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Weekly Bar Briefs - January 13, 2026
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Bar News
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Dear Buncombe Bar Members,
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Are you interested in learning about the quick-changing fundamentals of immigration law and policy over the last year? This is your last chance to register for the free CLE webinar being offered tomorrow via Zoom from 12:30 - 1:30. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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A Message from Susan Russo Klein,
Buncombe Bar President
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Happy New Year from the Buncombe County Bar! I want to thank each of you for making our Bar a strong and connected community. From our monthly meetings and CLE to our recent holiday celebration, these moments of connection remind us of the value of shared purpose and collegiality in our profession. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming luncheon or CLE. Best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy new year.
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CLE - Strategies to Improve Your Legal Writing
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Lawyers are writers. We write to inform, and we write to persuade. This presentation will showcase strategies to improve your legal writing that will be relevant to both developing and expert legal writers. These strategies will acknowledge the existence, lure, and power of Gen AI. Presenters: Karen Sneddon is Dean and Professor of Law at Mercer University School of Law …
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In Memoriam - James Williams
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We announced the passing of James "Jim" Williams last month, and we now have his obituary. Please click here to learn more about the life of Mr. Williams.
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Full Public Notice for Reappointment of an Incumbent Magistrate Judge
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The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge W. Carlton Metcalf in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina is due to expire on October 31, 2026. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of
citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.
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The duties of a magistrate judge in this court include the following:
(1) conduct preliminary proceedings in criminal cases;
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(2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases;
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(3) conduct various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from a district judge; and
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(4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.
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Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended for reappointment by the court. All comments are to be emailed to Katie_Simon@ncwd.uscourts.gov. All comments must be received by February 18, 2026.
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New Firm Name - Huffenus and Mallos, PLLC
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Effective January 1, 2026, The Law Office of Daniel S. Huffenus, PLLC has become Huffenus and Mallos, PLLC with the addition of Barrett Mallos as partner.
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Allen Stahl + Kilbourne Announces Promotion of Chris Lewis to Partner
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Allen Stahl + Kilbourne is pleased to announce that Chris Lewis has been promoted to Partner, effective January 1, 2026. Chris began his legal career in 1998 and has practiced litigation throughout North Carolina, handling cases from Murphy to Manteo. After years with statewide litigation firms and operating his own successful solo practice in Asheville, Chris joined Allen Stahl + Kilbourne in 2024. We look forward to many more years of continued success together.
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He focuses on real property, construction law, business and contract disputes, and personal injury, and is also a certified Superior Court mediator. Chris brings a strategic, proactive approach to client representation and is a valued leader within the firm.
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Allen Stahl + Kilbourne Congratulates Eight Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite
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Allen Stahl + Kilbourne is proud to congratulate eight of our attorneys who have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite. Selected through peer nominations, this distinction honors attorneys who are regarded by fellow practitioners as leaders in their respective practice areas.
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Thomas Amburgey Named to Business North Carolina’s 2026 Legal Elite in Criminal Defense
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Thomas Amburgey has once again been selected for inclusion in Business North Carolina’s 2026 Legal Elite, this year in the Criminal Defense category. This marks the seventh time Thomas has received this peer-selected honor since 2019 — a clear reflection of the trust and respect he has earned within the North Carolina legal community.
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Patrick McCroskey Named to 2026 Legal Elite Family Law Section
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Patrick McCroskey has once again been recognized in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite 2026 Edition in Family Law.
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Blue Ridge Family Law Group Opens Hendersonville Office
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Blue Ridge Family Law Group's New Hendersonville Location Will Provide a Local Presence for the Firm's Clients in Henderson, Polk and Transylvania Counties.
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Luncheon on “The Rule of Law”
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All Buncombe Bar members and friends are welcome to attend a luncheon addressing “The Rule of Law” hosted by Leadership Asheville Forum on Wednesday (11:30 am), January 28, 2026, at the Country Club of Asheville. The buffet opens at 11:45 AM and the program at 12:15 PM. The speakers will be Robert (“Bob”) Orr, former N.C. Supreme Court Justice, and …
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Attorney Lauren Privette Joins Blue Ridge Family Law
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Attorney Lauren Privette Joins Blue Ridge Family Law Group new Hendersonville Office
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Come See the Future of the Buncombe County Bar in Action: AC Reynolds High School Mock Trial Team Practice on January 13th, 3pm in 2A
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Members of the Buncombe County Bar are invited to attend a mock trial practice session featuring the AC Reynolds High School Mock Trial Teams, who will be competing against one another on Tuesday, January 13, beginning at 3pm in Courtroom 2A, with District Court Judge Young presiding.
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Missy Spainhour Honored in Business North Carolina's 2026 "Legal Elite"
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Constangy is pleased to announce that Missy Spainhour has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Business North Carolina’s prestigious “Legal Elite" for Employment Law.
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Heather Newton Retirement
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After 36 years of plaintiff's employment law and ERISA disability practice, Heather Newton is retiring and closing her office effective December 31, 2025. She thanks her colleagues in the Buncombe County Bar for their referrals, professionalism and friendship over the years. She will NOT be retiring from her other three jobs of writer, creative writing teacher, and Program Manager for the Flatiron Writers Room in West Asheville and would love to have her fellow attorneys join her in a writing class! https://www.flatironwritersroom.com
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CLE Series - Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa
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6 consecutive Tuesdays from January 20 - February 24, 2025
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Asheville, Hendersonville, Zoom Eligible for 9 Continuing Legal Education Credits - $99
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Imagine holding a handwritten missive presenting a 13th-century legal dilemma about a shipwrecked merchant; receiving a politically charged inquiry from a 16th-century monarch seeking legal justification to annul his marriage; hearing a life-or-death ethical question whispered under a guard’s watch …
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Have a Business Vision for 2026 with no Time for Execution?
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Phaedra Xanthos, CPA, CFE - Forensic Accountant & Expert Witness
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Phaedra Xanthos, CPA, CFE - Forensic Accountant & Expert Witness
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- Family Law
- Suspected Embezzlement/White Collar Crime
- Personal Injury
- Commercial and Estate Disputes
- Pension Valuations
- Bankruptcy
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January 14 - CLE: Changing Fundamentals of Immigration Law & Policy at 12:30 via Zoom
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January 21 - CLE: Strategies to Improve your Legal Writing at 12:30 via Zoom
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February 2 - Executive Committee Meeting at 12:30 via Zoom
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February 11 - Monthly Bar Luncheon at 12:30 at YMI Cultural Center
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