Recent Decisions of the Supreme Court of North Carolina
State Courts White Paper
State Courts White Paper
This paper aims to inform North Carolinians about some of the important cases decided in recent years by the state’s supreme court. It discusses eight recent cases separated into four categories: constitutional law, election law, business law, and criminal law. Some of these cases highlight differences in judicial philosophy among members of the court. In keeping with the mission of the Federalist Society, we hope this paper will foster public discussion regarding the role of courts, and particularly the North Carolina Supreme Court, in our system of government.
Partner, King & Spalding
Adam Conrad is a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and its national appellate practice. Mr. Conrad joined the firm following a clerkship with United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He also clerked for Judge David B. Sentelle, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Mr. Conrad frequently briefs cases in the Courts of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court in areas ranging from patent law to constitutional issues. He has successfully argued before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In addition, Mr. Conrad’s patent litigation experience includes analysis and strategy on critical issues, assisting with appellate preservation, drafting dispositive motions, and drafting post-trial motions.
United States Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of North Carolina
Robert T. Numbers, II serves as a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Judge Numbers received degrees in Political Science and Economics, with honors, from Wake Forest University. After completing his undergraduate work, Judge Numbers obtained his law degree from the University of Notre Dame where he served on the Notre Dame Law Review.
Upon his graduation from law school, Judge Numbers joined the Winston-Salem office of a large, regional law firm. From 2005 until 2010, Judge Numbers’ practice focused on civil rights claims against local municipalities and government contractors. In 2010, Judge Numbers joined the firm’s Raleigh office and concentrated his practice on complex business litigation in state and federal courts.
Counsel, King & Spalding
Bradley J. Lingo is a counsel in King & Spalding’s Charlotte office. He practices in the firm’s National Business Litigation Group.
Mr. Lingo has considerable experience guiding clients to successful resolutions of complex civil litigation matters. His work has encompassed a broad array of trial and appellate matters, but in recent years, much of it has focused on defending accounting firms against claims of malpractice and securities fraud. He has played a significant role in matters for three of the Big Four accounting firms. He also has experience representing clients facing regulatory investigations, including investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice.
Mr. Lingo has maintained an active pro bono practice focusing on religious-liberties issues. Accounts of pro bono work spearheaded by Mr. Lingo have appeared on the front pages of the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal.
Prior to joining King & Spalding, Mr. Lingo practiced in the Washington, D.C., office of Gibson Dunn and served as a law clerk to the Hon. Morris Sheppard Arnold of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He received his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was an executive editor of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. He graduated first in his class and summa cum laude from Grove City College. While there, he was elected student body vice-president and awarded the Calderwood Scholarship, which goes to the two rising seniors demonstrating outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.
Mr. Lingo currently serves as Chairman of the Federalist Society's Charlotte Chapter. Super Lawyers named him one of North Carolina’s “Rising Stars” for 2014. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina and the District of Columbia.