Robert E. Desmond Selected to Serve as Reporter for the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions Civil Law Subcommittee
Raleigh, N.C. – Robert E. Desmond, a partner at Smith Anderson, was selected to serve as Reporter for the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions Civil Law Subcommittee. The Pattern Jury Instructions Committee consists of 11 trial judges and is divided into two Subcommittees: one dealing with civil law and the other with criminal law. Each Subcommittee is assisted by a Reporter, who is either a practicing attorney, retired judge or a professor from a law school. With the Reporter’s assistance, the Civil Law Subcommittee performs two functions: preparing new civil law instructions based upon new statutes, case decisions and court rules; and revising existing civil law instructions due to changes in law or policy.
About Robert E. Desmond
Robert E. (“Robby”) Desmond is a trial and appellate lawyer with more than 10 years of experience trying cases in state and federal courts. He has extensive experience managing litigation, including commercial litigation and professional liability actions. In addition, Robby regularly advises clients regarding complex business disputes and risk management issues. Prior to joining Smith Anderson, Robby served on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). For more information, please visit Robby’s bio at www.SmithLaw.com.
About the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions Committee
Since its beginning in 1961, the Pattern Jury Instructions Committee’s goal has been to assist trial judges with the difficult task of preparing rapidly and assembling complete instructions in suitable form for submission to the jury. Committee members and chairpersons are appointed by the President of the North Carolina Conference of Superior Court Judges. The Committee reviews all North Carolina appellate court cases when they are posted on the AOC website and monitors newly enacted legislation. As warranted, the Committee drafts new instructions and revises existing ones. By assisting trial judges with the preparation of consistent, correct instructions, the Committee has created a more efficient judiciary and saved the people of North Carolina time and money by clarifying trial issues and preventing reversible error.
