In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Isaac Thorp interviews Wade Byrd, attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A.
Wade joined NCAJ, or what the older generation still affectionately calls The Academy, after realizing he needed to put more effort into the professional side of his life. As an active community member in Fayetteville with a leadership role at church, chairman of the board at his children's school, and president of the Kiwanis Club, joining NCAJ was the next natural step for Wade to expand his professional network.
Wade was also interested in the opportunity for continuing legal education (CLE) at NCAJ. He says he learned from some of the greats, like host Isaac Thorp’s father, Bill Thorp, as well as Allen Bailey. They taught him so much about being a lawyer — being honest, maintaining integrity, and having grit and guts to get through the best and worst parts.
During this episode, Wade offers advice to up-and-coming lawyers and talks fondly of his time with NCAJ. His own forty-plus year career has certainly come with both victories and losses, and Wade doesn’t hesitate to share it all.
🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️
Name: Wade Byrd
What he does: Wade Byrd has more than forty years of legal experience. He opened his own firm, Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A., in 1996 and has been holding individuals and businesses responsible for their negligence and advocating for his clients’ proper compensation ever since.
Company: Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A.
Words of wisdom: “One thing I've always said to myself and to others is — don't try to be cute in front of that jury. Just be yourself. Be honest. Don't let a single one of those jurors think, Well now, he's just trying to pull something over on us. Because you're going to lose, in my opinion, if you do that.”
Connect: LinkedIn
🗝️ Key Points 🗝️
Top takeaways from this episode
- Every lawyer will experience highs and lows. As with any aspect in life, being a lawyer doesn’t come without challenges and hardships.
- Always maintain your integrity and honesty. When asked what piece of advice he would give to young lawyers, Wade says it’s always maintaining your integrity and honesty both in and out of the courtroom.
- At the end of the day, being a lawyer takes guts. Whether it’s waiting for the jury to come back with a verdict or fighting for a client, Wade discusses the courage that it takes to be a lawyer.
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Voices of NCAJ features intimate and inspiring conversations with organization members in celebration of its 60th anniversary.
Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!
