February 2026 Issue

NC Lawyer Magazine

Leading Off

Making AI Work for Your Law Firm

Artificial intelligence still feels like something between magic and mayhem. You’ve heard the hype, seen the demos and perhaps even sat through a vendor presentation that made it sound like machines will soon be drafting briefs while you sip coffee and watch.

President's Perspective

Looking back over the years, certain days stand out as among the best of times. Many involve marriage, births, and other family events.

Breaking Barriers

This Black History Month, as I reflect on our YLD theme for this year, Breaking Barriers, I am reminded that every barrier I break stands on the foundation of those who came before me.

Featured Articles

Daggett is wearing sunglasses and a white, navy and coral shirt and navy shorts as he crosses the finish line with his arms raised.

35-time Ironman Competitor David Daggett on Building Habits That Last

Every meaningful achievement begins with a specific, and often simple, goal. Setting a goal is the easy part of this process, but fostering habits that will make those goals a reality can take time and significant effort.

Professor Nicole Ligon on First Amendment Law and Mentorship

To be vulnerable is to be courageous. Sharing your story involves pushing past any fears of letting others know you. When you are vulnerable, you open up space for others to know who you are.

Hannah Risser’s Roles in the Law and on the Stage

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” writes Shakespeare in “As You Like It.” These famous words remind us of how often we take on roles throughout our lives.

In This Issue

Writing That Works by Laura Graham

Most lawyers agree—at least in theory—that a strong brief anticipates the other side’s best points. In practice, counterarguments are often handled in one of two unhelpful ways: ignored entirely, or treated like an afterthought (“Opposing counsel’s arguments fail for many reasons…”) with little analysis.