Practicing What They Teach
by Suzi Morales
5 Adjunct Professors Share Insights on Life and Law
Long before legal education as we know it today, new lawyers learned the craft by apprenticeships with seasoned practitioners. Much has changed since those days, but the importance of learning from those who practice remains the same. Meet a few of the Wake Forest Law adjunct professors of law who come to campus every week from their offices at law firms, banks, health systems, and more to help current students learn by doing.
Responses edited for length and clarity
Beth Gianopulos (JD ’01), Senior Associate Counsel, Atrium Health
Current courses: Detecting Wrongdoing with Investigations, Monitoring, and Audits; Employment Law for Managers
Why law school? I was a first-generation college student. I did not know what I wanted to do for my career, but I always wanted to fight injustice. [Longtime Director of Admissions and Financial Aid] Melanie Nutt was very invested in me and helping me figure out what I was doing, because it can feel lonely if you don’t have anyone to talk to and help with that. I’d always loved Wake Forest, so it just seemed like the perfect fit.
Key takeaways from your class? If you’re going to do this, you really have to be a lifelong learner.
Something that surprises people about you: My husband and I have a nonprofit, Project: Re3 Hope Center. It is a clothing closet, food pantry, and we provide some counseling services, and all of it is free.
What do you wish you would’ve known as a law student? Communicate. Students are going through things, or they don’t understand something, or they’re having personal issues, and may need a little flexibility. Your professors actually want to hear from you.
Bruce Thompson (’88, JD ’94), Partner, Government & Public Policy Group Leader, Parker Poe
Current courses: Lobbying Theory and Practice; Law and Public Policy
Why law school? I had the audacity to tell people from the time I was seven years old that I was going to be the President of the United States, and I figured a law career would be a good way to project me into politics. In some ways, the political career ended up happening, although I don’t think I’m going to be running for president anytime soon.
Key takeaways from your class? One of the last things the students do in my class is argue a bill before a legislative committee consisting of their classmates. One of the things that strikes me is how well equipped these students are, across the board, to go out and practice law. I tell them, “I see people doing what you just did every day, and you have to take me at my word that you are just as good at it as they are. You can do this.”
Something that surprises people about you: I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t have much of a filter, so there are no surprises with me.
What do you wish you would’ve known as a law student? One of the things I try to impart to my students—and I know they are not going to believe this until they get out into law practice—is downplaying the importance of grades. Once you get out in the world, it is you against the other side, and who is the best advocate is the only determination that gets made.
Ed Ergenzinger (’94, PhD ’99, JD ’02), Founder and Principal, Ergenzinger Intellectual Property Law
Current course: Mental Health and the Legal Profession
Why law school? In late 1998, I was finishing up a PhD in neuroscience at Wake Forest’s medical school campus and had come to realize that I loved everything about science except the bench work. There was a new seminar series on alternative careers for scientists and one of the speakers was a patent attorney.
Key takeaways from your class? Getting help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s not the end of your career. Whether you’re feeling anxious or depressed or even contemplating self-harm, you’re not alone. There is hope and help.
Something that surprises people about you: Since I’m a patent attorney and work with high-tech stuff, people are sometimes surprised to learn that I grew up with Amish neighbors and an Amish one-room schoolhouse a half-mile down the road. I was an embarrassingly old age before I realized that not every corner store has hitching posts for the horse and buggies.
What do you wish you would’ve known as a law student? When I was a law student, I had crippling anxiety and depression but I was afraid to get help for fear of what I had to disclose when applying for my law license. I wish I knew that seeking help and developing a plan to manage my mental health would be viewed positively as an example of being able to navigate a challenging situation in a responsible way. That’s what they want attorneys to be able to do.
Ellen Gelbin, Owner, Ellen R. Gelbin, Attorney-Mediator-Arbitrator
Current course: Mediation
Why law school? My folks raised me with a mighty urge for “Justice.”
Key takeaways from your class? I have been teaching mediation at Wake Law for 20 years. In the context of mediation simulations, Wake Law students readily learn and demonstrate the process of mediation and the successful use of positive communication skills. Students who take my mediation course receive a certificate of completion of the 40-Hour North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Superior Court Mediation Training. While they cannot become certified mediators until they have practiced law for five years, they can add value to their firms by representing clients in mediation.
Something that surprises people about you: My 40-year law practice began by representing defendants in capital and felony cases and fighting for civil rights. After watching how court affected my clients, I evolved from a litigation mentality to a mediation mentality.
What do you wish you would’ve known as a law student? Patiently listen to your clients and your counterparts on the other side (and your family, etc.). Exercise empathy. Maintain the intellectual acuity to appreciate all sides.
T.L. Brown (’99, JD ’03, MBA ’08), Chief Fiduciary and Planning Officer, Members Trust Company
Current course: Business Drafting
Why law school? Law seemed to be a natural progression from my political science degree.
Key takeaways from your class? A lot of business drafting is subjective. The analysis, precision, and your client’s best interest are the most important considerations. Avoid legalese, ambiguity, and do not leave your drafting up to someone else’s interpretation.
Something that surprises people about you: I’m a natural introvert that’s been able to develop an extrovert skill set.
What do you wish you would’ve known as a law student? How much it takes for [full-time] professors to prepare for not just one course, but multiple courses over the semester, in addition to their other job requirements. I’ve put an incredible amount of time and energy into class preparation, grading assignments, and student meetings for just my one 2-credit class. … I have 1,000 times more respect now for all of my professors than I did back in law school.
Categories: Our People