Distinguished Law Student Story Through His Own Eyes
Lucas Thorton( Term Clerk to the Hon. Pamela McAfee)
In February 2025, I was selected by the American College of Bankruptcy to be the Distinguished Law Student for the Fourth Circuit. I was deeply honored by the College’ s decision, and I was also excited at the prospect of flying to their annual conference in Washington D. C.
Up to that point, I had never stepped foot in an airport or an airplane. So, it was quite the historic moment when I sat down in my seat and felt the momentum of the plane taking off. When the plane was above the clouds, I put my face to the window and marveled at the clear expanse of blue sky. I do not think I will ever forget the sublime, peaceful feeling that came over me at 40,000 feet in the air.
The conference was fantastic for four reasons. First, my fellow Distinguished Students were a great group of folks. They came from every other federal circuit in the country, so we had students from all walks of life. It became immediately apparent that the College did not choose the students with the highest G. P. A. nor those with the flashiest job lined up. No, the College did their due diligence. They chose fourteen students with an actual passion for bankruptcy and restructuring. In other words, I was in good company.
Second, I met an eclectic cast of bankruptcy professionals. The first person that comes to mind is Richard Carmody. He is a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast whose business cards are inscribed with a quote from Dallas:“ Once integrity goes, the rest is a piece of cake.” He warned me of the perils of
losing my professional integrity and counseled me on how an advanced knowledge of wine can propel my law career. I also met Professor Elizabeth Gibson, a former Carolina Law faculty member, who, in between a deep discussion of breaches of the peace under Article 9, told me she had been good friends with Gunnar Hansen, the actor who played Leatherface in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. These connections will last a lifetime.
Third, good food and drink were in no short supply. From seared Shishito peppers at The Smith Tavern to a perfectly cooked filet mignon at Del Frisco’ s Double Eagle Steakhouse, I was well-fed for three days straight.
Finally, D. C. is a beautiful place to visit. In my downtime, I visited the White House, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian, and the Vietnam Memorial. I was particularly struck by the Vietnam Memorial since my grandfather lost his left arm in that conflict. Amid a sea of white marbled monuments and green manicured grass was a stark, abstract reminder of the human toll of war. Pictures do not do the memorial justice.
My time in D. C. was memorable to the highest degree. Being able to attend the conference meant so much to me, especially as a first-generation professional student who comes from humble beginnings in rural, southeastern North Carolina. I hope to return to the College one day, but this time as a fellow who has the honor of selecting a future generation of Distinguished Students.
Thank you all.
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