Testimonials
From Clients | Relating to State Bar v. Nifong |
From Judges, Opposing Counsel and Other Lawyers | From Witnesses
From Clients
“I want to personally take the time to thank Attorney Doug Brocker for all the sound legal advice and assistance he has provided to myself and CDP for the past seven years. He has definitely been a great asset to CDP and to our Board of Directors.”
- CDP Executive Director
“Doug,
I work on our Professional Responsibility Committee and do disciplinary work here as well. When this first hit, [the firm] immediately agreed we needed someone with your expertise to help us. I cannot tell you how much your outstanding efforts on behalf of [the two involved respondent lawyers] means to the firm. We very much appreciate it.”
- Partner in large out-of-state law firm after complaints against two of the firm’s lawyers for alleged unauthorized practice in NC were dismissed by the State Bar.
“Deanna,
Thanks again for your example of excellence in the practice of law!”
- Attorney client in Ethics Counseling
“Many, many thanks for Doug's fine work, brilliant mind, amazingly on-point original arguments and resolution of a unique, novel problem. Excellent, really impressive work. Doug gave me back my professional life with his legal solutions. Thank you.”
- Attorney client in State Bar licensing matter
“Doug,
Thank you so very much for taking my case. I don't know how you truly felt on a personal level about my criminal actions, and suffice to say, that is probably the best compliment an attorney can receive from a client. I always felt you had my best interests in mind, that you were representing my cause with zeal.
Thank you.”- Client in Medical Board disciplinary hearing
“Doug,
You came highly recommended to me because of your experience as counsel to the State Bar and for your representation of other attorneys in matters before the State Bar. The problem which I had with the Bar required that I have some insight into how investigators for the State Bar gather and evaluate evidence of possible ethical violations. In one consultation with you, I benefitted greatly from your years of experience, because you told me exactly what to expect from the investigation and how to respond to the likely inquiries. Having now had the experience of being the client, I understand more than ever the value of good legal advice. You are a true lawyer's lawyer. Thank you so much for your efforts.”
- Attorney client in State Bar matter
“I am writing with regard to the legal representation I received from Douglas J. Brocker, Attorney at Law. . . . The matter for which he represented me was complex and contentious, in essence involving approximately 45 separate cases in one. This legal dispute caused this time to have been the most taxing of my career.
Through his experience, knowledge and skill as an attorney, however, Mr. Brocker not only vigorously defended my position but also facilitated bringing about a relatively speedy resolution to what otherwise threatened to drag on for months, if not years. Most importantly, though, Mr. Brocker was not only my legal representative and zealous advocate, he was also my counselor at law. He stood by me and supported me with his professionalism and kindness. He assisted me in dispelling unfounded fears and helped me devise solutions to real concerns in my case. I could not have handled this matter without Mr. Brocker. Mr. Brocker is modeled after the honorable and fine attorneys of our past and those we read about in classic literature. I am grateful to have received the benefit of his services and honored to have been his client.”- Attorney involved in law firm and fee dispute
“Doug,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. You truly went "above and beyond" for us and that will forever be appreciated. These past 15-months have been like a lingering nightmare that we just couldn't seem to wake up from. . . You started out representing [the judge] as his attorney and you ended up supporting us as our friend. You believed in him and that was obvious in your representation of him. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, your wife and your staff for all of the hard work you did for this case. Because of that, justice was finally served because I believe by the end of the hearing, that panel knew [the judge]-not from a snapshot, but from a video of his career and a testimony of his life. You did a remarkable and sincere job of presenting that to them.”- Client's spouse in Judicial Standards hearing
“Doug,
I just want to thank you for all you have done. It has been a very rough 2 years and we would've not made it without you. [We] appreciate everything you have done and your good advice. . . ”- Physician client in Medical Board proceedings
“Doug,
Just a personal thanks for the great job you did for me. Life has taught me a great lesson from this and I have been fortunate enough to have crossed paths with you . . . . I do realize you did a lot for me without charge many times and I appreciate your 110% effort.”- Former Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and current Licensed Professional Counselor
“Thanks for suggesting Doug Brocker. He is awesome and you should suggest him to others!”
- From Physician client in Medical Board matters to the referring physician
“Dear Doug,
A personal note to let you know how very much I appreciate your help in my recent concerns with The R.E. [North Carolina Real Estate] Commission. I'm grateful for your insights and support. Thanks so much for your professionalism.”- Real Estate Broker in Murphy, North Carolina
“Doug,
The result in the DHC [State Bar] hearing was wonderful, and I can never thank you enough for all you did to make it possible. I was blessed with a great defense team, and your knowledge and experience in Bar proceedings was invaluable. . . . I will never forget your immediate willingness to help, or all your hard work and good legal thinking. . . . please note that I will always be deeply grateful for your superb work on my behalf.”- Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
“Doug,
Thank you very much for all your help. Without you, I don't know what I would have done -- my eternal appreciation!”- Newly-admitted North Carolina attorney concerning a hearing before the Board of Law Examiners
“Doug,
I just wanted to tell you again how much of a great job you did for me yesterday! You got my life back. . . . I cannot put it in words.”- reinstated Bail Bondsman concerning a hearing before the Commissioner of Insurance
“Doug,
I just want you to know how much I appreciate all that you have done in this matter. Your support was communicated through the response . . . and I cannot tell you how much that meant, especially after my first legal consultation was very negative and not open to writing a response, because he didn't think it would do any good. I was so pleased to have found your name on the internet and even more pleased when we met, because your response to my plight really let me know that you would help fight this and avoid a hearing if at all possible. I am also glad you already had dealings with [the Board attorney], because I know that made the negotiations more open and cooperative. So, I truly do thank you for all your hard work and support - you did a great job!”- Licensed Professional Counselor client in complaint before LPC Board
Relating to State Bar v. Nifong
“Dear Doug, This letter is to tell you how much we admired your work last week and how we appreciate the great job you did. This was no easy task. You had the eyes of the world on you. People were glued to their computers and television sets to see how the North Carolina State Bar would handle the ‘Nifong’ case. . . We thank you for all that you did. We know the long hours you and Katherine Jean worked. We know that you were wonderfully well prepared. The families that we represent will never forget last week. Thank you ever so much.”
- Wade M. Smith, counsel for one of the exonerated Duke lacrosse players
“Dear Doug, We can never properly thank you for all that you did! Please know that we will never forget and will be grateful forever. With much respect.”
- Family of Reade Seligman, one of the exonerated Duke lacrosse players
“The [State] bar has turned to outside legal help . . . to hire Douglas J. Brocker, a lawyer in private practice who built a reputation as a dogged and thorough prosecutor when he worked at the State Bar. Brocker is working with Katherine Jean, the bar’s top counsel.”
- Raleigh News & Observer, June 10, 2007
“Brocker’s cross-examination of Mike Nifong was a masterpiece. At the end of his direct testimony [the] disgraced DA had just delivered a tearful resignation, seeming to use his son as a prop designed to increase sympathy. Brocker responded with a precise series of questions to which Nifong unpersuasively responded with increasing evasiveness. In effect, the cross-examination exposed the ‘factual’ Nifong to all, setting the stage for Brocker’s brilliant description of Nifong -- Durham County’s "minister of injustice" -- in his closing statement.”
“Brocker’s closing was a masterful performance -- a highly organized summary of the case complete with visuals outlining Nifong’s mutually contradictory excuses on why he didn't turn over the exculpatory DNA evidence. Brocker’s PowerPoint slide with head shots of Nifong’s various media appearances was particularly effective. He also delivered one of the best lines of the entire case, describing Nifong as a ‘minister of injustice.’”
“The State Bar's prosecutors, Doug Brocker and Katherine Jean, did a remarkably effective job. They mastered the intricate details of the case that by now is extremely complex. Both asked questions in a straightforward, dispassionate manner -- despite the outrages of the case -- thereby allowing the ‘facts’ that [Chair] Williamson deemed so critical to dominate the proceedings.”
- KC Johnson, co-author of “Until Proven Innocent: Political Correctness and the Shameful Injustices of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case” (excerpts from Durham-in-Wonderland).
From Judges, Opposing Counsel and Other Lawyers
“Dear Deanna,
. . . . You have been a tremendous help to me over the last several years whenever I have professional ethics legal questions. Your responses to my rather esoteric and sometimes crazy inquiries have always been exceptionally clear and well reasoned. . . .”- Attorney who had sought ethics advice from the State Bar
“Doug,
You have been a great resource for me and one in whom I place absolute confidence.”- Past State Bar President
“Doug,
You are a tremendous asset to the State Bar and you will be difficult to replace.”- Past State Bar President
“Doug,
. . . . I was not being facetious Friday when I left and said that Judge Dupree would be very proud of you. Judges take a proprietary interest in law clerks. You did what I thought was an exemplary job in a most difficult situation. I thought your questions were substantively right on target. You prosecuted your case hard and very fairly, and I thought you exemplified the best that the law has to offer. I meant every word when I said that Judge Dupree would be very proud of you. He really truly would be. . . . You really did a magnificent job.”- Federal District Court Judge in North Carolina
Adverse character witness in State Bar disciplinary proceeding
“[To the State Bar President]
I just wanted to drop you this note and thank the State Bar for the services of Deanna Brocker who mans the telephone to assist attorneys with ethical questions and issues. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to review ethical issues with Deanna on occasion. I believe this is an extremely valuable service to attorneys. I have always found Deanna is not only knowledgeable, but also lends an understanding ear to the attorney’s situation. I just wanted to thank the State Bar for this very worthwhile service and tell you how helpful Ms. Brocker has been to me in several situations over the years.”- Attorney who had sought ethics advice from the State Bar
“Dear Doug,
You did a tremendous job putting on a difficult case. Further, you did it with a professionalism and grace that should give heart and comfort to all of us. Your ordering of the evidence, direct examinations, dynamic examination of Lt. [L], knowledge of the law and presentation was better than most lawyers twice your age and one of the best I’ve encountered in years. . . . You did a wonderful job. You are a terrific lawyer and a true professional. It was a joy to appear with you.”- Joseph B. Cheshire, V, opposing counsel in a State Bar disciplinary proceeding
“Ms. Brocker,
Just wanted to drop a quick line to express my gratitude. I appreciate your generous gift of time and your willingness to help. Thank you!
Frankly, your knowledge was quite reassuring. I knew I had read of the rules change regarding a criminal/civil nexus, but could not recall whether it was proposed or had passed. Your familiarity with the subject was outstanding. . . . ”- An attorney seeking ethics advice from the State Bar
From Witnesses
“Dear Doug
[We] just want to thank you for all of your time and effort in [dentist’s] case. In life, we meet people we never forget and you are one of them. You put forth your time and effort to right a wrong done by a sick, sick man and did the job well. . . . There are no words that can describe how we feel about the justice you have brought to the victims, the patients, the staff and the dental community.”- Witnesses/Employees in Dental Board Permanent Revocation Hearing in which Doug Brocker represented the Dental Board
“Dear Doug,
The past 10 months have been extraordinary. Your exceptional hard work and ability in the [Dental Board] hearing are clear! You have been professional, courteous, and very accessible. I appreciate you keeping me informed and getting me prepared for the July hearing. Justice was done. . . . . The primary goal of his never practicing dentistry again has been attained.
Thank you again for all that you did. My family and I are relieved and satisfied with the outcome. You are a great attorney and a wonderful person!”- Victim/Witness in Dental Board Permanent Revocation Hearing in which Doug Brocker represented the Dental Board
“Dear [Counsel for North Carolina State Bar]:
We are writing to express our sincere appreciation for the hard work that Mr. Douglas J. Brocker extended on our behalf. As you are aware this was a very stressful situation for our family. Mr. Brocker's compassionate approach help put [our daughter] at ease and began to restore our trust in the legal profession. Mr. Brocker went ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ while working on our case, putting in extra hours to ensure that we would have the best possible representation that he could offer.
We feel that your office should be commended for employing such an outstanding attorney. Again our deepest gratitude goes out to the State Bar and Mr. Brocker.”- Parents of a female victim/witness in a State Bar proceeding
“Dear Doug,
I am writing to express my warmest thanks, and that of [Victim], for your handling of the [Lawyer’s] Bar complaint. We send you our sincerest congratulations on the superb job you did . . . .
I can only imagine what a difficult case this must have been. You inherited the case to start with, and it had some age on it. You were up against two of the finest lawyers in the state in [Lawyer’s] defense attorneys. . . . To say that the case was hard-fought would be an understatement, and yet it ended in the middle of the trial with [Lawyer’s] decision to surrender his license for disbarment.
I am convinced that [Lawyer’s] decision to turn in his license was the direct result of two things: first, the solid pretrial preparation that you did, and second, your persistence and quick thinking once the trial was underway. In terms of pretrial preparation, it was clear how hard you worked in drafting the complaint, meeting with the witnesses, doing legal research, and conducting a solid and effective cross-examination of [Lawyer] at his deposition. . . . Nonetheless, all the pretrial work might have gone for naught had you not remained persistent and quick-thinking at the trial.
Most of all, Doug, I want to thank you for caring about [Victim]. As we discussed before, it is precisely because of his circumstances in life that [Lawyer] thought he could exploit [Victim] and that no one would ever know or care.”- Former Assistant Public Defender
Complaining witness in State Bar disciplinary proceeding