Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: William S. Cherry III ‘05
William S. Cherry III ‘05 is a partner at Manning, Fulton & Skinner P.A. He is originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, and earned his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in 1998. He currently serves on the Campbell Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Current role: Partner at Manning, Fulton & Skinner P.A.
Why Campbell Law?
Cherry chose Campbell Law because of his father, who told him that despite the reputation of other law schools in North Carolina, Campbell produced the best lawyers, producing lawyers that were prepared to practice law directly out of school.
On practice
Cherry practices complex commercial litigation, employment law, litigation and franchise litigation. He knew he wanted to be a litigator since his time at Campbell Law.
A lesson that stuck
From Campbell, Cherry learned that “the key to being an effective lawyer is in the preparation. Preparation helps you learn the facts of a case in and out and from every different angle. From the day you first get a case the preparation starts, and you need to treat every step of the litigation process with purpose.”
People who shaped you
Cherry was shaped by his peers. He remembers his lunches with peers where they would discuss class and the work they were doing as law students. This experience taught him the importance of talking to other lawyers and that as a lawyer you should try to learn from other lawyers every day.
Advice to current students
“Work hard. Take advantage of all of the opportunities Campbell Law has to teach practical skills that will be useful as soon as you pass the Bar Exam and start working.”
The next 50 years
Campbell should “continue to teach students how to be real world lawyers.” Cherry feels that Campbell prepares lawyers to be ready to practice as soon as they pass the Bar Exam, and he believes that Campbell should continue to be the law school that provides that education.
Sidebar
Currently reading: “The Secret of Secrets” by Dan Brown
Most adventurous thing: Zip lining on Volcano Arenal in Costa Rica.
Favorite Raleigh spot: Carter-Finley Stadium
Proudest moment: Being a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years in Nicaragua.