“I think you can fight very hard and still get along.”

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Kalarites speaks with Don Beskind about his illustrious career as a trial lawyer, educator, and mediator in North Carolina. Don is a professor at Duke University School of Law and Shareholder at Donald H. Beskind, P.A..

A longtime member and supporter of NCAJ, Don discusses the changes he’s seen in the legal field, advice for young lawyers, and sharing the profession with his daughter. Finally, Don reminds practitioners that it’s not necessary to be adversarial all the time; collegiality is often much more effective!

🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️

Name: Don Beskind

Connect:  Duke Law School | LinkedIn 

💡 Episode Highlights 💡

[6:18] Practicing with Legends: Don recounts some of his favorite memories with legends of NCAJ.

[9:18] NCAJ Grows Up: Over the course of his career, Don has been delighted to see the growing diversity within NCAJ and the improvement of educational offerings.

[10:39] A Passion for Legal Education: Now a full-time professor at Duke Law School, Don reflects on how he got his start as a legal educator.

[13:33] Moving into Mediation: Don discusses his long-time work as a mediator in North Carolina and notes how much the legal field has changed since mediation has become the norm.

[18:22] Like Father, Like Daughter: Anna and Don express their delight at how many members of NCAJ have daughters following in their footsteps as trial lawyers.

[20:56] Advice for Young Lawyers: Don credits the ability to get along with other people as an essential part of effective representation.

[23:52] What NCAJ Means to Me: Don reflects on how instrumental NCAJ has been in his career, from providing educational opportunities to facilitating meaningful relationships and support systems.

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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!