Legal Insights

National Conference of Black Lawyers Convenes 58th Annual Gathering at CUNY Law

The National Conference of Black Lawyers held its 58th annual conference at CUNY School of Law in October 2026, bringing together movement lawyers to address state violence, political repression, and the next generation of Black legal advocates.

Fourth Circuit Limits Religious Employer Exemptions in LGBTQ+ Benefits Case

John Doe v. Catholic Relief Services · U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

The Fourth Circuit ruled 2-1 that Catholic Relief Services violated federal and Maryland anti-discrimination law by revoking spousal health benefits from a gay employee, rejecting the organization's religious exemption defenses.

North Carolina DEI Bans: What They Mean for Black Attorneys and the Public

North Carolina enacted sweeping bans on DEI programs in public schools, universities, and state agencies in June 2026. This review examines what the laws prohibit, who is affected, and what they mean for the Black legal community.

DOJ Proposed Rule Would Shield Federal Attorneys From State Bar Discipline

A controversial DOJ proposed rule would give the federal government first review of ethics complaints against its attorneys, potentially blocking state bar investigations — raising serious concerns for the legal profession.

Fourth Circuit Revives NC Inmate Claims Over Shackling and Opioid Treatment Denial

Edwards v. Witherspoon · U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

The Fourth Circuit ruled that a North Carolina prison's shackling of a pregnant inmate during labor and its categorical denial of opioid treatment may violate the Eighth Amendment and disability law.

NCCU Hosts 13th Annual HBCU Pre-Law Summit, Drawing Aspiring Black Lawyers Nationwide

North Carolina Central University welcomed hundreds of HBCU students and alumni to Durham for the 13th Annual National HBCU Pre-Law Summit & Law Expo, a four-day event connecting aspiring Black lawyers with law schools and legal professionals.

NCABL Honors NC's First Black Lawyer at 2026 Joint Annual Conference

The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers unveiled a state highway marker honoring George Lawrence Mabson — NC's first Black attorney — at its 2026 Joint Annual Conference in Wilmington, held August 14–16.

NC State Bar Proposes Rule 1.14 Overhaul for Clients With Decision-Making Limitations

The North Carolina State Bar has published proposed amendments to Rule 1.14 that replace the term "diminished capacity" with "decision-making limitations" and clarify attorney duties when clients need protective action.

Supreme Court Guts Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais

Louisiana v. Callais · U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court's 6–3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais on April 29, 2026, dramatically weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, making it far harder for minority voters to challenge discriminatory maps.