Robert E. Harrington and Julian H. Wright Jr. from Robinson Bradshaw, Interlaw's partner firm in North Carolina, United States, have been appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court’s Commission on Practice Innovation. 

The Commission was established to examine ways to improve access to legal services across North Carolina, particularly in areas facing shortages of legal professionals. The Court cited data which showed that 48 of the state's 100 counties are classified as legal deserts, meaning they have fewer than one attorney for every 1,000 residents. The Commission's work will include exploring alternative approaches to legal licensure and legal service delivery, and making recommendations to the Court and broader legal community on potential regulatory or legislative changes.

Robert, a litigator who advises corporate clients in complex business disputes, currently serves as President of the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Foundation, and on the boards of Equal Justice Works and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Julian serves as Robinson Bradshaw’s Director of Pro Bono Services and focuses his practice on employment law, business litigation, and government and internal investigations. He is actively involved with several organizations dedicated to expanding access to legal services and promoting equal justice. 

The Commission brings together representatives from across the legal profession, including attorneys, judges, legal educators, regulators and paraprofessionals, to help shape the future of legal service delivery in North Carolina.