McGirt's contributions commemorated at reception
Charles McGirt has practiced law at Brinkley Walser Stone for 60 years.
{Davidson Local/Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart}
When Charles McGirt walked into the law offices at Brinkley Walser Stoner (BWS) in 1961, he never imagined he would still be walking into those offices six decades later. On Tuesday morning, exactly 60 years to the date he was hired, the staff at BWS celebrated McGirt’s milestone with a reception breakfast.
McGirt, who turns 85 on May 5, was full of energy as he conversed with colleagues, friends and family before his workday began. Yes, the octogenarian is still a practicing attorney. When asked what keeps him motivated to come to the office weekly, his answer was simple. “I enjoy it.”
As an “of counsel” member (a part-time practitioner who practices law in association with a firm, but on a basis different from that of the mainstream lawyers in the firm) at BWS, McGirt currently works three days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the first 50 years, he primarily handled civil cases. At this time, his focus is corporate, wills and estate law. McGirt’s longest client has been with him since 1967.
Although he’s slowed down, McGirt admits his days are still full.
“I got very, very busy back in December and had to work five days a week.” He laughed. “That messed me up.”
A native of Lenoir, NC, McGirt was a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill when he was recruited by Don A. Walser to join his team in Lexington. After his interview, he told his future employers about his plans to follow through with two additional interviews he had scheduled. Sensing he would be making a new hire, Walser purchased a desk for McGirt. His premonition was confirmed when McGirt called to accept his offer.
McGirt’s wife of 56 years, Dottie, and sons, Chuck (left) and Phil, attend the reception held in his honor.
{Davidson Local/Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart}
However, there was one caveat. McGirt hadn’t taken the North Carolina Bar Exam yet. Confident he would pass, Walser listed McGirt’s date of employment as May 4, 1961. McGirt passed the bar in August of the same year.
Throughout the years, McGirt has witnessed many transformations and has had to adjust to the changes in technology.
“When I started out there were four lawyers, including me, and two non-lawyer employees. Poor things, they had a pad, pencil and couldn’t take down shorthand. Then they had to go back and type on the electric typewriter. No computers, no nothing. We didn’t even have a copy machine. Finally, we got an old Kodak thing that we had to put chemicals in. We’d pour it through and a terrible copy came out. Xerox came around and that was the greatest thing to have a dry copier.”
Other adaptations include the introduction of fax machines, emails and cellular phones. Two things that have experienced minor alterations are the location of the firm and its phone number.
“We did change the front door to back door and the back door to the front door,” recalled McGirt. “We have the same number except the area code has changed about four times.”
Aside from loving his profession, the 2012 NC Bar Association General Practice Hall of Fame inductee credits the firm’s philosophies in creating an atmosphere that makes it easy for him to continue showing up faithfully.
“These are the greatest bunch of people to work with. That’s why its enjoyable. It’s family oriented. We all engage with other family members. They send stuff to my wife for her birthday. Everybody cares about everybody. There’s no rift in this group.”
According to David Inabinett, managing member of BWS, McGirt is a major factor in crafting the environment he references.
“We are so proud and blessed to have Charlie as a partner and mentor here at Brinkley Walser Stoner. He is such a skilled attorney, but more importantly, a fine and thoughtful person with a wonderful sense of humor who goes out of his way to be helpful to others in any way he can. He has been behind many important efforts over the years to improve our community and the lives of those in it. We cannot express enough our gratitude for his friendship and loyalty for these 60 years.”
When McGirt isn’t in the office, he enjoys traveling with his wife of 56 years, Dottie, and spending time with their sons, Chuck and Phil.
As he continues to plan for the future, McGirt summed up his reflection on this historic achievement in three words. “It’s been amazing.”
