsored by
Edwards Kirby, Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, PLLC
After a full day of CLE programs and meetings, join us for a relaxed happy hour on the Event Lawn along the Cape Fear River. Savor tasty bites, sip on refreshing drinks and enjoy some casual tunes by Phoenix Mendoza while connecting with colleagues – then set out to explore Wilmington’s vibrant dining scene and make the evening your own!
9 p.m. – 10 p.m.
NLD & NEXT Late Night Social
Keep the energy going! Mix, mingle and network with fellow new lawyers and NEXT Fellows in a fun, informal setting. Drinks, conversation and connections await!
7 a.m.
Workers’ Comp Discussions @ Dawn with Vernon Sumwalt
Join Vernon Sumwalt and other die-hard Workers’ Comp practitioners for an early morning conversation about cases, recent decisions and best practices.
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration & Exhibit Hall Open
Stop by the registration desk to check in, pick up your badge and get everything you need for Convention. Our team will be available to answer questions and help you get oriented. Don’t miss the Exhibit Hall – an opportunity to connect with exhibitors, discover new offering and engage with our valued partners.
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Morning Bites
Start your day with a light breakfast featuring a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and juice. A perfect way to fuel up before Convention sessions begin.
8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Summer Conference for Paralegals at Convention 2026
Summer Conference for Paralegals at Convention will offer a full day of practical education designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of paralegals working across multiple practice areas. This program will deliver valuable insights to help you navigate complex legal processes, manage workloads efficiently, and stay current on evolving laws and professional responsibilities.
If you are a Paralegal and you want to attend Summer Conference at Convention, click the Summer Conference Registration Link above the description. During the registration process you will have the option to add the full Convention, from Wednesday evening’s Kick-off Reception to Saturday morning’s Rise and Shine with NCAJ event.
9 a.m.
Hispanic/Latino Legal Issues Division Meeting
Business meeting of the Hispanic/Latino Legal Issues division. All division members are welcome. Division chair, Rosa Boatwright, presiding.
10 a.m.
Employment Law Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Employment Law section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Ben Winikoff, presiding.
Nursing Home Litigation Section Meeting
Business meeting of the Nursing Home Litigation section. All section members are welcome. Section chair, Lauren McAndrew, presiding.
NEXT STEPS: Evolution of a Law Firm – From Startup to Partnership
11 a.m.
Women’s Caucus Meeting
Business meeting of the Women’s Caucus. All female attorneys are welcome. Caucus chair, Courtney Mann, presiding.
Noon – 2 p.m.
Annual Meeting, Passing of the Gavel & Awards Luncheon
Sponsored by
Horton & Mendez
Join us for a special luncheon as we conduct the NCAJ Annual Meeting, celebrate our leaders with the passing of the gavel from Carma Henson to Jason Orndoff and honor outstanding members with annual awards. This gathering is a highlight of Convention – an opportunity to reflect on the year, recognize achievements and celebrate the future of our organization.
2:15 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Iryna’s Law: Navigating the New World of Pre-Trial Release
3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Advanced Mediation Strategies
Eminent Domain Update
Military Lien Resolution in 2026: VA and Tricare
Plea Negotiations: Strategies for Success from a Former Prosecutor
4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Evolving Language in NCDOT Permanent Utility Easements
Products Liability Update
Second Amendment Challenges in Criminal Cases
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Using AI in the Workers’ Compensation Practice
1.0 technology hour if attended. Sign-in required.
5 p.m.
Paralegal Division Meeting
Business meeting of the Paralegal division. All division members are welcome. Division chair, Megan Young, presiding.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunset Celebration on the Cape Fear
Celebrate with colleagues at our signature Friday night event on the Event Lawn along the Cape Fear River! Enjoy great food, drinks and a performance by The Extraordinaires as we honor Convention award recipients, welcome NCAJ’s new president and toast to the achievements and spirit of our community – all while taking in a stunning Cape Fear sunset.
7:30 a.m.
NCAJ Fun Run/Walk
Sponsored by
Bryson Harris Suciu & DeMay, PLLC
Rise and shine with the NCAJ Run Club. Grab a buddy and meet-up at the registration desk in the Convention Center at 7:15 a.m. We’ll be running along the Wilmington Riverwalk, just a few short steps from the Convention Center. Choose your pace, choose your distance, and have fun! Be sure to stop by the registration desk when you return to pick up your swag.
8:00 a.m.
Yoga on the Lawn
An invigorating way to start your day. Join fellow attendees for an easy Vinyasa flow to relax body and mind before the day begins. All experience levels welcome. Please bring your own mat.
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Rise & Shine with NCAJ
Kick off your Saturday morning at Rise & Shine with NCAJ! Stretch with yoga, get moving with the Fun Run/Walk, enjoy breakfast bites and toast the weekend with a bloody mary or mimosa. A casual, fun way to celebrate the weekend and say goodbye to friends before heading home.
Accommodations
All NCAJ room blocks at Aloft, Embassy Suites, and the Hampton Inn are SOLD OUT. Rooms may still be available at these hotels outside of the NCAJ room block. Please contact the hotels directly or use a third-party booking site to check availability.
Additional Nearby Hotels
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn
Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
