Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company of North Carolina Names New Chair and Two Board Members: Retiring Directors Include Last Founder of Country's First Mutual Insurance Company for Attorneys

CARY, NC, May 11, 2012 (Press-News.org) High Point attorney Kenneth McAllister will become the new Chair of the Board of Directors for Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company of North Carolina effective May 1, 2012.

A former United States Attorney and General Counsel for Wachovia Corporation, McAllister brings both public service and private sector experience to the post. He practices at The McAllister Firm, PLLC and has served on the Lawyers Mutual Board since 2003.

Says Lawyers Mutual President Dan Zureich, "We are delighted and honored to welcome Ken McAllister as the next chair of our board. He has a unique background of private practice and public service and a keen grasp of the issues facing companies like ours. Our policyholders will definitely benefit from his legal and business experience."

John Babcock of Winston-Salem and Ron Gibson of Charlotte have been named to the Lawyers Mutual Board. Their terms will also begin May 1, 2012.

Babcock is a partner at Wall Esleeck Babcock, LLP. He has an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Wake Forest University School of Law where he has taught courses in Business Planning, Partnership Tax and Corporate Tax. Gibson is a partner with the law firm of Ruff, Bond, Cobb, Wade & Bethune, LLP. His practice involves general civil litigation and construction. He represents Mecklenburg County as a State Bar Councilor and serves as Chair of the Administrative and Legislative Committees.

Incoming board chair Ken McAllister says, "Our two new board members will add energy and fresh perspectives. John Babcock is a recognized leader in tax, business and securities law. Ron Gibson has experience in private practice and as corporate counsel, and his service with the State Bar gives him a valuable insight into ethical and professional issues."

Babcock and Gibson replace two longtime Lawyers Mutual directors - including the last of the original founders - who are retiring after a combined 65 years of service to Lawyers Mutual and North Carolina lawyers.

Charlotte attorney Glen Hardymon began his association with Lawyers Mutual in 1977 as a founding director and currently serves as Chair of the Board. Greensboro attorney Doris R. Bray joined the Lawyers Mutual Board in 1983, most recently serving as Chair of the Finance Committee.

According to Zureich, "This is the passing of an era. Glen Hardymon represents the final link to the team selected by the North Carolina Bar Association that had a vision for Lawyers Mutual and set about turning that vision into reality. Doris Bray has been not only a leader in our profession, but a pioneer as well. The success of Lawyers Mutual is due to the talent and dedication of these two board members, as well as those who have preceded them and those currently serving. It is not possible to put down in words the number or magnitude of the contributions Glen and Doris have made."

Chartered in 1977, Lawyers Mutual is the country's first and oldest mutual insurance company established to insure attorneys. It has become a model for other state bars across the country. Since its creation, Lawyers Mutual has grown and expanded. In 2011, it declared a policyholder dividend of $1 million. Lawyers Mutual is the only insurance carrier that has continuously provided professional liability insurance coverage to the members of the North Carolina Bar during its 35 years of existence.

If you'd like more information, or to schedule an interview, please call Camille Stell at 919.677.8900 / 1.800.662.8843 or email camille@lawyersmutualnc.com