Woody Connette's law practice emphasizes plai­ntiffs' complex per­sonal injury and ERISA litigation. He has given presentations on trial practice issues and ERISA for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, ATLA, the North Carolina and South Carolina Bar Associations, the NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, NC Association of Women Attorneys, and the Mecklenburg County Bar.  As a result of his personal injury and ERISA work, Connette has developed an interest in public policy and litigation related to health care and mental health. He serves as President of the National Patient Advocate Foundation and has testified in Washington on proposed changes to ERISA regulations governing employee health and disability plans. In January, he will begin a term as President of Easter Seals/UCP of North Carolina. Connette's public interest and pro bono work has been recognized by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, the North Carolina Bar Association, the Mecklenburg County Bar, and various community organizations.  His personal interests include surfing, mountain clim­bing and running. He has climbed Denali and Mt. Rainier. He has surfed in Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, Costa Rica, Bar­ba­dos, and the Baha­mas, but his home beach is Wrightsv­ille Beach, NC. Ten pounds ago, he com­pleted the Ironman World Triathlon in Ha­waii­. Connette is married to Jane Harper, a Charlotte mediator and retired state court judge.