Campbell Law’s Career Center annual event attracts some 300 employers, students
Some 300 law students, faculty, administrators and employers participated in Campbell Law School’s Career and Professional Development Center annual Career Night at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District on Nov. 9, 2023. Students had the opportunity to meet attorneys from more than 50 employers in the broader legal community for an evening of networking and relationship building. The event was generously sponsored by Lawyers Mutual Inc. “We have paths and road maps to every job market in this state,” Dean J. Rich Leonard said in his welcome remarks. Michael Best’s Jonathan Bogues, who is the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division president, gave the keynote. “I have the most respect for Campbell Law, which produces some of the greatest lawyers around,” Bogues said. For a list of participating employers and to learn more, visit this link.
Gailor Family Law Litigation Clinic holds fundraiser
Campbell Law's Gailor Family Law Litigation Clinic held a celebratory fundraiser on Nov. 14 at Caffe Luna that was attended by some 60 area family law attorneys, alumni, students, faculty and staff. Professor Richard Waugaman III '12 told those gathered that he has had the privilege since Fall 2021 to have 60 students come through the clinic. Of those, 34 have graduated and 18 are currently famiy law attorneys across North Carolina. "Since we have been open, they have opened 248 cases, they have gone to court 306 times and participated in 105 contested hearings as certified interns sitting first chair and arguing motions, preparing themselves to go out and become members of this bar and to join us in this area that has such just great need. The need is there and it is my hope this clinic will continue to serve a small portion of that need thanks to these students." Find more photos from the event at this link.
A thank you message from Dean J. Rich Leonard to everyone who helped support Campbell Law during Giving Day on Nov. 6 : "I am immensely grateful for the generosity of our law community during Campbell Giving Day. It was a total team effort with engagement from alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, all working together to provide resources for the betterment of our school. For the second year in a row, we had more than 150 gifts and could not have accomplished that without you! Congratulations to the Class of 2001 for winning the Campbell Law Alumni Association Competition and to the members of the Black Law Student Association and the National Security Military Law Student Association for winning the Student Organization Competition. A special thank you goes out to our challenge/competition sponsors, John ’94 and Rebecca McCabe, Brian Ricci ’97, Bob ’95 and Zanny Sar, Will Owens ’06 and Kimberly Miller ’07 of Owens & Miller PLLC and the Campbell Law Alumni Association. I feel truly blessed to be the Dean of Campbell Law and please know your financial support will do so much good as we continue to serve our students and community."
Brigitte Kelly ’23 named as Wallace Public Service Fellow
Brigitte Kelly, a 2023 Campbell Law graduate, has been selected by an internal panel of law school faculty and staff as the newest Wallace Fellow, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. She began working at the law school in November. As the Wallace Public Service Fellow, she assists in the management of Campbell Law’s pro bono programs, and works to conceptualize and seeks resources to further pro bono and clinical development. During her time at Campbell Law, Kelly served as the Student Managing Director for the Pro Bono Council. She worked to support the student-led pro bono projects in their return from the COVID years. Kelly was awarded the Pro Bono Publico Award in the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony for her incredible efforts in encouraging student participation in pro bono opportunities. Recently, she has been recognized by the North Carolina State Bar for her promotion of pro bono opportunities in the Raleigh area. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law Spotlight: Kathrynn Johnston ‘25
A Louisiana native, Campbell Law’s Kathrynn Johnston ‘25 often tells people she “stumbled” into the legal field. Johnston attended Louisiana Christian University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies in 2015. Johnston then moved to North Carolina to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where she earned her master’s degree in Intercultural Studies in 2017. While in her master’s program, Johnston began working part-time as a receptionist for Rhodes Law Firm, a firm that primarily practices estate planning and estate administration. Unbeknownst to Johnston, this would change the course of her career journey in an unexpected way. Towards the end of her program, Johnston increased her work hours to full time and completed the last of her courses at night and online. Johnston thoroughly enjoyed her work with Rhodes Law Firm, and after completing her degree, continued working there. As time went on, Johnston took on more responsibility and was eventually promoted to paralegal. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law advocates win at 14th Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition
Campbell Law student advocates Matthew Couch ’24 and Lynn Johnson ’24 proudly represented the law school in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition on Oct. 19-21, 2023. Couch was recognized with the Best Oral Advocate Award for his arguments in the preliminary rounds. The team was coached by Morgan Pierce ’18 who stated, “I am extremely proud of the way they performed and how well Matt and Lynn represented Campbell.” This was Campbell Law’s first time competing in the Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition against nearly three dozen other competitors. “I’m excited that Matt received an award for his oral advocacy,” said Director of Competitive Advocacy Mary Ann Matney ’17. “Both he and Lynn are strong appellate advocates, who have made our program proud.” The Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition is hosted by Elon Law School. The competition, which honors three former Chief Justices of the North Carolina Supreme Court, focuses on constitutional law issues.
Longtime Campbell Law Professor Robert “Bob” Odom Loftis Jr. dies
Robert “Bob” Odom Loftis Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and esteemed educator, died on Oct. 23, 2023, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to his obituary. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but his formative years were spent in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Loftis was a dedicated and respected tenured professor at Campbell Law School, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the law with students for an impressive 40 years. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on the legal community. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Florida Atlantic University and pursued his Doctorate of Law from Emory University. His dedication to excellence was further exemplified as a licensed Certified Public Accountant. His unwavering commitment to legal education was recognized through various accolades, including The Order of the Coif. Learn more at this link.
Spring 2024 On-Campus Interview & Resume Collect Program
SAVE THE DATE
- FLEX JD Program Information Session January 9
- Campbell Law Admitted Students Day April 6
- VIRTUAL FLEX JD Program Information Session March 14
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Are you a Campbell Law judge?
If you or anyone you know is a Campbell Law alumna/nus and also a current or past judge, we are expanding our "Judges of Campbell Law" wall we unveiled in October! The exhibit honors alumni who have served on a variety of judicial benches. Read more at this link. Please contact Coordinator of External Relations Sharon Sparks at ssparks@campbell.edu or call 919-865-4652 for more information.