J.D., Wake
Forest University, 1971
B.A., Wake
Forest College, 1967
Profile
Before joining Poyner &
Spruill in February 2004, Mr. Speas had more than thirty years experience in
civil litigation and appellate practice in State and Federal courts in the
areas of labor and employment law, education law, constitutional law,
elections law and administrative law for the executive and legislative
branches of North Carolina’s State Government. Since joining Poyner &
Spruill, Mr. Speas has focused his practice on helping clients with
government related problems.
Recent Cases of Note
Leandro v. State of North Carolina
- Represented State agencies and officials
in this case upholding the constitutionality of the State’s system for
funding public schools and declaring that all students have a
constitutional right to the opportunity to obtain a sound basic
education.
Shaw v. Hunt
- Represented legislature in decade-long
litigation over North Carolina’s 12th Congressional
District. Revised district ultimately held constitutional.
Stephenson v. Bartlett
- Represented legislature in litigation
challenging its 2000 legislative redirecting plans. Revised plans
ultimately held constitutional.
S-1 v. Spangler
- Represented State officials in this en
banc decision by the Court of Appeals rejecting "the
catalyst theory" for awarding attorneys fees. Circuit Court
decision subsequently adopted by the United States Supreme Court in
another case.
Professional and Community Activities
North Carolina State Bar Association; North
Carolina Bar Association
Board of Visitors, Lineberger Comprehensive
Cancer Center, University of North Carolina
Notable Accomplishments
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Recognized in Business North Carolina Magazine's
"Legal Elite" (Litigation), 2007
Ranked among Law & Politics magazine's
North Carolina “Super Lawyers” (General Litigation), 2006 – 2008
Certified Mediator, North Carolina, 2004
Distinguished Service Award, Education Law
Section, North Carolina Bar Association, 1990
Prior Legal Experience
Office of the Attorney General of North
Carolina, 1971 – 2003
- Chief Deputy Attorney General, 1998 – 2003
- Senior Deputy Attorney General and Head of
Special Litigation/Education Division, 1990 – 1998
- Special Deputy Attorney General and Head
of the Education Section, 1975 – 1990
Jurisdictions Licensed
North Carolina (all State and
Federal Courts); United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit;
United States Supreme Court
