SECOND QUARTER, 2007

White & Allen, P.A. feels that the best measure of our performance will come from feedback from our clients. We have recently mailed a client satisfaction survey to a sampling of clients. We are in the process of analyzing the responses and will incorporate the suggestions into our daily practice.

Lisa Willis, Robyn Kirschner, and Helen Norris, became certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification. The voluntary certification program was approved by the North Carolina State Bar and adopted by the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004. Certification ensures paralegal competency and enhances the quality of legal services. Lisa is a paralegal in the firm’s litigation department. Robyn is a paralegal in the firm’s bankruptcy department, and Helen is a paralegal in the firm’s real estate department.

Charles V. Archie, son of Attorney John C. Archie and Cindy Archie, graduated on May 13, 2007, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC with a B.A. in History. Charles was recently admitted to Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor society with the mission of fostering and recognizing excellence in the undergraduate liberal arts and sciences.

Judy Davenport, who works in the firm’s bookkeeping department, was honored for 30 years of service with White & Allen, P.A. Judy is a valued employee who promotes the team concept.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Claire Elizabeth Mitchell on April 3, 2007. Claire weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 inches long. The proud parents are Jimmy and Kim Mitchell and the proud grandparents are Sadie and Jim Mitchell. Sadie is a paralegal in the firm’s litigation department.

FIRST QUARTER, 2007

John C. Archie recently participated in a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association entitled “The Intersection of Intellectual Property Law and North Carolina Statute 75-1.1.” The speaker reviewed the limits on the use of Sec. 75-1.1 as a tool for seeking added relief in cases involving intellectual property rights and discussed the converse role as a vehicle for potential counterclaims against intellectual property owners.

Richard J. “Dick” Archie, Joseph S. Bower, and William E. “Ned” Manning, Jr., attorneys in the firm’s real estate department, attended a two day seminar sponsored by the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. The seminar was entitled “Gimme Shelter: The Way We Live, Buy and Sell in North Carolina.” North Carolina’s communities are growing at an unprecedented pace and real estate attorneys must be in a position to meet the demands for housing and development.

John C. Bircher III, the resident attorney in the firm’s New Bern office, attended the 2007 Eastern Bankruptcy Institute Seminar. Guest speakers were Judge Eugene R. Wedoff and Judge Thomas A. Small. Sessions on predatory lenders and ethics were presented. Judge Small, Judge Rich Leonard, and Judge Randy Doub presented the 2007 case review and discussion. John Bircher is a U.S. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Davis Andrew Boyd on February 27, 2007. Davis weighed in at 6 lbs. and was 18 1/2 inches long. The proud parents are Delaina D. “Dee” Boyd and Andy Boyd. Dee is the resident attorney in the firm’s Snow Hill office.

David J. Fillippeli, Jr., an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, attended a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. The seminar was entitled “The Motor Vehicle Driver Protection Act.” Topics covered were arrest procedures, the new DWI Checkpoint, chemical analysis procedures, and ethical issues.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Lillian Grace Albritton on April 17, 2007. Lily weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long. The proud parents are Amanda and Brad Albritton. Amanda is a paralegal in the firm’s litigation department.

Sherwood C. “Chris” Henderson has been appointed to the Counsel for the Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Chris is an attorney in the firm’s corporate/tax department.

J. Mark Herring, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, has been elected Vice President for The Pride of Kinston. Mark has also been named Co-Chair of the New Lawyers Practice Division of the North Carolina Bar Association.

C. Gray Johnsey was one of the featured speakers at the 2007 Members Trust Company Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Gray’s presented an update on Federal Transfer Tax Update to the membership.

E. Wyles Johnson, Jr. attended a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association entitled “Elder Law: What’s Important Now.” Some of the topics covered were Special Needs Trusts, Ethical Considerations in the Contested Guardianship, and Use of Annuities for Medicaid Eligibility.

John P. Marshall, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, and Jean Sugg, office administrator, attended the 2007 Law Practice Management Section Annual Meeting. Discussions included the use of emerging technology in the law firm, knowledge management, and enhancing client relationships.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Davis Andrew Boyd on February 27, 2007. Davis weighed in at 6 lbs. and was 18 1/2 inches long. The proud parents are Delaina D. “Dee” Boyd and Andy Boyd. Dee is the resident attorney in the firm’s Snow Hill office.

Jean Sugg, office administrator, has been appointed to the Counsel of the Law Practice Management Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Elizabeth Soles, a rising Senior at Meredith College, traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi with a Student Service Group from the College to assist Hurricane Katrina victims with redevelopment. Elizabeth has worked part-time with the firm during the summer months and she is the daughter of Debbie and Bruce Soles. Debbie is the bookkeeper and technology administrator for the firm.

FOURTH QUARTER, 2006

J. Mark Herring, a member of the firm’s litigation department, was elected as President for the Eighth Judicial District of the North Carolina State Bar for the year 2007 and was installed on November 9, 2006. The Eighth Judicial District is a subdivision of the North Carolina State Bar and is comprised of attorneys from Lenoir, Greene, and Wayne counties.

John P. Marshall, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, was recently selected to serve on the Board of Directors of The Foundation of Renewal of Eastern North Carolina (FoR ENC).  FoR ENC is a vehicle for change and development in Eastern North Carolina and is designed to serve as a catalyst for economic and entrepreneurial growth.

The firm recently made a substantial donation to the Neuse Regional Library System, Enhancement Campaign Fund.  The firm’s donation will support the Juvenile Literature Area in the new Children’s Room.

John C. Bircher III, the resident attorney in the firm’s New Bern office, was featured in the October 2006 issue of N.C. Boating Lifestyle Magazine.

Gregory E. Floyd, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, married Jennifer Anderson on October 7, 2006.  The firm wishes Greg and Jen every good wish for a long and happy marriage.

Richard J. “Dick” Archie attended the Third Annual Fall Gathering sponsored by Investors Title Insurance Company on October 13-14, 2006, in Chapel Hill, NC.  Some of the topics covered were foreclosure and marketable title, multi-unit ownership, and street closings.

C. Gray Johnsey was recently selected to be included in the 2007 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the specialties of Trusts and Estates.  Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey of North Carolina attorneys.

THIRD QUARTER, 2006

John C. Bircher III joined the firm on July 1, 2006.  John, who was previously associated with the firm of Hunter Bircher LLC, has practiced law in New Bern, North Carolina since 1997.  John is licensed to practice in the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.  He is a U.S. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee.  The firm is pleased to have John join the firm and excited to add a bankruptcy practice to the firm.  John will handle all creditor related bankruptcy matters.

John P. Marshall, formerly a shareholder in White & Allen, P.A. re-joined the firm on July 24, 2006.  John practiced with White & Allen, P.A. from 1989 until 2000, when he left the firm to become Vice President and General Counsel for several companies including Tands, Inc., d/b/a Bojangles’, the Bojangles’ franchisee for eastern North Carolina.  John will advise clients in real estate acquisition and development matters as well as structuring business transactions.  He will also resume his civil litigation practice.

Sadie M. Mitchell, a litigation paralegal with the firm, became certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.  The voluntary certification program was approved by the North Carolina State Bar and adopted by the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004.  Certification ensures paralegal competency and enhances the quality of legal services.

John P. Marshall has been recently certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a mediator authorized to conduct mediated settlement conferences in North Carolina.  To obtain this certification, John attended a 40 hour training program at the Duke Private Adjudication Center as well as observed two mediated settlement conferences in pending Superior Court State actions.

Thomas J. White, III, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, participated in a seminar on August 3-4, 2006, sponsored by the Community Mediation Center through approval of the Dispute Resolution Commission entitled “Mediating Matters before the Clerk of Superior Court.”  The 10 hour training program meets the requirements to become certified to mediate Guardianship and Estate cases.

Joseph S. Bower and William E. “Ned” Manning, Jr., attorneys in the firm’s real estate department, attended a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Land Title Association on September 14-16, 2006, in the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.  Topics included The Future of the Practice of Real Estate, Mechanic’s Lien, and National Underwriting Issues.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Everett “Rhett” Parker Kirschner on September 23, 2006.  Rhett weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 21 inches long.  The proud parents are Robyn and Clay Kirschner.  Robyn is a bankruptcy paralegal in the firm’s New Bern office.

Attorneys Sherwood C. “Chris” Henderson and C. Gray Johnsey attended the 28th Annual Duke University Estate Planning Conference held in Durham, North Carolina on October 5-6, 2006, in Durham, North Carolina. 

SECOND QUARTER, 2006

Tiffany F. Holland, a litigation paralegal with the firm, became certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.  The voluntary certification program was approved by the North Carolina State Bar and adopted by the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004.  Certification ensures paralegal competency and enhances the quality of legal services.

Jean Sugg, Office Manager for the Firm, received her Masters of Business Administration Degree from East Carolina University on May 6, 2006.

The firm is pleased to announce the birth of Evelyn Elizabeth Bircher on June 12, 2006. The proud parents are John and Georgiana Bircher.  John is the resident attorney in the firm’s New Bern office.  Evelyn weighed in at 8 lbs. 9 oz. and is beautiful.

Lottie R. Pickett, a twelve-year employee of the firm, graduated from Pitt Community College on May 12, 2006, with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology.

J. Mark Herring, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, has been selected to serve on the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Committee on New Lawyers’ Practice.

David J. Fillippeli, Jr. and Matthew S. Sullivan, attorneys in the firm’s litigation department, attended a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers on June 10-14, 2006, in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.  The convention featured three days of education opportunities in both civil and criminal practice.  Topics of interest included Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Employment Issues, and Hispanic/Latino Issues.

FIRST QUARTER, 2006

Six of the firm’s paralegals became certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.  The voluntary plan for certification of paralegals was approved by the North Carolina State Bar and adopted by the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004.  There certification provides a benchmark to ensure paralegal competency and enhance the quality of legal services.  Those paralegals earning the certification are: Sheri H. Taylor, real estate paralegal; Angie C. Hill, corporation and estate paralegal, Donna T. Tedder, corporation and estate paralegal, Alice K. Herring, real estate paralegal; Amanda P. Albritton, litigation paralegal, and Cindy L. Cole, litigation paralegal.

John C. Archie recently participated in a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Associated entitled “New Developments in Attorney-Client Privilege, Confidentiality and Work Product.”  The program examined the current debate over increasingly frequent requests by government agencies for waiver of attorney-client privilege and the legislative response to perceived lawyer abuses in connection with Enron and similar corporate situations.

Delaina D. “Dee” Boyd participated in a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association entitled “Ethics, Business and Dilemma Management.”  The seminar explored the facts behind recent headlines, provided tools to analyze difficult professional dilemmas, and discussed how attorneys can help business develop their own “dilemma management” skills.

E. Wyles Johnson, Jr., an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, participated in a seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association entitled “Medicaid Update and Focus on Guardianship.”  Topics included Medicaid Planning, Understanding Dementia, Gifting Assets, and Terminating Guardianships.

FOURTH QUARTER, 2005

William E. “Ned” Manning has been elected to serve as the Attorney Section Representative on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Land Title Association. The North Carolina Land Title Association, headquartered in Raleigh, is a trade association of title insurance underwriters and agents, real estate attorneys and others interested in the title insurance industry.

Richard J. “Dick” Archie has been appointed to the Counsel for the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. Dick is an attorney in the firm’s real estate department.

Gregory E. Floyd attended a seminar entitled “An Insider’s Look at Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases in North Carolina.” Sessions on conducting discovery, evaluating liability issues, and pre-trial preparation were presented. Greg is an attorney in the firm’s litigation department.

Mark Herring attended the North Carolina Eastern District Update sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association. The seminar topics included e-filing, how to handle confidentiality issues and, motion practice. Mark is an attorney in the firm’s litigation department.

Ruth Tanner, a legal secretary with the firm, and her husband Jon, recently received the Volunteer Disaster Relief Award from the Lenoir County, North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross.

THIRD QUARTER, 2005

C. Gray Johnsey was one of the faculty members of the 2005 Southeastern Trust School at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Gray taught sessions on estate and gift tax and general skipping. The Southeastern Trust School is a two-week program of intensive study for bank trust officers and other banking personnel. Banking personnel from across the southeast were in attendance.

Delaina “Dee” Boyd recently attended a seminar entitled “Representing Children in Juvenile Delinquency Cases.” The seminar was held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and was sponsored by Institute of Government. Dee is an attorney in the firm’s litigation department and is the resident attorney of the firm’s Snow Hill office.

Dick Archie and Ned Manning recently attended the 2005 Annual Convention of the North Carolina Land Title Association held at the Grove Park Inn and Resort in Asheville, North Carolina. Seminar topics included tracking real property law’s recent trajectory through North Carolina’s gravitational field, fraud investigations, and real estate contracts. Dick and Ned are attorneys in the firm’s real estate department.

J. Mark Herring, an attorney in the firm’s litigation department, has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Pride of Kinston.

John R. Hooten recently attended the Twenty-Fifth Annual Review at Wake Forest University School of Law. The conference featured a comprehensive review and update of North Carolina and Federal Law in all significant areas. John is an attorney in the firm’s litigation department.

Attorney Wyles Johnson recently attended a seminar entitled “Representing the Elderly” sponsored by Wake Forest University School of Law. Topics of interest included ethical considerations in elder law practice, transfer of homes and other real property and its impact on Medicaid eligibility, and long term care insurance.

Ned Manning has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina School of Law Alumni Board.

SECOND QUARTER, 2005

White & Allen, P.A. in conjunction with the local hospital sponsored a day-long public forum on advance directives. Six separate one hour sessions were scheduled during the day. Gray Johnsey, an attorney in the firm’s corporate and estate planning and administration department, explained living wills and health care powers of attorney and answered questions from the floor. After each session, those who attended were given the opportunity to complete and sign a living will and/or health care power of attorney at no cost. Approximately 300 citizens attended the sessions.

John C. Archie recently attended a seminar entitled “The Credentialing Clinic: Common Sense Credentialing that Protects Patients, Physician Leaders and the Hospital.” The seminar included sessions on developing criteria for clinical privileges, reappointment challenges, and dealing with EMTALA regulations. The seminar was jointly sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences and Horty Springer Seminars and was held in Naples, Florida.

Sherwood C. “Chris” Henderson recently attended a seminar entitled “Advanced Pension” sponsored by SunGard Corbel and held in Orlando, Florida. Topics of interest covered during the conference were Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans, directed investments and ERISA, and mutual fund reforms. Chris is an attorney in the firm’s corporate and tax planning department.

Joe Bower attended the 2005 Investors Title Fall Gathering seminar held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The seminar included topics on assisting the real property consumer, commercial real estate contracts, and commercial leases. Joe is an attorney in the firm’s real estate department.

Litigation attorneys David Fillippeli, Matthew Sullivan, and Dee Boyd recently attended the 2005 North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers convention held in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. The convention featured three days of educational opportunities in both civil and criminal practice. Among the topics presented were Medicare set-asides for personal injury cases, effective mediation strategies, and evaluating forensic DNA evidence.

Thomas J. White, III attended the Association of Attorney-Mediators Annual Meeting and Advanced Attorney-Mediator Training. The event was held in New Orleans and featured presentations on mediating highly public cases, advocacy at mediation, and intercultural conflict styles and their effect on the mediation process.