The latest episode of All Things Judicial: Beyond the Bench takes listeners beyond the courtroom and into the heart of disaster recovery, featuring a compelling conversation with North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Michael Stading and law clerks Vincenzo Conciatori and Tomas Nazer-Paniagua.

These legal professionals stepped away from their usual roles in the judiciary to volunteer in Western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In this episode, they share their firsthand experiences witnessing the storm’s impact, assisting communities in need, and reflecting on how the experience shaped their perspectives on justice and public service.

“Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction that went beyond physical damage—it deeply affected families, businesses, and entire communities,” said Judge Stading. “Being there and seeing the resilience of those impacted helped to reinforce the importance of service, both inside and outside the courtroom.”

Throughout the episode, the guests discussed the take aways from their service. They shared stories that highlight the human side of the legal profession and the ways in which Judicial Branch personnel can support communities in times of crisis.