As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of its founding, the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism (CJCP) has established the Law School Ambassador Program in collaboration with all six North Carolina law schools. The program offers distinguished third-year law students the opportunity for engagement with and service on the CJCP as ex officio members.

The following students were named CJCP Law School Ambassadors by their respective law schools for 2018-2019: Darrell Alexander (Elon University), Zachary Buckheit (Duke University), Mac Dougherty (Wake Forest University), Joe Fields (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Olabisi Ofunniyin (North Carolina Central University), and Kayla Ives Russell (Campbell University). As members of the inaugural class, these students were selected based upon their reputation for integrity and an interest in service to the profession.

The program launch event was held on August 10 at the Supreme Court of North Carolina where participants met for an orientation with Senior Associate Justice Paul Newby and CJCP Executive Director Lisa Sheppard. After the orientation, the students were given a tour of the N.C. State Legislative Building. Students also met with Judge Marion Warren, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, who shared the story of how the recent Raise the Age legislation came to fruition. 

"I decided to do this as I felt it was a way to give back to North Carolina, especially to the legal community, and a way to contribute," said Mac Dougherty when asked why he wanted to be a law school ambassador. "Professionalism is key and we as students need to know and be aware of what the expectation is," added Olabisi Ofuninyin. 

For more information about the CJCP or the CJCP Law School Ambassador Program, contact Lisa Sheppard, CJCP executive director, at 919-890-1455.

ABOUT
Established in September 1998 by order of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the primary charge of the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism (CJCP), chaired by Senior Associate Justice Paul Newby, is to enhance professionalism among North Carolina judges, lawyers and law students. In carrying out this charge, the CJCP is responsible for providing ongoing attention and assistance through a variety of programs, projects and publications, in order to ensure that the practice of law remains a high calling, dedicated to the service of clients and the public good.