The Stories

Below you can find the interviews and stories of lawyers, law firms, judges, associations and other legal professionals. Do you have a story to tell? Contact us today.

Attorney Feature

Paula M. Lawhon: She Literally Wrote the Book on Family Law Mediation

by Susan Cushing

January 6, 2026

When people say an attorney “wrote the book” on a topic, it’s usually just a metaphor. In the case of...

Attorney Feature

Messner Reeves’ Top Mediators: Guiding Parties from Conflict to Resolution

by Susan Cushing

January 6, 2026

At Messner Reeves LLP, litigation expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have long defined the firm, but the art of mediation has...

Attorney Feature

Blake Poole: Standing the Watch

by Susan Cushing

October 23, 2025

On a blistering afternoon in Iraq, Blake Poole’s convoy rolled through hostile terrain. He had already seen more than his...

Attorney Feature

Sandro Monteblanco: Defending Justice Across Borders

by Susan Cushing

October 23, 2025

When attorney Sandro O. Monteblanco founded the Monteblanco Law Group (MLG) more than two decades ago, he had a clear...

Attorney Feature

Frank Serrano & Jon Cagan: The Claim Closers

by Susan Cushing

October 3, 2025

When disaster strikes, the heartbreak is immediate and tangible: a roof torn off by wind, water damage to personal possessions,...

Paula M. Lawhon: She Literally Wrote the Book on Family Law Mediation

When people say an attorney “wrote the book” on a topic, it’s usually just a metaphor. In the case of

Messner Reeves’ Top Mediators: Guiding Parties from Conflict to Resolution

At Messner Reeves LLP, litigation expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have long defined the firm, but the art of mediation has

Blake Poole: Standing the Watch

On a blistering afternoon in Iraq, Blake Poole’s convoy rolled through hostile terrain. He had already seen more than his share of combat, he had led men into battle as one of the Army’s youngest squad leaders, and he had lived each day with the reality that it might be his last.

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Law Firm Stories

Horton & Mendez: Hungry, Humble & Smart

“Trials are emphasized within our practice,” said Nicholas Mendez, an attorney in Wilmington, NC-based personal injury firm Horton & Mendez.

NicholsonPham Law: ‘We Have the Tools to Protect the LGBTQ Community’

“We’re handling all the things that come with people making families and breaking families up,” said Meredith Nicholson, a co-founder

Coker Law at 50: A Legacy of Courtroom Mastery

Just after sunrise in Jacksonville, when the streets are still settling into the day, the lights inside Coker Law glow

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Legal Community

Campbell Law Launches Veterans Legal Clinic

Campbell University School of Law adjunct professor Sebastian Kielmanovich approached Dean J. Rich Leonard a few years ago with an

HPU Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law Moves into Elegant New Building

The Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law at High Point University moved into its permanent home in August 2025, welcoming

‘We’re The Bugatti of Bourbons’ Mystic Distillery Rides Wave of Handcrafted Bourbon’s Popularity

Home Category Child Category “Jaguar and BMW are for the masses. We are the Bugatti of bourbons,” said Durham lawyer

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From the Bench

Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante on Project S.A.F.E.

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) presented Judge Lori Bustamante of the Superior Court of Arizona

NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs: ‘You Can’t Change the Rules of an Election After the Election’

On May 5, 2025, U.S. Chief District Judge Richard Meyer ordered the NC State Board of Elections to certify Democrat

Judge Ashleigh Parker: Being Present

“My heart and passion are in the courtroom. It’s where I feel as though I touch the families and the

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The Ivory Tower

Student Spotlight: Morgan N. Miner

Morgan N. Miner is a Juris Doctor candidate at Jacksonville University College of Law. She is on track to graduate

Melissa Essary: ‘I Believe in Self-Determination’

Melissa Essary was teaching employment law at Baylor University School of Law in 1991 while Anita Hill was testifying at

Randi Alt: Building Something to Last

Each year, Jacksonville University recognizes a graduate student for their exceptional achievements and leadership. This year, they honored 3L Randi

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Attorney Q&As

Paul Eza: Finding His Place in Mediation

Paul Eza’s story began as a young graphic artist making a living designing greeting cards. “It was fine,” he says.

Karen Roberts Washington: Looking Forward

Mediation is an opportunity that should not be missed. It gives parties a time, a place, and a guide to

Jeff Rose: A Front Row Seat

After more than 12 years of service on the bench, Jeff Rose made the decision to hang up his robe

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The Stories

Paula M. Lawhon: She Literally Wrote the Book on Family Law Mediation

Messner Reeves’ Top Mediators: Guiding Parties from Conflict to Resolution

Blake Poole: Standing the Watch

Sandro Monteblanco: Defending Justice Across Borders

Frank Serrano & Jon Cagan: The Claim Closers

Attorney Stories

Paula M. Lawhon: She Literally Wrote the Book on Family Law Mediation

Messner Reeves’ Top Mediators: Guiding Parties from Conflict to Resolution

Blake Poole: Standing the Watch

Law Firm Stories

Horton & Mendez: Hungry, Humble & Smart

NicholsonPham Law: ‘We Have the Tools to Protect the LGBTQ Community’

Coker Law at 50: A Legacy of Courtroom Mastery

Legal Community

Campbell Law Launches Veterans Legal Clinic

HPU Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law Moves into Elegant New Building

‘We’re The Bugatti of Bourbons’ Mystic Distillery Rides Wave of Handcrafted Bourbon’s Popularity

From the Bench

Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante on Project S.A.F.E.

NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs: ‘You Can’t Change the Rules of an Election After the Election’

Judge Ashleigh Parker: Being Present

The Ivory Tower

Student Spotlight: Morgan N. Miner

Melissa Essary: ‘I Believe in Self-Determination’

Randi Alt: Building Something to Last

Attorney Q&As

Paul Eza: Finding His Place in Mediation

Karen Roberts Washington: Looking Forward

Jeff Rose: A Front Row Seat

Legal Vendor Stories

Timothy Dowling: Reshaping Mediation in America

Beyond the Table: How Mae Villanueva is Redefining Mediation

Joy Hernandez: The True Power of the Process