RALEIGH — Campbell Law School conferred 136 Juris Doctor degrees on May 19, 2020. Dean J. Rich Leonard said he is hopeful a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 can be held following the July bar exam. In the meantime, Dean Leonard led the faculty in hosting a virtual convocation on Friday, May 29, to celebrate the graduating class. As part of the convocation, retiring Professor Jim McLaughlin opened with a prayer and the event ended with a musical tribute from the faculty and staff, which can be viewed at this clickable link.
“Although we remain hopeful of an in-person graduation later this summer, we do not want to delay the announcement of these prestigious awards, many of which come with monetary stipends,” he said. “While these are not all the awards, such as the Book Awards, later this summer and fall we will catch up on the other awards. This is a replication of the awards that are typically announced at graduation.”
Dean Leonard added, “We believe better days are coming for the Class of 2020 and we look forward to great successes from this remarkable class.”
As part of the convocation, the following awards were announced:
The Howard Memorial Christian Citizenship Award is awarded to the individual whose citizenship and leadership exemplify the Christian character and aspirations of the School of Law. Established by the Howard Memorial Christian Education Fund in memory of Barry Howard.
- Harrison Lee Broadbent of Wilmington, North Carolina. Professor James McLaughlin presented the award.
Third-Year Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic average in his or her third year.
- Adam Sterling Webb of Concord, North Carolina. Professor Richard Bowser presented the award.
Richard A. Lord Outstanding Graduate Award is awarded to the individual who excels academically as well as in additional endeavors thereby contributing fully to the School of Law, his or her peers, and the legal profession. This award, which recognizes overall excellence, was established by Campbell Law Professor Emeritus Richard A. Lord.
- Bradley N. Burk of Cary, North Carolina. Professor Melissa Essary presented the award.
Jessie and Elizabeth Leonard Valedictorian Award established by Dean J. Rich Leonard for the graduating valedictorian, named in honor and memory of his parents.
- Adam Sterling Webb of Concord, North Carolina. Dean Leonard presented the award.
Dean’s Outstanding Improvement Award is awarded to the individual exhibiting the most outstanding academic improvement over his or her law school career. The recipient is selected by the Dean and Associate Dean.
- Kevin James Latshaw of Wilmington, North Carolina. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Sara Ludington presented the award.
Robert A. Jenkins Award is awarded to the individual whose work in various competitions or other areas best represents the School of Law to the community, the profession, and the public
- Lydia Cassady Stoney of Saluda, North Carolina. Professor Gregory Wallace presented the award.
National Association of Women Lawyers Award is awarded to an individual based on academic achievement, motivation, and potential to contribute to the advancement of women in the profession.
- Regina Lashaun Chavis of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Professor Lisa Lukasik presented the award.
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award is awarded for distinguished achievement in the student advocacy program.
- Kevin Littlejohn, II of Greensboro, North Carolina. Professor Zachary Bolitho presented the award.
North Carolina Advocates for Justice Student Advocacy Awards
Sponsored by North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Awarded for the most significant improvement during the required advocacy program.
- The North Carolina Advocates for Justice Student Advocacy Awards. These awards are presented to the students showing the most significant improvement during their required Trial Advocacy performance sections as evidenced by their performance and grade; leadership endeavors; academic success; and collegial respect and work ethic. These awards are sponsored by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and presented by Professor Ashley Campbell.
- Regina Lashaun Chavis of Rocky Mount
- Merideth Alexis Harrison of Wilmington
- Mary Celeste Skinner of Youngsville, North Carolina
Calhoun Advocacy Award is awarded for the best performance in the trial and appellate advocacy program. Established by M. Jean Calhoun, Class of 1980.
- Madeline Clark Lipe of Candler, North Carolina. Professor Tuneen Chisolm presented the award.
Safran Moot Court Award is awarded for outstanding contribution to the moot court program at the School of Law. Established by Perry R. Safran, Class of 1981.
- Destiney Parker-Thompson of Shreveport, Louisiana. Professor Lucas Osborn presented the award.
Rebecca Ann Phillips Memorial Award was established by the Class of 2011 in memory of their classmate. Awarded to the individual who exemplifies honorable ideals and demonstrating an interest in representing victims of domestic violence.
- Sarah Elizabeth Sponaugle of Advance, North Carolina. Professor Bobbi Jo Boyd presented the award.
Outstanding Clinical Student Award is awarded for excellence in clinical fieldwork and for exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying clinical seminar. Sponsored by the Clinical Legal Education Association.
- Regina Lashaun Chavis of Rocky Mount. Professor Jon Powell presented the award.
ALI CLE Scholarship & Leadership Award is awarded to the individual who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership, the qualities embodied by the American Law Institute.
- Chamberlain Elizabeth Collier of Wilmington. Professor Kevin Lee presented the award.
Pro Bono Publico Award is awarded to the individual whose demonstrated commitment to pro bono activities exemplifies the aspirations of the School of Law and the best intentions of the legal profession.
- Callie Elaine Davis of Lumberton, North Carolina. Professor Roger Manus presented the award.
American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence is awarded to a graduating student for excellence in bankruptcy coursework or other achievements demonstrating a dedication to improving the bankruptcy laws and the bankruptcy bar. Sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute.
- Brian Zachary Taylor, Jr. of New Bern, North Carolina. Professor Scott Pryor presented the award.
The Order of Barristers
Membership in the national society recognizing outstanding performance in the art of advocacy. Professor Dan Tilly, director of the law school’s award-winning advocacy program, presented the newest members of The Order of Barristers.
- Ethan Wayne Carpenter of Shelby, North Carolina
- Justin Tyler Hill of Southport, North Carolina
- Brittany Debra Levine of Tarboro, North Carolina
- Madeline Clark Lipe of Candler
- Kevin Littlejohn, II of Greensboro
- Destiney Parker-Thompson of Shreveport
- Lydia Cassady Stoney of Saluda
- Jake Warren Terrell of Hampton, Virginia
- Adam Sterling Webb of Concord
- Michaela Weber of Salida, Colorado
Order of Old Kivett
Awarded for exemplary representation in advocacy competitions while maintaining the highest ethical standards. This year’s inductees to the Order of Old Kivett were presented by Professor Tony Ghiotto.
- Thomas Michael Caune II of Concord
- Chamberlain Elizabeth Collier of Wilmington
- Jennifer Rose Davis of Clintwood, Virginia
- Daniel Alan Goldstein of Naples, Florida
- Bailey Lindsey Kirby of Concord
- Alexis Ora Massengill of Four Oaks, North Carolina
- Morgan Alexandra Welge of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Academic Honors were presented by Professor Olivia Weeks.
Summa cum laude is awarded for a degree earned with highest distinction. The recipient of this honor is
Adam Sterling Webb
Magna cum laude is awarded for a degree earned with great distinction. The recipients of this honor are:
Bradley N. Burk
Jessica Elizabeth Inscore
Chamberlain Elizabeth Collier
Brittany Debra Levine
Payton Rose Collier
Bailey Lindsey Kirby
Justin Tyler Hill
Taylor Anthony Emory
Brian Reynolds Taylor
Patrick McKinnon Cook
Kempton Lark Healey
James William Jenkins III
Cum laude is awarded for a degree earned with distinction. The recipients of this honor are:
Madeline Clark Lipe
Cassie Alexandra Holt
Ethan Wayne Carpenter
Lydia Cassady Stoney
John Ryan
Michaela Weber
Rachel Elizabeth Rogers
Joseph Matthew Gorga
Thomas Michael Caune II
Jennifer Rose Davis
Megan Lee Mallamas
Keith Manning Rivenbark
Brooke E. Webber
Nicole Virginia Knowlson
Richard Gwynn Long III
Congratulations to each of you for your academic achievements!
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW
Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 4,300 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2019, Campbell Law celebrated 40 years of graduating legal leaders and 10 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.