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Weekly Bar Briefs - January 20, 2026
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Dear Buncombe Bar Members,
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Are you interested in learning about 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. This is your last chance to register for the free CLE webinar being offered tomorrow via Zoom from 12:30 - 1:30. Buncombe Bar Members, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. NC Bar members outside of Buncombe County should email admin@buncombebar.com to register for a $35 fee.
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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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NCBA Pro Bono Award Nominations Due February 15, 2026
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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
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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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Roberts & Stevens attorneys recognized in Business North Carolina’s 2026 Legal Elite
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Roberts & Stevens is pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elite, a listing of the state’s best attorneys in their fields.
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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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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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Associate Attorney Position (EC - Litigation)
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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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Legal Assistant/Paralegal Position
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Campbell Shatley, PLLC is looking for a litigation paralegal to join a team of professionals representing public clients!
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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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Have a Business Vision for 2026 with no Time for Execution?
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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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