Campbell Law 45th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight: Audrey Snyder ’17
Nominator: Nichad Davis, Class of 2019
Nichad Davis is a 2019 graduate from Campbell Law School. He is an attorney at Ward Black Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, practicing in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death and workers compensation.
Nominee: Audrey Snyder, Class of 2017
Audrey Snyder is a 2014 graduate of Campbell University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, summa cum laude, and a 2017 graduate of Campbell University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor degree. During her time at Campbell Law, she was a member of the Mock Trial team and served as the secretary of the Federal Bar Association. Her mock trial endeavors earned her the Order of the Old Kivett Award, an award given for exemplary advocacy in competitions while maintaining the highest ethical standards. During her undergraduate studies at Campbell University, Synder met her husband, Gabriel, who also graduated from Campbell University and Campbell University School of Law.
Snyder began working at Ward Black Law after graduation in 2017. She is an attorney supporting the firim in the areas of injury claims, including defective products, occupational diseases and workers’ compensation. In addition, Snyder serves as vice president of the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys (NCAWA) for the 2021 year and has been named by the National Trial Lawyers as “Top 40 Under 40” attorneys in North Carolina for the second year in a row. She was also named by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly as a “Rising Star” in 2021.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job?
A: I serve clients who have been injured by an occupational disease, drug, medical device or environmental hazard. My clients are often facing terminal diseases or illnesses. The best part of my job is being able to provide them with the peace and comfort of financial security for themselves and their families.
Q: You currently serve as vice president of the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys (NCAWA). Tell us more about your involvement and the NCAWA’s mission.
A: NCAWA was founded in the 1970s with the purpose of women lawyers coming together to discuss and take action on issues affecting both North Carolina women lawyers and, more broadly, all North Carolina women. First, the organization provides me with a network of women lawyers who support one another professionally and personally. Second, as an NCAWA leader, I have had the privilege of supporting women judges and legislators in their promotion of rights and welfare under the law. This year, our voluntary board wrote letters of support for five state judicial candidates, petitioned the N.C. State Bar to amend the professional rules of conduct to include a prohibition on discriminatory and harassing conduct, requested the N.C. Board of Law Examiners reconsider the dignity of their policy regarding the use of menstrual products during the bar exam, and supported or opposed legislation through our lobbyist for the promotion of women’s rights.
Q: How did Campbell Law and your extensive mock trial team experience prepare you for your career?
A: There is a stark difference between learning from a book and learning from practice. Campbell’s mock trial team gave my legal career a jump-start that many other attorneys lacked when they entered the courtroom for the first time. Professor Dan Tilly and long-time volunteer coach, Maria Hawkins, devoted 10 or more hours a week ensuring that my ability to advocate for my clients in the courtroom was keen and powerful. My mock trial teammates remain my closest friends and allies in the legal profession today.
Q: Share a memory or experience that has had a lasting impact on your career.
A: I had a client that was diagnosed with mesothelioma which is cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. I went to his home in the eastern part of the state to meet with him. I spent about four hours in his home with his family talking about his work and his life story. Sadly, he passed away just two days later. This experience helped me to realize and appreciate the privilege I have to know people in what could be their last days and to serve their families when they are no longer able to be here. My client wanted me to know his story so that I could tell it after he was gone. I think about him each time I meet with a client for the first time.
Q: What does Campbell University’s motto “leading with purpose” mean to you?
A: “Leading with purpose” means intentionally aligning what I do day in and day out with my faith. The Hebrew definition of “purpose” includes to give counsel, deliberate, purpose or determine. I hope the service to my clients and community reflects my efforts to discern, listen and act in such a way that honors the Lord and reflects Campbell’s leadership motto.
Want to nominate a Campbell Law alumna/alumnus to be featured in a 45th anniversary spotlight?
If you would like to nominate a fellow alumnus/na who is living the university’s motto “leading with purpose,” please contact Lisa Snedeker at lsnedeker@campbell.edu for more information.
