For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols, NCAJ’s Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks.

Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including Senate Bill 319, which was passed this summer, Chris describes how the law will affect personal injury lawyers and their clients. He offers a look into what’s in store come next July, starting with new minimum limits on a rolling basis.

Name: Christopher Nichols | LinkedIn | Email

Connect: Nichols Law Firm | Facebook | Phone

[03:49] Senate Bill 319: This bill represents technical corrections to SB 452, which would change minimum limits in liability insurance in North Carolina starting in January 2025. Plaintiffs’ personal injury lawyers were “hyped and excited” about 452. Then, things started to happen…

[06:04 ] “Stack and Compare”: For nearly three decades, plaintiffs’ lawyers would “stack and compare” all possible uninsured motorist policies with the liability policy to determine the offset. SB 319 codified that practice, clearing up confusion that followed the N.C. Supreme Court decision in Farm Bureau v. Hebert this spring.

[08:21 ] The Frankenstein Statute: SB 319’s drafters collaborated with the insurance industry to update the definition of underinsurance, dubbed the “Frankenstein Statute” because it’s a creation built by many stakeholders who have changed text in one document over time.

[09:53] July 2025: The corrections reflected in SB 319 go into effect, including this one: Every driver will have $100,000 in coverage, assuming somebody else has liability insurance.

[19:22] The Impact of Raising the Minimum: Hint: It doesn’t mean more car accidents. It just means more coverage.

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Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.

Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal...

As a successful trial attorney, Raleigh native and solo practitioner Lex-Jordan Ibegbu credits the NCAJ NEXT Leadership program with helping him build a community of colleagues and mentors.

With Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks, Lex-Jordan “drops some gems” of inspiration for the next class of NEXT fellows. Collaborating with NCAJ, his goal is to positively affect the citizens of North Carolina “because that's what it's all about at the end of the day.” Tune in to hear how he does that through his determination, connection with NCAJ, and even his experience as a musician.

NCAJ is accepting applications for the NEXT class of 2025 until September 16. Click here to learn more and apply.

Name: Lex-Jordan Ibegbu

Connect: Ibegbu Law, PLLC | Email | X | Instagram | Facebook

[6:33] Growing Up in Southeast Raleigh: He was both shielded from and exposed to the neighborhood’s ruggedness, a unique experience that still impacts him today in all arenas of his life.

[12:43] Music to the Jury’s Ears: His background as a recording artist with thousands of songs to his credit helps him strategically use inflection, tones, and pauses to make his voice heard in the courtroom.

[13:26] Hanging Out His Shingle: One of the few NEXT fellows to build a solo practice, Lex-Jordan counts upon his entrepreneurial spirit to guide his career.

[16:30] One Door Closes, Another Opens: After losing one job, he was hired by another firm that embraced his talents. And that role convinced him that he could eventually start his own practice, which he did.

[24:56] How NEXT Helps: If being an attorney is isolating at times, the NEXT program introduces its fellows to colleagues and mentors who support and inspire.

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☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.

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...

“The swingiest of swing, and the purplest of purple.” That’s North Carolina as we gear up for the hotly contested 2024 election season.

In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes seasoned political consultants Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker to the show to discuss North Carolina's political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections.

Tune in as they discuss how media consumption is evolving so campaigns must find a way to adapt their strategies. Increasing voter turnout is critical for both parties in this election, as is finding a way to attract unaffiliated voters. North Carolina’s gubernatorial race is also gearing up to be one of the most important in the nation. Learn just how pivotal North Carolina is as a battleground state in national politics this election cycle.

Morgan and Paul will speak at the NCAJ Convention in June. You can register for Convention 2024 here.

Name: Paul Shumaker

Connect: Capitol Communications, Inc. | Email | LinkedIn

Name: Morgan Jackson

Connect: Nexus Strategies | Email | LinkedIn

[02:13] Suburban Surge: Whether soccer moms or grill dads, the suburban population in North Carolina is booming with new residents, many of whom are college-educated and female.

[04:31] Exponential Urban Growth: Since the last presidential election, Wake and Mecklenburg counties have gained an average of 90 new voters a day, leaving smaller counties, like Henderson, in the dust.

[05:06] The Swingest of Swing States: Because North Carolina has both urban and rural areas to offset any deficiencies in one demographic for either party, we’re seeing both sides commit significant resources to ensure the state swings their way.

[06:50] Meeting Voters Where They Are: With the media becoming more segmented and greater options for voters to “cut cords” or avoid advertisements when getting the news, campaigns must meet voters where they are if they want to get their messages across.

[08:09] Finding the Undecideds: Like businesses, campaigns use consumer data to find likely voters and potential voters because the undecided voters are often the most important segment of the population.

[11:48] An Uber-Important Gubernatorial Race: Not only is the gubernatorial race going to be the most expensive in the country, it may also be the only race where Republicans have a chance to gain a seat in a presidential election year.

[16:12] Fear or Hope: In recent years, we’ve seen a trend that suggests elections are as much about fear about the other candidate winning as they are about having hope in your own...