After thoughtful debate, the NCADA Board of Directors has voted to discontinue the Association’s practice of issuing endorsements for appellate judges in election years. This decision reflects a desire to keep NCADA focused on serving members in ways that balance the personal political views of its members and the Association’s stated mission to “to protect the integrity of our civil justice system and its fairness for all, particularly for those businesses and individuals who are defendants in civil and administrative actions.”
NCADA remains committed to helping members stay informed about judicial elections and the candidate’s seeking office. The Association will continue to host the nonpartisan Judicial Candidates’ Forum during election years, along with other educational and networking opportunities that encourage engagement and informed participation. NCADA looks forward to continuing to provide meaningful ways for members to connect, learn, and stay involved on issues important to the defense bar.
The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (“NCADA”) will hold a Judicial Candidates' Forum on Saturday, June 13, during the NCADA’s 49th Annual Meeting in Asheville. The Forum will feature judicial candidates running in statewide elections for seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The appellate races are statewide races that impact all citizens of North Carolina.
Eight candidates seek election for four open appellate level judicial seats - two candidates for North Carolina Supreme Court and six candidates for North Carolina Court of Appeals. Links for each candidate is available on the Judicial Candidates’ Forum page. A Special Candidates Issue of The Resource will be available for download as well as the Forum video soon.
The Forum gives members of the bar, the business community, and the public a rare opportunity to learn about the candidates who wish to serve the state at the appellate court level. Each candidate will have the opportunity to answer a question germane to the members of the civil trial bar and to briefly discuss his or her qualifications for the position.
The NCADA brings together civil trial attorneys to promote the exchange of information, ideas, and litigation techniques, and to strengthen the practice, improve the skills, and enhance the knowledge of lawyers defending individuals and businesses in North Carolina. For more information about the NCADA or the Judicial Candidates' Forum, please contact the Association office at 919-239-4463 or lynettepitt@ncada.org.
Nominations Open for NCADA Leadership
The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys is now accepting nominations for five positions on the NCADA Board of Directors, each serving a three-year term beginning at the close of the 2026 Annual Meeting and ending at the close of the 2028 Annual Meeting.
Board Member Responsibilities
Qualifications for Nominees
Practice Group Leadership Opportunities
Leadership opportunities are also available within NCADA’s practice groups for members interested in helping guide educational programming and member engagement. Members committed to the continued growth and relevance of NCADA through its practice groups are encouraged to be considered for these roles.
Nomination Submission Requirements
Please include the following with each nomination:
Nominations may be submitted by email to the Nominating Committee in care of Executive Director Lynette Pitt at lynettepitt@ncada.org and must be received no later than Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 J. Robert Elster Award for Professional Excellence and the 2026 Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy. Celebrate and honor a colleague, mentor, or peer you admire by submitting a nomination for one of these awards recognizing excellence.
Both current and former members of the NCADA are eligible to be considered for these honors. Recipients will be recognized during the NCADA 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for the weekend of June 11–14 in Asheville.
To submit a nomination, review the award criteria and guidelines here for each award. Letters of nomination should be addressed to Gary Parsons, Chair of the Awards Committee, and emailed to Lynette Pitt, Executive Director of NCADA.
Nomination Deadline extended! Submit your nomination by Friday, April 17, 2026.
Judge Marty McGee, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge of the 25th Judicial District, has issued a new administrative order establishing guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in litigation and court proceedings. The order provides a technology-neutral framework to align AI applications with key legal standards, including advocacy, evidence, disclosure obligations, and professional responsibilities.
This initiative reflects ongoing work through Duke Law’s Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) program. A one-page quick reference guide has been provided to assist legal professionals in understanding the order. Feedback and suggestions regarding the order are welcomed.
Relevant Links:
The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA) honored two esteemed trial attorneys during its 48th Annual Meeting held in Wilmington. Robert "Bob" Sumner received the J. Robert Elster Award for Professional Excellence, and Jonathan A. Berkelhammer was presented with the Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.
Bob Sumner, a founding member and Partner Emeritus at Cranfill Sumner, is celebrated for embodying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethics—criteria central to the J. Robert Elster Award. Dan Hartzog, a former law partner and long-time friend, praised Sumner’s unwavering excellence and courteous demeanor. Sumner, reflecting on his approach to the profession, emphasized the importance of respect and congeniality in legal relationships.
Sumner, who launched his civil defense trial practice after graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law, has tried over 100 jury trials. His commitment extends beyond the courtroom through leadership roles within the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association, and as an active founding member of NCADA until his retirement.
Jonathan A. Berkelhammer, is this year's recipient of the Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy. Berkelhammer, a partner at Ellis & Winters LLP, stands out for his exceptional advocacy skills in handling complex product liability cases across state and federal courts. Recognized by his colleague Leslie Packer, Berkelhammer is noted for his diligence, in-depth knowledge, and impactful courtroom presence. Besides leading a successful litigation practice, he continues to actively contributes to the NCADA after serving as President in 2014-2015. Additionally, he is active in various national legal associations including DRI, IADC, and PLAC.
The NCADA's annual awards underline the notable contributions of its members to the legal realm and the community at large. Congratulations to both Robert “Bob” Sumner and Jonathan A. Berkelhammer for their distinguished achievements and enriching impact on the legal profession.
The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA) is pleased to announce the election of its new leadership at its 48th Annual Meeting held June 12-15, 2025 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
George Simpson, IV, founder of Simpson Law, PLLC in Raleigh, has been inducted as President for the 2025-2026 year. Simpson, a UNC and UNC Law School alumnus, has a broad litigation practice representing clients in a wide array of matters including insurance coverage disputes, insurance defense, business disputes, regulatory compliance matters, and subrogation claims.
Erin McNeil Young has been confirmed as President-Elect. Young is Senior Litigation for Extended Stay America and is based in Charlotte. Prior to going in-house, Erin was in private practice following her graduation from UNC School of Law.
JD Keister transitions to Immediate Past President. Keister, with his practice at McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLP in Raleigh, specializes in civil and complex litigation including construction and insurance defense. He graduated from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law.
Daniel M. Nunn has been elected Executive Vice President. A partner at Caudle & Spears, P.A., his work includes construction defects and insurance defense litigation. Nunn is a University of Miami School of Law graduate.
Scottie Forbes Lee is the new Treasurer, previously serving a three-year term on the Board of Directors. A partner with Ellis & Winters LLP based in Greensboro focusing her practice on complex litigation, antitrust, and appeals.
Nicole B. Slaughter continues as Secretary. Slaughter is Of Counsel with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani practicing in the firm’s Raleigh office focusing her practice on commercial law, construction law, and product liability. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Tennessee School of Law.
The NCADA welcomes new Board members for a 3-year term until 2028:
J.D. Keister, President (2024-2025) McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC
I hope to see you at our upcoming Annual Meeting in just a few weeks. We’re looking forward to hosting the meeting in Wilmington again. With unmatched professional development programming tailored to build skills and meet your practice needs, you will not want to miss attending. Join us June 12-15 to learn and network with peers and colleagues from across North Carolina.
The Annual Meeting is also when the NCADA transitions to new leadership. As I shared in my note when taking office last June, I attended my first Annual Meeting over 20 years ago and was encouraged by firm mentors to get involved in the NCADA. In an era where retention and young lawyer development is such a challenge for our member firms, NCADA is an excellent opportunity for firms to invest in younger lawyers in a similar fashion. I encourage younger members to attend, participate, and get involved! There is not a better way to learn or get connected within the civil defense bar. Go to member socials and events. Write articles. Be on a committee.
Major challenges impacting our firms and practices include generative AI into the practice of law, exploding verdicts, and the training and retention of talent. NCADA is working on programming and resources to support members and firms in these areas to include training newer and mid-level attorneys in essential and advanced litigation skills, information resources on AI and programming at our CLE offerings, and appointing a committee to explore strategies and training for defense attorneys on nuclear verdicts. You are invited to share your knowledge and expertise to volunteer to be involved. Contact me if interested.
Your Association is recognized statewide and nationally with working relationships with the NC Chamber, DRI, the DRI Center for Public Policy and Lawyers for Civil Justice working collaboratively on a tweak to Rule 702 at the General Assembly to align with the federal rule. Our Amicus presence continues to grow and we are fortunate to have an Amicus Committee led by Duane Jones, Steven Bader, and Jeff Kuykendal vetting cases of relevance.
The state of the Association remains steady and stable. Our membership numbers are consistent, yet we encourage you to invite colleagues and peers to join us. We are fortunate to have strong support from our Litigation Support Partners, and we also encourage you to take advantage of their expertise and services.
Many in Western North Carolina are still dealing with the impact from Hurricane Helene last September. We applaud the many contributions of our members and firms in supporting recovery efforts. That same day we held our annual Fall Seminar in Cary and despite the storm had good attendance and an excellent CLE program. This year, we have scheduled the Fall Seminar a few weeks later in October and will consider moving to late October to early November which was the timing in our early years.
Finally, speaking of our early years, NCADA’s 50th Anniversary is in 2 years and will be celebrating this milestone in 2027. Today’s NCADA is THE organization for those of us on the defense side of the “V.” it is an organization where people can connect, where members can learn, and where knowledge can be passed from trial and industry legends to the next generation. What does the next 50 years look like to you? Let us know.
Nominations Accepted for NCADA Board of Directors & Practice Group Leadership
The terms of five current members of the NCADA Board of Directors will expire in June 2025. Nominations for the five vacant Director positions are now being accepted to serve a three year term beginning at the close of the 2025 Annual Meeting through the close of the 2028 Annual Meeting.
Director’s responsibilities include:
To qualify for a position on the NCADA Board of Directors, the nominee should
Leadership opportunities in the NCADA’s Practice Groups are open for nominations. Members interested in the continued growth and relevance of the NCADA through its practice groups will be considered for leadership positions in the following areas of practice: Construction, Commercial, Employment, General Liability, Government, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability and Workers’ Compensation.
The following information should be included in the nomination:
1) Member Name, Firm, contact information and a brief biographical sketch.
2) Brief statement by the nominee of his or her availability and commitment to actively serve as a member of the Board, or as a practice group leader.
3) Brief statement why nominee would like to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, or as a practice group leader.
Persons interested in submitting a nomination may E mail the Nominating Committee in care of Lynette Pitt, Executive Director (E mail: lynettepitt@ncada.org.)
Nominations must be received no later than Friday, March 28, 2025, 5 p.m.
Print Version
Recognize a colleague, mentor or peer you hold in high esteem for the J. Robert Elster Award for Professional Excellence and the Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy this year.
Present and past members of the NC Association of Defense Attorneys are eligible for consideration as a possible recipient for one of these awards. Recipients will be recognized during the 2025 Annual Meeting during the weekend of June 12-15.
Deadline for submission is Friday, March 28, 2025. Your letter of nomination should be addressed to Gary Parsons, Chair, Awards Committee, c/o Lynette Pitt, Executive Director, NCADA, by email.
Learn more about the J. Robert Elster Award for Professional Excellence and the Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and make a nomination today.
A list of Past Recipients may be found here.