Voices of NCAJ

Hosted by North Carolina Advocates for Justice

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Jun 2026

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Since the beginning, members of the N.C. Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we’ll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – who founded the organization, whose dedication and energy kept it going and guided it through growth, change and challenges. Each conversation will inspire us to meet the future with a unified voice that channels the strengths and accomplishments of our organization. Welcome to Voices of NCAJ. For more information on the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and how to join or support NCAJ, please visit our website at www.NCAJ.com.

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June 15, 202619 min

Se Habla Español: How Speaking Spanish Shaped Jacob Goad’s Journey to Practice Law

A crush on a Spanish teacher in middle school, a mission trip to Peru at age 16, and a CNN documentary — Jacob Goad's path to workers' compensation law is anything but ordinary. Jacob is the principal attorney at the Law Office of Jacob Goad and immediate past chair of NCAJ's Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Jacob traces how his years working in Peru, his blue collar family roots, and his Spanish fluency all converged into a practice serving injured immigrant workers. He also shares his mission through NCAJ's HLD: recruiting young Hispanic Latino lawyers and equipping existing attorneys to serve communities in desperate need.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Jacob GoadConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:46] From Greensboro to Peru: Jacob describes his journey from working as an immigration paralegal in Greensboro to taking a role as an international delegations coordinator for the Presbyterian Church in Peru.[02:26] CNN and the Town of La Oroya: A fortuitous meeting with a New York church group — whose youth leader was a CNN executive producer — led Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Peru to report on a U.S.-held corporation's pollution in La Oroya, resulting in a documentary called Planet in Peril: Battle Lines.[08:26] Why Workers' Comp Connects: Helping injured workers who can no longer provide for their families resonates deeply with Jacob because he comes from a long line of blue collar workers.[10:02] The Cases That Confirmed His Path: In a previous role, Jacob’s bilingual skills gave him the opportunity to work with attorneys across the firm. Cases involving first-generation immigrant workers left a lasting impression and helped shape his interest in workers’ compensation.[13:03] HLD's Two-Track Mission: Jacob outlines NCAJ’s Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division's strategy: recruit young Hispanic Latino lawyers and equip existing attorneys with tools to serve Hispanic clients.[17:25] Leadership Finds You: Jacob reflects on his path to NCAJ leadership, saying that by focusing on doing the right thing case by case and meeting the people that comes with that, “leadership finds its way to you.”[18:14] NCAJ — Firm Without Walls: As a solo practitioner with five total staff, Jacob says NCAJ gives him a community outside his firm and provides a wealth of resources always available when he needs them.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

June 3, 202627 min

A Truck Driver’s Daughter Maps a Career In PI, with Telana Poe

Telana Poe grew up in the world of trucking: Her first job was working in her parents’ ambulance service as a teenager. She considered a career in medical billing until a judge in her law school clerkship suggested that she consider personal injury law. That’s what she does today at Horton & Mendez in Wilmington. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Telana reflects on her journey, including her formative time as a NCAJ NEXT fellow, and discusses another thing that she does in Wilmington: co-chair NCAJ’s Convention 2026.Learn more and register for Convention 2026, June 24-27 in Wilmington.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Telana PoeConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:33] Convention Co-Chair: A resident of Wilmington for one year, Telana is excited about co-chairing NCAJ Convention 2026 in her new home.[05:26] Career Development: Growing up with a truck-driver father who directed a local EMS service, Telana worked in the ambulance billing office at age 16. The job pointed her toward personal injury law long before she recognized it.[07:02] “Consider Personal Injury”: During her law school clerkship, a judge encouraged Telana to consider personal injury practice because of his own background in that practice.[10:44] Father Knows Best: On her first trucking case at Horton & Mendez, Telana called her father to ask what a truck driver wouldn't want a lawyer to know. His advice helped her add items to discovery that she hadn't considered.[15:22] “You Don’t Have to Be a Bully”: Telana's top advice for new lawyers is to be kind and professional. As she says: You can advocate for your client and get good results without being mean.[22:48] The “Say/Do” Ratio: Telana learned about the “say/do” ratio three years ago as a NCAJ NEXT fellow. She still follows it. “I try to take some time at least once a week to reflect on, ‘Okay, what did I say I was going to do versus what I actually got done?’”Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

April 15, 202616 min

“You Need to Stand Up for the Rule of Law” — with David Teddy

Barely a year old, North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law is actively driving the conversation about hot legal topics. Steering Committee member David Teddy discusses why he and like-minded lawyers formed the group in the wake of the NCAJ’s Convention 2025, seizing the opportunity to issue a public statement about threats against judges and lawyers. Since then, North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law has come out on other issues and is raising money to “get out the message that you need to stand up for the rule of law.” Sitting down with host Amber Nimocks, David also reflects on this term as NCAJ president from 2013 to 2014 and the return of his “Criminal Masters in Advocacy” CLE at NCAJ Convention 2026 in June. Visit the NCAJ Convention page to learn more about it.Interested in supporting the North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law or its Law Day celebration on May 1? Contact David at 704-487-1234.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: David TeddyConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:03] NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law: A debate at the 2025 NCAJ Convention — over whether the organization should issue a public statement defending the rule of law — led David and like-minded members to form an independent steering committee that launched NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law.[03:55] Beyond One Statement: Since its formation, NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law has grown to 873 lawyer signatories and established its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The group has made more public statements, including one opposing a proposed Department of Justice rule.[04:20] Law Day: NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law is partnering with similar groups in other states to mark Law Day on May 1, leveraging the American Bar Association's theme of "the rule of law and the American dream."[07:13] Popular CLE Returns: At the NCAJ Convention in June, David will reprise his popular “Criminal Masters in Advocacy” CLE, which gives criminal practitioners practical tools they need when they walk into either a district or superior court.[12:13] “Good Times President”: Like all NCAJ presidents, David chose a theme for his tenure. He wanted to be the “good times president,” which meant ensuring that NCAJ events would have live music.[14:34] “Above the Rest”: NCAJ’s CLEs are “head and shoulders above the rest” and give back the investment in time and money “sevenfold,” David says.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

April 6, 202623 min

Workers’ Comp Became a Career; NCAJ Became a Community, with Martha Ramsay

Martha Ramsay has been an NCAJ member for more than three decades and served in leadership roles – all while developing a thriving workers’ comp practice at two firms. Later this month, she’ll unite her law practice and her NCAJ commitment at the 31st Annual Workers' Comp Round Table CLE. In this episode, Martha sits down with host Amber Nimocks to look ahead at the CLE, where she’ll participate in a roundtable, and look back on her path to workers’ comp law and to the NCAJ.The Workers' Comp Round Table CLE will be held at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh on April 10. Members of the Workers' Comp Section can learn more and register here. Martha encourages attendees to “bring your questions, bring your problem cases.” 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Martha Ramsay | LinkedInConnect: Ramsay Law Firm on LinkedIn | Facebook | X and Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt on LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Instagram💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:09] NCAJ from Day One: Martha traces her NCAJ membership to her first job, working for a founding member who instilled in her that lawyers must learn from other lawyers — not just the letter of the law, but how to get things done in the courtroom and the legislature.[09:29] Why Workers' Comp:After trying family law, business law, criminal law, and personal injury, Martha felt that she could truly change outcomes for people through workers' comp.[14:52] High-Value CLE: What makes the 31st Annual Workers' Comp Round Table CLE uniquely valuable? As Martha explains, it is members only, focused on frank discussion of real cases and trends, and gives attendees access to experienced practitioners and younger lawyers with boots on the ground.[18:07] Paying It Forward: Martha recalls the time when she was “just the little nobody” and stuck on a workers’ comp issue. She was encouraged to reach out to a well-known, respected lawyer who took the time to help her own. Today, she and everyone at NCAJ embrace that spirit of paying it forward.[21:26] Don’t Go It Alone: “Why would you go it alone?” Martha asks. With NCAJ, you don’t have to. She promotes membership as a way for lawyers to get access to resources, including other lawyers dealing with the same problems as well as practical gems from CLEs.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

March 5, 202633 min

Love, Law and Legacy: The Snyders on Taking the Helm of Ward Black Law

Audrey Snyder and Gabe Snyder stop by the studio to reflect on their “whirlwind” transition at Ward Black Law since the passing of founder Janet Ward Black last November. In January, they purchased the Greensboro-based firm and will preserve Janet Ward's faith-driven culture while reshaping it as their own. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, they discuss their vision of serving clients spiritually as well as legally. They are both active with NCAJ: Audrey has served as chair of the Women’s Caucus and the Products Liability Class Actions and Mass Torts section while Gabe is a graduate of the NCAJ’s leadership program and was chair of the Auto Torts and Premises Liability Section. So, they share their positive experiences with the organization. Tune in to hear about their “meet cute” as college undergrads.🎙️ Featured Guests 🎙️Name: Audrey SnyderConnect: LinkedInName: Gabe SnyderConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[03:00] A Whirlwind: Audrey reflects on the “whirlwind” that she and the entire Ward Black Law team has experienced since founder Janet Ward Black passed away last November.[04:00] Stewarding a Legacy: Audrey and Gabe share their career journey that brought them to Ward Black.[11:16] The Path to Law: “We both had law in mind.” Gabe describes how he and Audrey pursued a career in law after meeting as undergrads.[26:45] The Gift: Janet Ward left $50,000 to NCAJ, which will help fund a mentorship program.[25:47] Life-Changing Program: Gabe credits the NCAJ NEXT leadership program with teaching him management and leadership skills that law school doesn’t cover.[29:29] 20 Years: Audrey describes the firm's 20-day celebration honoring Janet Ward's birthday and the firm's 20th anniversary, culminating in a staff dinner on March 6.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

February 19, 202622 min

“I Get More Out of Mock Trial than I Put Into It”: Meet Charles Becton Teaching Award Winner Chris Nichols

The winner of the NCAJ’s 2025 Charles Becton Teaching Award, Chris Nichols reflects on his decades-long commitment to NCAJ's continuing legal education programs and the North Carolina Mock Trial Program. Joining the conversation is one of Chris’ mock trial students, high school senior Sam Circosta. “The great thing about mock trial is we're not necessarily training lawyers. We're just training leaders. That's what Sam has been for the last four years,” Chris tells host Amber Nimocks. In addition to discussing his journey as a teacher and coach, Chris also highlights his role as NCAJ’s government affairs consultant and previews upcoming CLEs.🎙️ Featured Guests🎙️Name: Chris NicholsConnect: LinkedInName: Sam CircostaConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:42] “Sign Me Up”: Sam Circosta wasn’t supposed to join his high school’s mock trial team, but he was intrigued after a chance meeting with former state champions. Now a senior at Broughton High School and mock trial team captain, Sam has walked out of the courtroom for the last time and hopes the experience will inform his future.[05:40] Training Leaders, Not Lawyers: Chris explains that mock trial isn't necessarily about training future lawyers—it's about developing leadership skills, as demonstrated by Sam's ability to coordinate two teams with 16 people managing multiple extracurriculars.[07:16] “I Knew I Wanted to Coach”: Chris started coaching mock trial as a second-year law student at Wake Forest, even before he knew what NCAJ was. He’s been doing it for 32 years.[11:20] Call for Volunteers: Mock trial is a heavy lift. It’s also a unique way to help the next generation of lawyers. That’s why Chris puts out the welcome mat to volunteers. “I would encourage people who support mock trial with their time, their efforts, and also their money to keep doing it because it is a great program.”[13:08] New UIM Laws: The “UIM/UM Unpacked” CLE on Feb. 13 is sold out, but members will be able to view it on the NCAJ catalog next month. With his “legislative hat on,” Chris will present about new UIM laws.[17:01] “I’m the Medicaid Guy”: On Feb. 27, Chris will present about Medicaid disbursements at the “Disbursements 2026: Back to Basics” CLE.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

January 16, 202633 min

One Word Changed Everything: From Teacher to Civil Rights Lawyer, with Zack Kaplan

Zack Kaplan sums up his inspiration for civil rights law in one word: Leandro. It’s long-running litigation that seeks to enforce the constitutional right to a sound basic education in North Carolina. As a fifth-grade teacher, Zack read frequently about the case. “I didn't even know that there was a constitutional right to a free public education under our North Carolina constitution. And the more I dug into it, the more it really – that mission and that purpose – really resonated with me,” he tells host Amber Nimocks. Zack eventually left teaching to become a lawyer, today focusing on state and constitutional claims, prison and police misconduct, and appellate litigation at Ballew Puryear. He is also the program chair of "Overcoming Immunity: Pro Tips for Success in Civil Rights Litigation," a CLE scheduled for January 29 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. He invites all lawyers to attend because he believes that everyone in NCAJ advocates for marginalized people going up against an institutional power. “We're hoping that, in a small way, this will be useful in those types of claims.” Register here.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Zack KaplanConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:21] Teacher to Lawyer: Zack spent three years as a fifth-grade teacher in East Durham before attending law school, an experience he describes as potentially his "best and most challenging job" of his career.[03:16] Civil Rights Foundation: As an undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill, Zack served as community organizer in historically Black communities, where he came to understand public education as a bedrock to building a multiracial democracy.[10:21] Standing Up for the Little Guy: Zack believes that he and everybody at NCAJ share a fundamental commitment to stand up for the “little guy.”[18:24] Law School Outreach Committee: As co-chair of NCAJ's Law School Outreach Committee, Zack is motivated to show students a variety of career paths.[23:02] “Struck by Lightning”: Zack describes being in the “right place, right time” to briefly clerk for Judge James Wynn, a relationship that led to connecting with other critical mentors.[26:07] NCAJ NEXT: “It was really impactful for me on several levels,” Zack says of the NCAJ NEXT fellowship program.[30:54] Civil Rights CLE: The January 29 CLE is designed to benefit all attorneys, even those who aren’t civil rights practitioners, because the work involves helping any marginalized person go up against larger institutional power.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

December 24, 202533 min

“You’re Never Alone”: Reflections on Leading NCAJ, with Carma Henson

In the last podcast of 2025, NCAJ President Carma Henson reflects on her first five months on the job. Carma and host Amber Nimocks talked about what it’s been like to lead the organization during one of the most eventful years in recent history and how much they are looking forward to 2026. Carma also talked about being the first Lumbee Indian to lead a statewide professional organization and what full federal recognition will mean for the Lumbees. Tune into this conversation for Carma’s insights on NCAJ’s advocacy in a challenging year.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Carma HensonConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[05:14] Historic First: Carma is the first Lumbee Indian to serve as president of NCAJ and the first Lumbee to serve as president of any statewide professional organization for lawyers in North Carolina. The tribe is one of the largest east of the Mississippi, with over 55,000 members.[11:08] Convention Conversation: At this summer’s NCAJ convention, one topic of conversation was the rule of law in response to actions of the Trump administration. Carma praises the “healthy” dialogue among members and breaks down the board of governor’s decision not to issue a public statement.[19:48] “Just the Way It Is”: That’s the feeling of hopelessness that many family members experience when they watch loved ones at the mercy of abusive nursing home caregivers, Carma says. “It doesn’t have to be ‘just the way it is.’”[25:51] Nursing Home Litigation: Medical malpractice caps are among the greatest challenges facing North Carolina nursing home litigators, Carma observes. “You've got the caps on non-economic damages, and so that scares some people away.”[26:15] Rapid Response: Carma salutes NCAJ's "rapid response team" for quickly training members so they could help those at risk when U.S. Border Patrol and ICE operations came to North Carolina.[29:30] "You're Never Alone”: That’s the message that Carla offers to Jason Orndoff, NCAJ president-elect. “Everybody's happy to listen and give advice, give insight. And that's what makes us a great organization,” she says.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

November 12, 202531 min

Reflections on Reforming North Carolina’s Death Penalty, with Gretchen Engel

"I just met this person, and the state wants to kill him." That’s what Gretchen Engel was thinking the first time she met a death row inmate, as an intern at the Alabama Resource Center. Gretchen would eventually move to North Carolina and join the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in 1992. After 33 years, including a dozen as the CDPL’s executive director, she retired this summer. Gretchen reflects on victories and setbacks in this conversation with Amber Nimocks. And she looks ahead, suggesting that the state may be moving toward slowly abolishing the death penalty.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Gretchen Engel💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:44] Motivation: Gretchen explains how her interest in race and poverty led her to death penalty work, first in Alabama and eventually in North Carolina.[06:00] Clemency Campaign: Gretchen details the CDPL’s six-month campaign that led former Governor Easley to grant clemency to a Black man sentenced to death by all-white juries.[10:05] Changing the Narrative: In 2000, the CDPL worked with reporters from the “Charlotte Observer” on a series that exposed the inexperienced lawyers and sham trials of death row defendants. “It helped to start the public really thinking about how these cases are tried,” Gretchen recalls.[13:13] Successes: Gretchen highlights the CDPL’s successes over the years, including the creation of the Indigent Defense System and the state’s ban on executing people with intellectual disabilities.[16:09] Racial Justice Act: Four people have been removed from death row through this law that created a record of racism in jury selection across North Carolina.[18:30] HB 307: This legislation, recently enacted, is committed to speeding up death penalty cases and exploring “increasingly barbaric methods of punishment,” Gretchen says.[21:28] “Pure Demagoguery”: Gretchen discusses how politicians capitalize on “fear and hatred” to push forward legislation in the aftermath of particularly brutal crimes.[24:50] Clemency: On December 31, 2024, North Carolina Governor Cooper commuted a record number of death penalty sentences – 15. Eleven were represented by the CDPL.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

October 16, 202525 min

The Right Arguments at the Right Time: Appellate Advocacy with Chris Edwards

“Improved appellate advocacy betters us all,” says Chris Edwards. “It betters the court system. It betters our outcomes.” The co-chair of Ward and Smith's Appellate Practice, Chris discusses how trial lawyers can improve their appellate advocacy in this conversation with host Amber Nimocks. He also highlights his new column for “Trial Briefs,” NCAJ’s flagship publication, where he shares his “superpowers” with NCAJ members. And he previews his Nov. 12 virtual CLE, “Winning on Appeal Starts at Trial,” where he’ll cover issue preservation, record building, and best practices.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Chris EdwardsConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:00] Path to Appellate Practice: Clerkships in a federal district court and the US Court of Appeals shaped Chris’ career. “The first four years that I was in practice, all I knew was writing for, talking to, persuading judges.”[03:38] Different Superpowers: Chris explains how appellate lawyers use storytelling differently than trial lawyers—telling the client's story through written briefs rather than in front of juries.[05:06] Thinking Ahead: Even if trial lawyers don't handle appeals themselves, they should think strategically to ensure success if the case goes to appeal, Chris says.[08:34] Vanguard v. Moody: Chris recaps his first  “Appellate Thinking” column, which focused on the Supreme Court's ruling requiring specificity in motions for directed verdict.[11:43] Evolving Case Law: Chris explains the fascinating part of appellate practice—watching how settled case law changes over time and seeing where courts are moving the law.[14:24] Shifting Trends: Every US Supreme Court chief justice moves the court in a different direction, Chris observes.[16:40] Coddle v. Mankin: Chris recalls co-authoring an NCAJ amicus brief about whether negligent supervision claims fall under medical malpractice laws.[19:15] The Trial Lawyer Dynamic: “Practically speaking, an appellate lawyer's client is the trial lawyer,” Chris says as he explains the relationship. “I get to help my friends solve cool problems.”[21:05] Common Appellate Questions: The three most common questions that Chris hears from trial lawyers: appellate timelines, post-trial motions, and assembling the record.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!