Student Event
Duke School of Law Speed Networking Event
Calling All Duke Law Students! Join Members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice for Virtual Speed Networking
During this 90-minute session, you’ll meet NCAJ President-elect Valerie Johnson of Johnson & Groninger, PLLC, NCAJ Executive Director Kim Crouch and several other NCAJ members — all practicing trial lawyers across North Carolina and some former Duke Law graduates — to learn more about their paths to successful careers as advocates for clients in the courtroom. If you’re considering striking out with your own firm after law school or pursuing a career that protects people, prevents injustice and promotes fairness, this is the program for you.
Networking Agenda
| 11:45 pm | Zoom Room Open -- Check In |
| 12:00 pm |
NCAJ Presentation
Kim Crouch is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ). She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2005 and has spent her legal career serving the public and legal profession, first as Director of Public Affairs for the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, then as Director of Governmental Affairs for the North Carolina Bar Association, and now as Executive Director of NCAJ since 2017. Valerie Johnson has been a trial lawyer since she graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law, with honors, in 1994. Valerie litigates cases with.Johnson & Groninger PLLC. The firm has offices in Durham and Charlotte and practices in the areas of workers’ compensation law, personal injury, and bicycle crash law. Valerie is currently the President-Elect of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Since 2015 Valerie has served as a director on the Board of Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company. Trudi Brown is Development and Membership Engagement Director of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ). Brown has over 20 years’ experience in development, fundraising, external relations, event management, board development, marketing and communications. She most recently served as the director of external relations for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at N.C. State University. |
| 12:20 pm | Transitioning Break & Instructions |
| 12:25 pm |
Speed Networking Session (10 minute rounds)
E. Yvonne Pugh is a private practice attorney specializing in for insurance claims, wrongful death, obstetrical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and unfair business practices. Her legal career began in 1973 when she worked as an attorney-advisor for the General Counsel’s Office of the General Accounting Office in Washington, D.C., and started practicing private law in 1975 as an Arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas. She also completed the training and earned certification as a Mediator at the Duke University Private Adjunction Center. She is a proud graduate of NC Central University. Additional Networkers TBD |
| 1:15 pm | Wrap-Up |
| 1:30 pm | Adjourn |
