Pam McAfee ’94
Tell us about your experience volunteering to speak to Carolina Law students at the Festival of Legal Learning.
I worked with David Luzum ’10 of Maynard Nexsen to talk about effective courtroom communication with Carolina Law students. While this is a topic that deserves nuance and could be covered in a multi-day seminar, we narrowed the focus to its core: (1) ensuring that any presentation provided to a court or jury covers the essential information one needs to make a decision, (2) using electronic presentation equipment vs paper documents, and (3) reviewing the reason for and importance of formality and professionalism in the courtroom, as well as other types of communication that go beyond the presentation of argument or evidence. It was great to get to know David and to interact with the other alumni presenting at the Festival that day.
In what ways was returning to Van Hecke-Wettach Hall and engaging with the students rewarding or meaningful to you?
I love Carolina Law. I’ve been fortunate to have several opportunities to talk to students since I took the bench, and I always leave those interactions energized and excited about our future lawyers. This was a standout opportunity because this group asked excellent questions. They even stayed past 5 p.m. (and into the cocktail hour – I was so flattered) to continue the discussions. The one-on-one conversations at the reception were especially meaningful as I spoke to students interested in my practice area or from my hometown.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you graduated from law school?
There are so many routes to get to what’s right for you, and so many definitions of success in a career. You won’t know what works for you until you try it, and once you set your heart on something, expect to get knocked down. Then get up and brush yourself off and keep going.
What is your favorite memory from law school?
I competed in a moot court competition in Washington, DC with two stellar classmates. We pulled an all-nighter to finish the two briefs we had to submit. Those all-nighters can be either weirdly exhilarating or a waking nightmare, and this one was the good kind (except when all of the edits were wiped out in a “save as” error). I enjoyed every moment of preparing arguments, traveling, and competing. It’s a wonderful thing to take on a challenge with smart, great people and I hope every student leaves UNC with a memory like that — not that I’m wishing all-nighters on them, but just the memorable upside.
Gary London ’79
As you served on the Law Foundation Board, what did you find most surprising about how law school has changed since your time here?
The main thing that I’ve noticed has changed is the cost of attending law school. My parents weren’t in a position to pay my way to law school, so before I started Carolina Law, I took a year off, lived at home (not ideal for either me or my parents) and worked to save money. When I attended law school, I lived in Craig graduate dorm, worked in the law library, and worked each summer. Just doing those things allowed me to graduate without much student debt. That is no longer possible. Even though UNC is still a bargain compared to other law schools, students can no longer self-fund their education without significant post-graduate debt, which negatively effects students interested in going back to practice in small towns, government work, or public interest organizations.
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences while serving on the Law Foundation Board?
People! Getting to know Dean Martin Brinkley, plus meeting faculty staff and members of the Foundation Board. Most alums can only judge the law school by its ranking, which, by the way, is very impressive. They don’t have the privilege of looking behind the curtain and meeting the dedicated, talented individuals at every level that make the law school the unique place it is.
Why do you give back to Carolina Law?
To me the question really is, why wouldn’t I give back to the law school. The law school changed my life and gave me opportunities as a first-generation college graduate to achieve things that I never would have if the law school had not opened those doors. I was fortunate to come along when I could afford to go on my own. I really think it’s incumbent on us to help give this generation the same opportunities.
What is your favorite memory from law school?
Sitting on the brick floor in the hallway eating lunch with my friends (space was at a premium even back then) realizing that everyone was suffering through the same bewildering experiences from 1st year exams to 2nd year job interviews to 3rd year nostalgia over the end of a 20-year educational journey. We built a bond that is just as strong today.
As an alum, what Carolina Law event do you look most forward to?
Of course nothing beats coming back to Chapel Hill any time of the year, but especially the fall when we had the Bluegrass and BBQ event. But as someone who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, I always appreciated when we had someone from the law school come down for an alumni event. It was a way for us expatriates to get together and relive the Chapel Hill experience.
DJ Evans Class of 2025
Tell us a bit about your background and career goals.
My name is DJ Evans, and I am a 2L at UNC Law. I am the son of two military parents and have lived in seven states. After graduation from Carolina Law, I plan to work in the private sector.
What has been one of your most meaningful or helpful interactions with Carolina Law alumni?
My most meaningful interaction with a Carolina Law Alumni was my judicial internship with The Honorable Resident Superior Court Judge David Lambeth. I learned a lot from Judge Lambeth and got to talk a lot about UNC sports.
How has your scholarship impacted you and your education?
My scholarship has impacted my education by allowing me to have more financial freedom and be able to put my focus on school.
What is your favorite thing about Carolina Law?
My favorite part about Carolina Law is the people. There are so many wonderful people here, which has allowed me to build a great and supportive community.