RALEIGH — Three Campbell Law School alumni have been recognized as legal phenoms by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. This award honors rising stars within the legal community in their first 10 years of practice, according to the magazine.
“Phenoms are rising stars who have already made a name for themselves in their first 10 years of practice,” according to the story. “These lawyers are future leaders, as demonstrated by their accomplishments, drive and dedication to the practice of law.”
Jeffrey Kelly ‘13, Ashley Coghill ‘15 and Tatiana Terry ‘19 are among the 34 lawyers in the Class of 2024 who will be honored at a luncheon on June 13 at the Wake County Shrine Club.
Kelly is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough, where he focuses his practice in areas of emerging technology, particularly in areas involving data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital assets and FinTech, according to the firm’s website. He works closely with entrepreneurs and companies to effectively navigate changing regulations, government investigations, and complex corporate and securities law challenges. He also represents clients before tribunals and agencies that concentrate on regulating new technology and protecting trade secrets, including the North Carolina Business Court, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and federal courts.
Coghill is a partner at Davis Hartman Wright where she is passionate about working with clients in construction, insurance coverage, and professional liability matters, according to the firm’s website. From working with North Carolina farmers at a pro bono office in Durham at the start of her career to crawling through a crawl space to understand a key issue in a construction case, or defending a salvage claim on a high-dollar vessel, Coghill’s priorities have always been to best serve those she represents in communities throughout the state. Complementing her hands-on approach, she also has experience advocating for her clients before various state and professional licensing boards. She also has experience with motor vehicle and admiralty negligence claims, both commercial and personal. She is a multi-faceted lawyer with many talents, including experience litigating in state and federal courts across North Carolina. Coghill has a strong business acumen from her years of experience coupled with her advanced certificate in international business law.
Terry practices civil litigation at Hedrick Gardner Townsend & Stockton, according to the firm’s website. Terry, a product of Campbell Law’s nationally-ranked advocacy program, is one of the most decorated advocates in the school’s history. In addition to winning myriad national and even an international award, she won the coveted Top Gun Mock Trial Competition in 2019, making her the first African American to win the most challenging, invitation-only trial advocacy tournament in the nation. Her current practice includes complex commercial litigation, malpractice and professional responsibility, products liability claims, employment and personal injury claims. She has also litigated before occupational licensing boards, defending and prosecuting licensees. Prior to joining Hedrick Gardner, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 10th Prosecutorial District for Wake County where her practice specialized in identity theft, special victims, and constitutional litigation, with an emphasis on fourth, fifth, and sixth amendment jurisprudence. She has also served as the Director of Competitive Advocacy for Campbell Law.
The Icons & Phenoms program continues the magazine’s long-running effort to honor lawyers on both ends of the career spectrum.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL
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 nearly 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2024, Campbell Law is celebrating 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 15 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.