Campbell Law’s Mary Accardi chosen as ‘Unsung Hero’ by N.C. Lawyers Weekly

January 10, 2025

RALEIGH - Campbell Law School's Mary Accardi has been chosen as an "Unsung Hero" by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

This award honors exceptional legal support professionals who consistently go above and beyond to serve their firms and clients.

Accardi has served as the paralegal and office manager for the Gailor Family Law Litigation Clinic since its opening in August 2021. Accardi has been a cornerstone of the Clinic, providing unwavering support to clients during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives.

"This award is very warranted and deserved," said Clinic Director Richard Waugaman III '12, '09.

In the magazine article, Accardi credits divine intervention for pointing the way to her career as a paralegal. A graduate of Meredith College, Accardi returned to her alma mater to earn a paralegal certificate and eventually found her way to Campbell Law.

"I love having the opportunity to work with students and with Richard Waugaman … no day is ever the same," she said.

Accardi says her greatest source of pride comes from the students she impacts. "I am moved to my soul when former students stay in touch," she said. "It confirms that I may have, in some small way, made a difference."

Also honored as an Unsung Legal Hero by N.C. Lawyers Weekly is Campbell University alumna Jessica Dry, a paralegal Young Moore's Trusts, Estates, and Wealth Preservationpractice. Dry is known for her dedication and compassion, finding her greatest fulfillment in helping clients resolve issues and achieve success, according to the Young Moore website.

About N.C. Lawyers Weekly Unsung Legal Heroes

Unsung Legal Heroes honors law firm employees who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes. This award is reserved for the state's most talented and dedicated legal support professionals. A special section highlighting the honorees was published in the Dec. 24 edition of N.C. Lawyers Weekly. Each honoree will be given an award to be delivered to their office.

The honorees were chosen from eight different categories:

• Firm Administrator
• Law Librarian
• Legal Marketing
• Legal Secretary
• IT
• Accounting
• Paralegal
• Legal Education

ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL

Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law School has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation's top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation's best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2024, Campbell Law celebrated 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 15 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina's Capital City.

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