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Weekly Bar Briefs - February 10, 2026

Dear Buncombe Bar Members,
We hope to see many of you at our monthly luncheon tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at the YMI Cultural Center. This month’s presenter is Dr. Raymond C. Turpin, Clinical Director of The Pearl Psychedelic Institute and President of its Board of Directors. Dr. Turpin will provide an overview of the history and current research surrounding MDMA-assisted therapy, with a focus on its use in treating PTSD. He will discuss why this approach has shown particular promise for veterans and others suffering from PTSD, share selected stories from participants in The Pearl’s Expanded Access trial, and briefly introduce other psychedelic therapies that may offer alternatives to conventional treatment methods.

It is past the point to order a lunch through us, but you are welcome to bring your own lunch and/or join us for the fellowship and presentation.

Bar News

Judicial & District Attorney Candidate Forum

The Buncombe County Bar invites you to attend a nonpartisan candidate forum for the 2026 40th District Judicial and District Attorney elections. This forum is designed to provide you with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates. All declared positions for the 40th District judicial and District Attorney seats have been invited to participate.

The forum will take place on Friday, Feb. 20 at 4:00 in the 5th Floor Courtroom of the Buncombe County Courthouse. Registration is not required.

Proposed 40th Judicial District Family Court Domestic Rules Available for Review

Proposed 40th Judicial District Family Court Domestic Rules (local rules for Family Court) are now available for review and comment.  The proposed rules, if adopted, would replace the current local rules which can be found at this link. Paper copies of the proposed local rules may be picked up at the Family Court offices on the 3rd floor of the original part of …

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Congratulations to Van Winkle's Newest Partner

Van Winkle would like to recognize and congratulate its newest Partner, Marie Claire ("MC") O'Leary Smith.  This advancement is a testament to her legal skills, work ethic and commitment to her clients and colleagues.  We look forward to her contributions and the impact she will make as a Partner.

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Congratulations to Van Winkle's Newest Partner

Hyler & Agan, PLLC - New Office Address

Hyler & Agan, PLLC has relocated to a new office effective February 1, 2026:
Office: 90 Southside Avenue, Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
Mail: P.O. Box 327, Asheville, NC 28802

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Coffield Heedy Kilgore PLLC Attorneys Recognized in Business North Carolina's 2026 Legal Elite

Coffield Heedy Kilgore PLLC Attorneys Recognized in Business North Carolina's 2026 Legal Elite
Coffield Heedy Kilgore PLLC is excited to announce that Ryan Coffield, William Heedy, and BJ Kilgore have been recognized in Business North Carolina's 2026 Legal Elite. These achievements reflect the professionalism, skill, and commitment to clients  of our attorneys in their respective practice areas. Coffield Heedy Kilgore PLLC provides transactional legal services for business owners, entrepreneurs, and families in Asheville, …

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Requesting volunteers for a Mass Defense Legal Team--AVL

Alan Graf, Buncombe County civil rights lawyer, formerly from Portland, Oregon requesting volunteer lawyers for a Mass Defense Group should ICE come to town.

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NCBA Pro Bono Award Nominations Due February 15, 2026

North Carolina Bar Association Seeking Nominations for Pro Bono Awards

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Register Now for the NC Bar Foundation’s Lawyers on Call Event March 6

Please considering registering for the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s annual Lawyers on Call pro bono event (formerly 4All Lawyers on Call), which will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.

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Live Superior Court Mediator Training in Asheville

Get your 40-hour Superior Court mediator training live and in-person in Asheville, March 23-27, provided by The Mediation Center and held on AB Tech’s campus. Join presenters Sharon Tracey Barrett, Sarah Corley, Frank Goldsmith, Kip Marshall, Tara Kozlowski, and Laura Jeffords and take the first step towards mediator certification. The training includes 24 hours of CLE (everything you need for 2 years: 4 hours of ethics/professional responsibility, 1 hour of technology, and 1 hour of professional wellbeing). If you are already a certified mediator, you can sign up for the 16-hour Family Financial mediation supplement on March 23 and 24.

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Live Superior Court Mediator Training in Asheville

Classifieds

Junior Litigation Attorney (1 – 4 Years)

Junior Litigation Attorney (1 – 4 Years)
Ward and Smith, P.A., a growing full-service law firm with offices in North Carolina and South Carolina, seeks a talented Junior Litigation Attorney with one to four years of experience to join our growing Asheville, North Carolina office. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven litigator to develop a sophisticated practice within a collaborative, full-service firm that serves clients across the Carolinas and beyond.

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In Search of a Title Searcher

I have occasional need for a Title Searcher.

If you know of one available please send them my way, or let me know.

Thank you very much.

Tim Tyson, Tim@Tyson.Legal

Associate Attorney Position (EC - Litigation)

Campbell Shatley, PLLC, is seeking a motivated associate attorney with 0-3 years' experience to join its team of education and municipal law attorneys in Asheville, NC, with particular interest in candidates with litigation experience.

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Associate Attorney Position (EC - Litigation)

Legal Assistant/Paralegal Position

Campbell Shatley, PLLC is looking for a litigation paralegal to join a team of professionals representing public clients!

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Legal Assistant/Paralegal Position

Upcoming Events

February 11 - Monthly Bar Luncheon at 12:30 at YMI Cultural Center
February 20 - Judicial & District Attorney Candidate Forum
March 2 - Executive Committee Meeting at 12:30 via Zoom
March 11 - Monthly Bar Luncheon at 12:30 at YMI Cultural Center