Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: John Marshall ‘89
John P. Marshall ’89 is a shareholder and partner at White & Allen P.A., where he practices civil and business litigation. A Campbell business graduate before he was a Campbell lawyer, he left two years in banking for law school and has been proud to call himself a Campbell lawyer ever since. He is originally from Wilmington, North Carolina,and earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Campbell University in 1984.
Current Role: Shareholder/Partner, White & Allen PA
Why Campbell Law?
Marshall came to Campbell Law as a known quantity. He earned his business degree from Campbell University in 1984, then spent two years in banking before deciding on law school. “Campbell was the logical choice for me,” he says, “and I was thrilled to be admitted.”
On his practice
He built his career in civil litigation, primarily business litigation, a fit his business background helped him grow into over time. It’s the litigation process itself that he enjoys.
A lesson that stuck
Campbell Law gave him a solid foundation, Marshall says, but the lesson that stuck is the one that outlasts any classroom. There is no substitute for preparation.
The people who shaped him
Several faculty left a mark, among them Professors Tom Anderson, Jim McLaughlin and Bob Jenkins. But the professor Marshall credits with the greatest impact is former Dean Pat Hetrick.
On being a Campbell Law family
For Marshall, who started law school 40 years ago, being part of a Campbell Law family means a great deal. He counts himself fortunate to have benefited from the reputation built by the first 10 classes ahead of him. “I am always proud to be a Campbell lawyer.”
Advice to current students
His advice is a discipline as much as a slogan. “Plan your work and work your plan. Prepare for class, attend class, take copious notes, summarize them, and study them.” Do that, he says, and you will do just fine.
The next 50 years
Marshall is candid that it’s hard to know. Legal education and the practice of law have changed enormously in half a century, and his charge to the school is to stay forward-thinking and keep adapting.
Sidebar
Currently reading: “Regime Change,” by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Schwan
Most adventurous thing: Travel, anywhere, anytime, any place.
Favorite Raleigh spot: Angus Barn
Proudest moment: Anything my child does.