Joseph E. Zaytoun International Judicial Clerkship Fellowship
to support Campbell Law students clerking in three African countries
A prominent North Carolina attorney is pledging a half million dollars to Campbell Law School to establish the Joseph E. Zaytoun International Judicial Clerkship Fellowship, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. Robert Zaytoun is the owner of the Zaytoun Law Firm in Wilmington, where for the past 35 years his practice has focused on catastrophic personal injury, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle injury, premises liability, whistle blower cases and other areas of torts and wrongful death. An admirer of Campbell Law’s advocacy programs, Zaytoun has been a longtime supporter of the school’s clinics, trial teams, advocacy center and global initiatives. The new Joseph E. Zaytoun Fellowship, named for Zaytoun’s late father, will for the first time this summer offer externship opportunities to Campbell Law students in several African courts in Rwanda, Namibia and Ghana. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law advocates win Campbell Vis Pre-Moot Competition
Campbell Law advocates won the first edition of the Campbell Law Vis Pre-Moot Competition, held on Saturday, Feb. 21. The prevailing team, representing Campbell Law, consisted of Edmund Gunther ’26 and Abigail Sholes ’27. The second and third places in the teams’ tournament were occupied by advocates from the University of Bucharest: Petra Rusu and Catalin Pantiru (2nd place) and Patricia Tataru and Crina Teleoaca (3rd place). The winning teams received cash awards: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place. Additionally, Campbell Law’s Gunther won best male oralist while Rusu of the University of Bucharest won best female oralist. They each won cash awards of $100. The Campbell Vis Pre-Moot is part of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, now at its 33rd edition (Austria) and respectively at its 23rd edition (Hong Kong). Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law students, faculty host Romanian students to expand international footprint
Campbell Law played host to a dozen Romanian students from the University of Bucharest, who participated in Campbell Law's Vis Pre-Moot Competition First Edition on Feb. 20-21. Professor Raluca Papadima has served on the University’s Multi-Cultural Council for the past four years. The Council encouraged its members to consider ways to help expand the University’s international footprint, which is also part of Campbell University’s recently released five-year strategic plan. “I had the idea of organizing a moot court competition at our law school in connection with our law school’s traditional participation in the Willem Vis competition in international arbitration and contracts,” Papadima explained. Learn more at this link.
Speakers for Craven-Everett American Inn of Court meetings announced
The lineup of speakers for the Spring Craven-Everett American Inn of Court meetings include the Chief Justice of the Eastern Bank of Cherokee Indians Supreme Court, an N.C. Supreme Court Justice and the North Carolina State Auditor, Campbell Law Dean J. Rich Leonard announced. Chief Justice of the Eastern Bank of Cherokee Indians Supreme Court Bradley Letts ‘19 was the guest speaker for the Feb. 19 meeting. Letts graduated with an LL.M. degree in International Legal Studies earned through a collaboration between Campbell Law and Nottingham Law School in the United Kingdom. Letts discussed the complex interplay among tribal, federal and state laws. On Wednesday, March 18, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Trey Allen will speak on hot issues involving state constitutional law. And Campbell Law alumnus and N.C. State Auditor Dave Boliek ’97 will present on the expanded role of his office in overseeing state government at the Thursday, April 16, meeting. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law student wins best advocate award at NTC Regional
Campbell Law's Thomas Lotito ‘26 won the Best Advocate Award and both Campbell Law teams advanced to the semi-finals at the TYLA National Trial Competition (NTC) for Region 5 on Feb. 6-8 at the Forsyth County Courthouse in Winston-Salem. The regional competition was hosted by Wake Forest Law School for the first time in more than 30 years. Hailey LaRock ‘26 and Lotito made up Team 1 and were proudly coached by Jacob Morse ‘17 and Austin Graham ‘25. “This is the fourth year in a row that both Campbell teams competing in the NTC regionals have ‘made the break’ and advanced to the elimination rounds of the tournament,” Morse explained. Paige Klink ‘27 and Wesley Altman ‘26 made up Team 2 and were proudly coached by Professors Charles Warren and Chris Cox, director of trial advocacy for the law school. Serving as witnesses for both teams were Brittany Swanger ‘27, Hunter Walker ‘27, Connie Kuang ‘27 and Jackson Haskell ‘27. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law advocates advance to semi-finals in Vis Pre-Moot Competition at George Mason University law school
Campbell Law advocates advanced to the semi-finals in the John B. “Jack” Tieder Jr. Vis Pre-Moot Competition organized by Watt, Tieder, Hoffar and Fitzgerald LLP in conjunction with the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Moot Court Board (MCB). The competition is part of the 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. The in-person competition, which included networking receptions and panel discussions on Third-Party Funding and Force Majeure, was held on Jan. 30-31, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia. Campbell Law’s team, which was coached by Campbell Law Professor Raluca Papadima and Nicholas Wilkins ‘26, was composed of: Mariana Bijelac ‘27, Suzy Brito Lagunas ‘26, Gavin Dacier ‘26, Edmund Gunther ‘26, Abigail Sholes ‘27 and James Whitaker ‘26. Learn more at this link.
Assistant Professor Sarah Cansler named inaugural AI Technologies Champion Network fellow
Legal Research and Writing Assistant Professor Sarah Cansler has been selected as a fellow in the inaugural cohort of the CAA Academic Alliance’s newly launched AI Technologies Champion Network for the 2025–26 academic year. Cansler is among just 22 faculty and staff members chosen from nearly 400 applicants across the Alliance’s 13 member institutions. The AI Technologies Champion Network was created to foster collaboration and innovation while ensuring inclusive and ethical adoption of AI across Alliance institutions. By connecting leaders from multiple campuses, the initiative aims to accelerate shared learning, support institutional transformation, and position participating teams for future inter-institutional funding opportunities. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law renews unique partnership with Poyner YMCA
It is no secret that exercise is important to Dean J. Rich Leonard. In furtherance of his commitment to promoting wellness, Leonard entered into an agreement last fall to partner with the Poyner YMCA, located at 227 Fayetteville St., just a few blocks from the law school, to allow anyone associated with the law school — students, full-time faculty, adjuncts and staff — to work out at the downtown YMCA free of charge. He renewed the agreement in January 2026 for an additional semester, continuing access to fitness opportunities for the Campbell Law community. The partnership with the YMCA is made possible through the generosity of alumnus and Law Board of Visitors member Gary Shipman ’80 of Shipman & Wright LLP in Wilmington. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law Career Center hosts interview skills workshop featuring top 10 interview tips
As someone who regularly interviews law students and knows what makes an interview successful, Melissa Forshey Schwind provided tips and insights during a recent lunch event that also featured a mock interview demonstration courtesy of two third-year law students — Caroline Harris and Reese Dickerhoff — and Wallace Fellow Darrah Perry ’25. Forshey Schwind’s preparation advice included research, practice, logistics, storytelling, resume command, structured answers, thoughtful questions, aligning experiences to law and planning responses to difficult topics. Learn more about her 10 interview tips at this link.
Wake County Justice Center hosts exhibit honoring N.C.’s first African American judges
For the fifth year, Campbell Law's traveling exhibit honoring the contributions of pioneering African American judges in North Carolina was once again on display at the Wake County Justice Center in honor of Black History Month. The “First African Americans on the North Carolina Bench” features Judge Elreta Melton Alexander-Ralston, Judge Sammie Chess, Jr., Judge Clifton E. Johnson, Judge Richard C. Erwin, former Chief Justice Henry Frye, Judge Cy A. Grant Sr., Judge Allyson K. Duncan and former Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson. The exhibit remained on display through February. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law takes award-winning Trial Advocacy Training Program to South Africa
Campbell Law is once again taking its award-winning Trial Advocacy Training Program abroad over Spring Break, this time to South Africa. “Campbell Law is proud to announce an international partnership with the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, bringing our nationally recognized trial advocacy training program to law students abroad,” said Professor Chris Cox, director of the law school’s Trial Advocacy Program. From March 9-13, Dean J. Rich Leonard, Assistant Professor Erin Kenny and two of the law school's most decorated alumni advocates will work alongside University of the Free State colleagues to train approximately 12 students in the essential skills of courtroom advocacy. The training is part of the Dean's Global Initiatives Program, which also includes four study abroad programs. Learn more at this link.
Two state trial judges will pursue international LL.M. degree over Spring Break
Two state trial judges will head to Nottingham Law School to pursue an LL.M. degree in International Legal Studies over Campbell Law’s spring break thanks to the generosity of a law school alumna, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. Judge Terry Rose of District Court 12 and Chief District Court Judge Amanda Wilson of the 21st Judicial District have been chosen by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to participate in the program as the inaugural recipients of the Gray Fellowships of $12,500 each. The fellowships are made possible by former Wake County District Court Judge Jane Powell Gray ‘79 and her husband, Frank Gray. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law finishes as semi-finalists at Kilpatrick 1L Mock Trial Competition
A team of Campbell Law advocates finished as semi-finalists in the 2026 Kilpatrick Townsend 1L Mock Trial Competition, an annual event hosted by the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Law for first-year students from North Carolina law schools. Teams typically participate in two preliminary rounds, with top teams advancing to quarter-final, semi-final and final rounds. The team finishing among the four semi-finalists in the competition was made up of Jay Hawkins, Abby Vaught, Clinton Jones and JD Peebles. Vaught received a Best Advocate Award, and Peebles and Jones received Best Witness Awards. The other three semi-finalist teams were all from Wake Forest Law, which eventually won the competition. Jones wrote about Vaught on LinkedIn, “Words can’t express how impressed I am by this young lady who has been the driving force behind the success of our team.” Learn more at this link.
Criminal Justice Club partners with Campbell Law to create pro bono clinics showcase
Campbell Law showcased its pro bono clinics to Campbell University undergraduate students including members of the Criminal Justice Club on Feb. 24, said the Criminal Justice Club’s Emma Lapan ‘26, who has been working with the law school’s Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning Richard Waugaman ‘09 to organize the clinical information session and fair. Learn more at this link.
Campbell Law’s Charlotte Munsey ‘28 honored as NCBA Business Law Section Diversity Scholar
Campbell Law's Charlotte Munsey ‘28 recently had the opportunity to attend one of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)‘s most engaging annual events as a representative of the law school as the Business Law Section Diversity Scholar. Munsey joined attorneys and fellow law students from across North Carolina for the Business Law & Corporate Counsel Section's Annual Meeting and CLE held Feb. 19-20 at the Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro. “One of the highlights of the program was connecting with other law students from across North Carolina,” Munsey wrote on LinkedIn. “Building those relationships and sharing experiences made the weekend even more meaningful.” Learn more at this link.
Join Campbell Law’s team in fighting hunger by donating to N.C. Legal Feeding Frenzy 2026
Campbell Law is competing in the 2026 North Carolina Legal Feeding Frenzy — a “food and fund” drive competition among all North Carolina law firms, law schools and organizations to assist Feeding The Carolinas’ Food Banks that runs from March 1-31, 2026. “This is a spirited competition where law schools and law firms unite to make a lasting impact by seeing who can raise the most canned food and donations for those in need,” said Dean J. Rich Leonard. “Campbell Law has won the Legal Feeding Frenzy competition between the law schools four times since 2021 and we would like to continue that trend with your help.” Supporters can help the Campbell Law team’s fight against hunger by donating at this link or scanning the QR code below. Learn more at this link.
Annual SBA Golf Tournament set for Friday, March 20
The annual Campbell Law Student Bar Association Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, March 20, at Eagle Ridge Golf Club with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Tournament check-in is at noon and lunch is included with sign-up as well as access to the driving range and putting green. To sponsor the event or particpate, click on this link.
Campbell Law to host Alumni Reunion 2026 on April 11
The Campbell Law Alumni Association invites members of the graduating classes of 1981, 1986, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2016 and 2021 to the Capital City for their respective reunions on Saturday, April 11. “The Campbell Law Alumni Association is excited to see all the members of their respective reunion classes attend and reconnect at our events,” said Assistant Dean of External Relations Megan Sherron ‘10. “As we celebrate 50 years as a law school this year, we hope the members of each reunion class will plan on joining us for a day of visiting with old friends as well as celebrating the bonds all Campbell Law alumni share.” The daytime events will begin at 10 a.m. at Campbell Law School, 225 Hillsborough St., in downtown Raleigh. Register at this link or the link below.
Registration now open for 2026 On-Campus Recruiting and Resume Collect
Registration is now open for employers who would like to join Campbell Law’s 2026 On-Campus Recruiting and Resume Collect program. Email lawcareercenter@campbell.edu for a schedule or a link to register. "Whether you are recruiting for a summer intern or a post graduate, entry-level position, we would be delighted to introduce you to our talented students," said Assistant Dean of Career and Professional Development Mallory Underwood. Learn more at this link.
Alumni News and Class Notes now available online
Did you get married, have a baby, get a promotion, get elected, retire or experience any other exciting life change? We want to hear about it! Submit your alumni note for inclusion in our newly published online Alumni News and Class Notes at this link. Send your updates to Coordinator of External Events Sharon Sparks at ssparks@campbell.edu or Director of Communications and Marketing Lisa Snedeker at lsnedeker@campbell.edu.
SAVE THE DATE
- Annual Scholarship Luncheon March 5
- Law Board of Visitors Spring Meeting March 20
- Annual SBA Golf Tournament March 20
- Family Day/Law Awards Banquet March 21
- Women in Law 50th Anniversary Celebration March 26
- Walk in Their Shoes 5K April 11
- Law Alumni Reunion April 11
- Graduation and Hooding Ceremony May 8
Check out Campbell Law swag
Looking for Campbell Law apparel? Visit our Campbell Law Brand Shop is open for business! All orders are made on demand and ship in approximately 15 days. We have T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, hats, scarves, tumblers, coasters and more! Click here to shop.
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 2021! 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.