HPU Law’s inaugural class of over 70 students began orientation on August 12 with a visit from one of the state’s top jurists: North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Phil Berger Jr.
The topic of discussion was Making the Most of Law School. He opened his remarks by encouraging the students, “You are going to be a game changer. You will help battered spouses, children in need, taxi drivers, and criminal defendants.” He next praised the faculty of High Point Law, stating, “The faculty are here to help you be a good lawyer and a good leader.”
If there was one overarching theme of Justice Berger’s remarks, it was that “the little things you do—every day—lead to big things.” Among the many insights he shared, his key takeaways for the law students included:
- Always try to improve your writing. The most essential skill for a lawyer is the ability to write. Your brief, complaint, motion—these are what the judges see first and most.
- Be curious about what you’re reading. Ask “why” and read with a purpose.
- Take advantage of internships. Use a broader approach. There may be a path that you haven’t considered, and having experiences in many areas of practice helps you know when a particular area is not the best fit for you.
- Learn to be a peacemaker. There’s plenty of time to make money, but the real goal is to be a leader—to be a peacemaker.
- You have to have grit. Sometimes, you’re the only voice in the community for someone. That takes grit.
The role of a lawyer, as Justice Berger views it, is to “organize thoughts and communicate them influentially.” Reading is critical to grow this skill. “A lawyer without books is like a workman without tools,” Justice Berger remarked, quoting President Thomas Jefferson.
When asked about the evolving tools of the profession like generative AI, the Justice analogized practicing law to playing sports. In both, the “fundamentals” always apply. And the “blocking and tackling” of law—to keep the metaphor—includes (1) communicating effectively and efficiently, (2) learning to have difficult conversations, and (3) mastering time management.
All of this counsel, of course, was premised on the importance of hard work. “You can have all the motivation in the world,” Justice Berger noted, “But discipline every day is the key to success.”
Founding Dean and Professor of Law Mark Martin—a former colleague of Justice Berger on the NC Supreme Court—moderated the discussion and facilitated Q&A afterwords. Reflecting on the session, Dean Martin said:
Justice Berger’s willingness to sacrifice precious time from his demanding schedule to encourage and equip our law students is an act of great generosity. It was an incredible opportunity for our inaugural class to hear such wise counsel and practical advice from one of the state’s top jurists on their first day of law school.