Virtual Conferencing, Round Two! At 2021 NCBA Annual Meeting (June 17-18)
By Russell Rawlings
The 123rd Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Bar Association will be held on Thursday and Friday, June 17-18. As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our members and staff, the North Carolina Bar Association will conduct this year’s Annual Meeting in a virtual format.
Extending over two days, the agenda for the NCBA Annual Meeting will more closely resemble agendas from years past – and years future – when members gathered in person. More time will be provided for entertainment and awards, including recognition of the 2021 Legal Legends of Color.
Will Oden
“We are very excited about this year’s Annual Meeting,” said Wilmington attorney Will Oden, who chairs the NCBA Annual Meeting Committee. “Even though this meeting will be held virtually like last year, the Bar Association staff already have one virtual annual meeting under their belts, and have had more time to prepare than they did last year when things had to pivot so quickly. I believe folks will be pleased with the events and also the technology platform that the Bar Association has chosen to use. That platform should help to facilitate more member interaction and participation.”
“While we are all looking forward to being together in person again,” Oden added, “it’s still important that we come together virtually this year, to recognize our traditions and leaders and take fellowship however we can. I encourage members to sign up as soon as possible and help spread the good word about this year’s event.”
There is no charge to attend but registration is required.
Thursday, June 17
The 2021 NCBA Annual Meeting begins on June 17 with orientation sessions for new bar leaders, including section, division and committee chairs, and new board members. The summer meetings of the NCBA Board of Governors and NCBF Board of Directors will be held that afternoon.
Thursday’s agenda concludes with a couple of traditional events – Welcome Reception and the Awards & Recognitions Show – presented in an expanded virtual format with entertainment included.
Friday, June 18
President Mark Holt of Raleigh will complete his term as the 126th president of the NCBA and 62nd president of the North Carolina Bar Foundation on June 18. Holt will be succeeded by Jon Heyl of Charlotte, who will serve as president of the NCBA and NCBF in 2021-22. Friday’s installation ceremony and address will be preceded by Business of the Bar, during which the next president-elect and a new slate of board members will be elected.
The morning agenda also includes the first State of the Judiciary address from Chief Justice Paul Newby, who assumed office in January, and a one-hour CLE program, “Mind the (Justice) Gap: Addressing North Carolina’s Unmet Legal Needs.”
Following a break for lunch, the NCBA Annual Meeting reconvenes on Friday afternoon for presentation of the 2021 Legal Legends of Color awards. This is the sixth year that Legal Legends of Color have been selected by the NCBA Minorities in the Profession Committee.
The event concludes on Friday afternoon with the 2021-22 organizational meetings of the NCBA Board of Governors and the NCBF Board of Directors.