In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Helen Baddour interviews her father, Philip A. Baddour, Jr.

Phil joined NCAJ around 1970 and has attended 31 NCAJ conventions over his career. “NCAJ meant, to me, professional development,” said Phil. “First and foremost, the reason I became a member was to learn our craft. It's just a wonderful group of people who are willing to share what they know with other people who are doing the same or similar type things.” 

Phil’s time with NCAJ has given him broad insight into the impact of the organization, including how NCAJ efforts have crossed over to the General Assembly for important issues. As someone who also served as a state legislator, he has a unique perspective on how the organization influenced major decisions in the state government. 

The episode also offers advice for new lawyers on how to develop their careers, so that they can spend more time in the areas of practice that they find most rewarding. Phil recalls that when he was just starting out, he had to take all types of cases. Over time, he was able to narrow his scope to personal injury and workers' compensation cases, the areas where he found the most fulfillment. 

He goes on to share that learning to manage your time and find a balance between your practice and family is the hardest — and most important — thing that young lawyers can do. 

🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️

Name: Philip A. Baddour, Jr.

What he does: Phil Baddour, a graduate of UNC and UNC School of Law, has been practicing in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina since 1967. He has been a member of NCAJ for more than fifty years. In 1989, Phil was elected to the Board of Directors and has not missed a Convention since. After he was elected to the NC House in 1992, Phil was the primary sponsor of many bills recommended or strongly supported by NCAJ, including the bills that gave district attorneys the discretion not to seek the death penalty in capital cases. 

Company: Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, PC

Words of wisdom: “[Being a trial lawyer] is what I enjoy doing the most. It’s the way I feel like I’m helpful to people who need help, who would not be able to get it without me. To give their case the proper attention, whether it's going to end up in a big fee or not a big fee. You give it the same kind of detail.”

Connect: LinkedIn  

🗝️ Key Points 🗝️

Top takeaways from this episode 

• NCAJ is more than professional development. While Phil first joined NCAJ to learn his craft and focus on his career path, the organization has come to mean much more than that over the years.
• NCAJ and the General Assembly have worked together on important bills. Throughout his career, Phil’s involvement with NCAJ has overlapped with his involvement in state politics.
• Phil says young lawyers should start broad and find their niche. As your career develops, you’ll be able to drop the areas that are less interesting to you and focus on what you’re passionate about.

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Voices of NCAJ features intimate and inspiring conversations with organization members in celebration of its 60th anniversary. 

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