Press Release

Bradley is pleased to announce that associate Samuel M. Dearstyne has been selected by the Mecklenburg County Bar to participate in its Bar Leadership Institute (BLI). The 2024 class, comprised of 20 attorneys, was introduced at the BLI Kick-Off Dinner.

The BLI program is open to members of the Mecklenburg County Bar (MCB) who have been practicing attorneys for at least three years. The competitive selection process reviewed candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to serving in leadership roles, a record of public and philanthropic service, and the willingness to engage meaningfully in the work of the Mecklenburg County Bar & Foundation following their completion of the program.

Mr. Dearstyne is a commercial litigator who focuses on a variety of complex business disputes related to contracts, business torts, product liability, and supply chain and vendor issues. Mr. Dearstyne has experience representing clients across a number of different industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. He also regularly counsels clients on issues pertaining to regulatory compliance and contract drafting. Prior to joining the firm, he interned for the Hon. Robert J. Conrad Jr. of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Mr. Dearstyne earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and his B.A. from North Carolina State University. He is an active member of the Defense Research Institute and was recognized with the DRI Young Lawyers Committee’s “Rookie of the Year” award in 2023 for his involvement.

The MCB’s BLI is designed to identify and develop leaders for the Mecklenburg County Bar & Foundation by providing attorneys with the opportunity to develop their leadership potential and skills and to become aware of leadership opportunities with the bar and the greater Charlotte community, while developing a spirit of collegiality with fellow participants.