A Look Into the 2026 Law Student Networking Reception
On Thursday, Jan. 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., NCBA member law students and seasoned attorneys gathered at the N.C. Bar Center for the annual Law Student Networking Reception. This event is designed to provide an opportunity for law students to connect with statewide leaders in the legal profession and specific practice areas of interest, from N.C. State Bar leadership to NCBA executive leadership and section councils. Preceding the networking reception that day were the NCBA and NCBF winter board meetings, so plenty of experienced attorneys stuck around to greet law students and share meaningful insights.
With 202 registered attendees, the galleria was filled with the energetic chatter of old friends catching up, new friends meeting for the first time and professionals of all ages bonding over a shared passion for building fruitful legal careers. Tables were set with signs and balloons to guide students who either wanted to learn more from professionals sharing their chosen interest or keep options open by exploring the variety of practice areas the legal profession offers.
Upon check-in, students received “bingo” cards to help them through networking and create a more fun and well-rounded experience. NCBA/F President Rob Harrington, Law Student Division Director Trey Ellis and Young Lawyers Division Chair Sheila Spence addressed attendees between conversations. Light refreshments were served throughout the evening and a prize basket raffle wrapped up the night.
This event is an NCBA favorite, between all of the knowledge and excitement shared and the important messages, advice and connections both law students and established legal professionals walk away with. Law student participant Joshua Batchelor and attorney participant Sheila Spence reflected on their successful experiences at this year’s reception:
Joshua T. Batchelor, Ed.D., is an accomplished education executive, entrepreneur and emerging legal professional with more than 20 years of experience leading complex organizations, shaping policy and managing multimillion-dollar federal programs. He is the founder of multiple service-driven enterprises across education, transportation, consulting and community development, building systems that prioritize equity, governance and operational excellence. In addition, he has served on a variety of boards of directors, reflecting his commitment to service. Known for persuasive communication, data-driven strategy and a deep commitment to public service, he has trained organizations nationwide, guided large-scale initiatives and advanced transformative work in schools and communities. Now, as a second-year evening law student at North Carolina Central University, he brings extensive expertise in compliance, stakeholder engagement and organizational leadership to his developing legal career. As a member of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division, he is thrilled to be part of the inaugural YLD Pro Bono Leadership Cohort.
Q: What standout connections or moments did you make at the reception, and what made those moments impactful?
A: Cum talibus Cum talibus, animus fortior fit — “With such people, the mind or spirit becomes stronger!” It is often one’s common belief that connecting with individuals, whether for a moment or a lifetime, is aligned strategically. The opportunity to engage directly with brilliant and intellectual legal minds, whether with a state government general counsel, current or incoming NCBA leadership or legal practitioners in various areas of law, was exactly what was needed in that moment, reinforcing the service component of the profession and underscoring that the profession is an intermingling of all legal areas regardless of what “legal area” you may have an interest in.
Q: Best piece of advice you received and plan to carry forward?
A: The best advice came from a seasoned family law attorney who reminded me that every lawyer has a duty to set and maintain their own boundaries. She stressed that knowing what you can and can’t take on isn’t just about competence — it’s about self-preservation and ethical clarity. Just as important, she urged being upfront with clients about those boundaries from the start. As a future litigator and law student, I’ll be deliberate about the kinds of matters I can handle and clear about anything outside my scope. By setting expectations early, I’ll protect my professional integrity, look after my own well-being and build stronger, more trusting relationships with the clients I serve.
Q: Why are events like this valuable for law students?
A: Networking events are essential opportunities for law students to engage directly with professionals, allowing them to ask practical questions and build connections relevant to their legal education. These conversations give students a clearer picture of current practices, new trends and likely changes in the legal field. Courses and professors often have limited time, which makes it challenging to explore the current application of the full scope of legal principles. Evening law students face this even more, with fewer chances to meet practitioners outside class. Law schools may lack the means to offer hands-on learning experiences beyond grades and written exams. Still, networking events help bridge that gap by providing students with the knowledge and opportunities to build essential relationships for their legal careers. Moreover, these opportunities not only boost learning but also build a sense of community among current and future legal professionals.
Sheila Spence is senior legal counsel at JMP Statistical Discovery LLC and serves as chair of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division. Sheila is passionate about mentorship, community building and helping new lawyers find their footing in the profession. In addition to her YLD leadership, Sheila serves on the NCBA Privacy & Data Security Council and the Corporate Counsel Section Council. Through her work with NCBA and her leadership roles, Sheila focuses on creating welcoming spaces where young lawyers and law students can break barriers and feel supported, encouraged and empowered.
Q: Was there a question or conversation from the reception that particularly stood out to you?
A: I was just so proud of our law students during the reception! Showing up, jumping into conversations and really putting themselves out there takes courage. Networking isn’t always easy, but it’s such an essential part of our profession and they handled it beautifully. One moment that really stuck with me was when a student asked how to make networking feel more natural. I loved that question because we’ve all been there, trying to figure out how to be ourselves in a room full of new faces. It led to a great conversation about authenticity and giving yourself grace.
Q: What was the key takeaway you hoped law student attendees would leave with?
A: My biggest hope was that everyone left knowing they truly belong in these spaces. Networking isn’t a performance, it’s just people connecting. And each of them has something valuable to offer.
Q: What do you enjoy most about connecting with law students at events like this?
A: I love the energy law students bring! They ask thoughtful questions, they’re curious and they remind me why I love this profession. It’s such a joy to help them feel seen and supported.
Q: How did your own networking experiences shape your legal career?
A: Honestly, every major opportunity in my career started with a simple conversation. Usually I felt a little nervous, but I showed up anyway. Those early experiences taught me that networking isn’t about having the perfect pitch, it’s about building real relationships over time.
Sheila Spence reading out raffle tickets after addressing attendees
Our Young Lawyers Division and Law Student Division stay busy throughout the year with countless networking opportunities. Learn more about the happenings of those divisions by visiting their pages on the NCBA website to see how you can get involved! Check out the photo gallery below, and view our Facebook album for additional photos from the 2026 Law Student Networking Reception.
