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Early College Students learn about Careers in Law at conference

Students from Vance County Early College High School, Granville Early College High School, Warren Early College High School and Franklin County Early College High School participated in a North Carolina Bar Association program on Oct. 22 designed to introduce them to legal careers. The site for the event was the main campus of Vance-Granville Community College, which operates the four high schools in partnership with local public school systems.

The Law Career Conference, entitled “Diversity in the Profession,” spotlighted the many career options available to those possessing a law degree and also informed students of what they would need to do to obtain a law degree. Students were welcomed by Creedmoor-based attorney Roderick Allison, co-chair of the N.C. Bar Association Foundation’s Law-Related Education Advisory Committee, and by VGCC President Randy Parker. “Your career in the law can start right here at VGCC,” Parker reminded the students. He noted that Criminal Justice is one of the college’s most popular associate degree programs, and students can also enroll in the College Transfer program to start any number of bachelor’s degrees before heading to law school. “I’d like to see one of you on the United States Supreme Court one day,” the president said. “Your dreams start here, and you should start today to prepare yourself to take advantage of opportunities in the future.”

Next, Allison led an interactive exercise in which students argued different sides of a hypothetical case. Then, a panel discussion on careers was held that included Associate Justice Paul Newby of the N.C. Supreme Court, paralegal Blanca Borceguin of NicholsonPham Attorneys at Law in Durham, and two Triangle-area attorneys, Benn Brewington of Brewington Law Group, PLLC and Catherine L. McLean of Barnes & McLean, PLLC. All four talked about their backgrounds, their education and the opportunities they have had in the legal profession.

Finally, students enjoyed hearing a motivational presentation by District Court Judge Herbert L. Richardson of Lumberton. A Nash County native, Richardson became the youngest graduate of North Carolina Central University’s law school and the youngest judge in North Carolina when he first took office.

Above: Creedmoor-based attorney Roderick Allison, co-chair of the N.C. Bar Association Foundation’s Law-Related Education Advisory Committee, calls on a student during the Law Career Conference at VGCC. (VGCC photo)