High Point Law’s Women in Law (WIL) Chapter just marked a significant milestone with its inaugural event: a distinguished panel of North Carolina women judges. The event, which brought together some of the state’s most accomplished jurists, exemplified the dedication to excellence that characterizes High Point Law’s inaugural class.
The Annie Kerr Walker Ballroom provided an elegant setting for this lunch and learn session, where students and faculty engaged with seven remarkable judges from various courts in North Carolina’s judiciary. Judge Allegra Collins of the Court of Appeals skillfully moderated the discussion, leading a panel that included both sitting and newly retired judges who have helped shape the state’s legal landscape.
The distinguished panel featured Judge April Wood of the Court of Appeals, Special Superior Court Judge Julie Earp of the North Carolina Business Court (notably the only woman currently serving on that Court), and District Court Judge Alyssa Levine. Retired District Court Judges Theresa Vincent and Debra Sasser, former Chief Judges in their respective judicial districts further enriched the panel’s wealth of experience. Chief District Judge Christy E. Wilhelm rounded out this impressive assembly of judicial talent.
The judges shared invaluable advice with the attendees, emphasizing the importance of early engagement in the legal community through internships, volunteering, and court observation. Their perspective on work-life integration was a particularly resonant message, suggesting that successful legal careers require skilled “juggling” rather than perfect balance, emphasizing maintaining both physical and mental well-being.
WIL President Danika Huizinga and her executive board received high praise from the panelists, who unanimously declared it the best-organized law school panel they had ever attended! This achievement speaks volumes about the leadership and professionalism emerging from HPU Law’s inaugural class.
This event represents more than just a successful panel discussion; it exemplifies High Point Law’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between students and legal professionals by fostering a close nexus between the bench, bar, and legal academy.
Speaking about the success of the event, High Point Law’s Founding Dean and Professor of Law, former Chief Justice Mark Martin, commented:
I am so proud of our WIL officers and members for hosting this extraordinary event! We so appreciate the support of each distinguished jurist who attended and shared practical advice with our students. Students at High Point Law can expect to see more of this as we fulfill our promise to promote interaction between our students and practicing lawyers and judges.