Member Help

To complement our Black History Month commemoration of Attorney Peter H. Bell’s life and legacy, we are pleased to share this short video highlighting the significance of the event and the enduring impact of his work on our profession and community.  NCABL extends sincere appreciation to our member Attorney James E. Williams Jr. for his leadership, vision, and dedication in organizing this meaningful program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xas0qU-HZNw

NCABL stands firm in defense of the rule of law and the constitutional rights of our communities. In moments of heightened protest and challenges to democratic norms, knowing your rights is essential. We encourage members and the public to stay informed, remain peaceful, and protect yourselves by reviewing the Know   Your Rights resources from the ACLU of North Carolina: https://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/know-your-rights/   NCABL remains committed to guidance, advocacy, and access to justice—now more than ever.

Dear Colleagues, The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers is pleased to share an opportunity to participate in the Academy of Trial Lawyers Diversity Trial Advocacy Program, sponsored by the Academy of Trial Lawyers. NCABL member Attorney Brian Beverly has extended an invitation for interested participants. Attached to this email, you will find: The official invitation, and A prior press release from the 2024 Diversity Trial Advocacy Program held in Toronto, which is provided to give insight into the scope, structure, and experience participants can expect at next year’s training. We encourage you to review both attachments carefully. About the Program This [...]

We are proud to recognize the extraordinary humanitarian work of NCABL Board of Governors Member Ralph K. Frasier, co-owner of Soca Shores, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Many communities were left without electricity and—most urgently—without access to clean, safe drinking water. In the aftermath of this disaster, Ralph and the Soca Shores team mobilized quickly to deliver thousands of units of clean, microplastic-free drinking water to families in the hardest-hit areas. Their donation provided immediate relief at a time when water shortages posed significant threats to public health. To learn more about this impactful effort [...]

We are proud to spotlight one of our own. NCABL member Sherita Walton has announced her candidacy for Wake County District Attorney, making history this week as the first Black candidate ever to file for this Office. Sherita brings over 20 years of legal experience to this historic run. Her background includes: • More than a decade of prosecutorial experience in Manhattan and Wake County • Service as a Legal Advisor to the Raleigh Police Department • Prior legal work in the private sector on the defense side, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the justice system • Longstanding commitment to public safety, [...]

Dear Colleagues and Friends, Last weekend, our community gathered in Orange County for a powerful series of events commemorating Abolition Day and the 160th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment. The program, led by the Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition under the leadership of NCABL member James Williams, offered a meaningful reflection on our shared history and the ongoing pursuit of justice. For those who were unable to attend, we are pleased to share the full recording of the ceremony. You may view the ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3mZumVbAKA We hope you will take time to watch and reflect on [...]

Congratulations to Attorney Muriel Hall and Family The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers proudly celebrates Attorney Muriel Hall, a dedicated NCABL member, as Wake Forest University honors her late husband, Lawrence D. Hopkins, with the naming of Beth Norbrey & Lawrence D. Hopkins Hall. This distinguished recognition reflects Mr. Hopkins’ lasting contributions to the Wake Forest community and his legacy of service, leadership, and excellence. NCABL joins Attorney Hall and her family in celebrating this extraordinary honor and the enduring impact of their shared commitment to education and justice.

We are honored to spotlight Associate Justice Anita Earls of the North Carolina Supreme Court, a lifelong advocate for justice, equity, and civil rights. With a career dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to justice, Justice Earls continues to break new ground in the legal profession. In 2025, Justice Earls was awarded the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award by the American Bar Association—one of the legal field’s highest honors. Established in 1991, the award recognizes outstanding women lawyers who have paved the way for others. Justice Earls is only the second attorney from North Carolina to [...]

Ashleigh Parker — Trailblazer in Justice and Community Impact We proudly spotlight Ashleigh Parker, a legal powerhouse whose distinguished career is marked by leadership, innovation, and service. As Chair of the NC State Bar Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee and a current North Carolina State Bar Councilor, she has shaped legal education across the state. Her leadership extends into the community as the former President of the NCCU Law Alumni Association and the first African American female—and youngest—to serve as President of both the Wake County Bar Association and the 10th Judicial District Bar. Ashleigh’s passion for access and equity [...]

Saleisha Averhart — From the Courtroom to the Caribbean Kitchen Saleisha Averhart is serving up more than justice—she’s serving up culture, flavor, and culinary storytelling with her breakout cookbook, Tasting My Way Through The Caribbean. Blending travel, heritage, and mouthwatering recipes, Saleisha's debut work is making waves both in kitchens and on the charts. The cookbook is currently trending on Amazon’s Best Seller list, holding the #1 and #2 spots in the “Barbados & Trinidad & Tobago Travel” category, while consistently ranking in the Top 20 to Top 50 in “Caribbean & West Indian Food & Wine” and “General Caribbean [...]