Grace Measel Named 2025 Most Supportive Operations and Admin Award Winner

Here's something they don't teach you in law school: the person who answers the phone is the most important person in the building.
January 23, 2026

MOST SUPPORTIVE OPERATIONS/ADMIN AWARD
THE ONE WHO ACTUALLY
ANSWERS THE PHONE

Plot Twist: The Receptionist Runs the Place

Here’s something they don’t teach you in law school: the person who answers the phone is the most important person in the building. Don’t believe us? Walk into any law office when the receptionist is out sick. Watch the chaos unfold.

Now imagine the opposite. Imagine walking into an office where someone greets you with warmth, competence, and the kind of genuine welcome that makes you feel like maybe—just maybe—everything is going to be okay. That’s Grace Measel.

We are honored to announce that Grace is the recipient of Cape Fear Family Law’s 2025 Most Supportive Operations/Admin Award—recognizing the person who serves as the critical backbone of daily operations. This award is based on feedback from both clients and team members as well as KPIs.

2025 Most Supportive Operations and Admin Award Winner

The Origin Story (It Involves Eight Dogs)

Every superhero has an origin story. Grace’s involves snowy Northern Colorado, four siblings, and—we cannot stress this enough—eight dogs. That’s not a typo. That’s character development.

As the eldest of four kids, Grace grew up protective, responsible, and deeply attuned to the needs of others. She’s also a political science major at Colorado State University, completing online while working full-time. Because apparently having one full-time commitment wasn’t enough.

The Front Door Guardian

Roy Jacobs put it best: “Guarding the front door.” #vision

When clients walk into the Jacksonville office—often during some of the most stressful moments of their lives—Grace is the first face they see. She’s the one who sets the tone. She’s the one who says, with every interaction: You’re in the right place. You’re going to be okay. We’ve got you.

What Her Colleagues Say

  • Janet Gemmell (CEO): “The real MVPs” #therealmvps
  • Adrian Davis (COO): “You made an impact to EVERY department and the clients!”
  • Lisa: “You are such a wonderful representative of our firm.” #CLIENTAPPRECIATION
  • Paige O’Bryan: “Printing queen! Going on runs like a true champ!” #gettingitdone
  • Ajahnah Lambert: “For stepping in and helping the IC team willingly & diligently!”
Grace Measel Named 2025 Most Supportive

The Dynamic Duo: Grace & Cassidy

You know how Batman has Robin? Grace has Cassidy (and vice-a-versa). Across 130 miles of North Carolina highway, these two receptionists have built something special. Cassidy holds down Wilmington headquarters. Grace guards Jacksonville. Together, they’ve created systems and workflows that make the entire firm run smoother. The gratitude shared by Cassidy and the entire team for Grace is rare in both its depth and its unity, all centered on one remarkable individual.

The Future Divorce Attorney

Here’s the thing about Grace: this is just the beginning. She didn’t take this job because she wanted to meet and greet incoming clients forever, although she does love that. She took it because she wanted to make her way into the legal industry. One day, Grace Measel is going to pass the bar. One day, she might even grow her own practice. And when that happens, she’ll remember where she started.

Grace Measel

The Bottom Line

Grace Measel is our 2025 Most Supportive Operations/Admin Award Winner.

She’s the front door guardian. The printing queen. The Sales Team backup. The Cassidy collaborator. The client whisperer. The eight-dog origin story. The future divorce attorney. The determined one.

She’s needed. She’s appreciated. And she’s exactly where she belongs. Congratulations, Grace. You’re not just getting your foot in the door anymore. You ARE the door.

🚪 #therealmvps #accountable #gettingitdone #GuardingTheFrontDoor


“I really want them to feel supported and have someone trustworthy to talk to
when they need legal representation. That’s what I’m hoping to provide.”
— Grace Measel, future divorce attorney

Ready to work with a team that values every role?

Contact Us Today.

How to Preserve Digital Evidence So a NC Judge Will Actually Use It

How to Preserve Digital Evidence So a NC Judge Will Actually Use It

North Carolina trial judges are cautious about digital evidence. Screenshots can be fabricated, modified, or taken out of context. To get digital evidence admitted under North Carolina Rule of Evidence 901 (Authentication), you must establish its authenticity, completeness, and chain of custody.

Raw Screenshot vs. Forensic Capture

Steps for Lawful, Admissible Digital Evidence Preservation

  1. Capture Complete Screenshots with Context: Do not crop out battery bars, network indicators, contact names, dates, or timestamps. Capture the full conversation thread leading up to and following the key statement.
  2. Export Native Files and Metadata: Where possible, export thread logs directly to PDF or native format (e.g., .eml files for email, .vcf or full carrier logs for SMS). Ensure EXIF metadata (embedded time, location, and device data) remains intact on digital photos.
  3. Obtain Certified Carrier Records: Request official call detail records and text message transmission logs from cellular service providers via subpoena or formal discovery requests.
  4. Maintain a Detailed Evidence Log: Record the date, time, device used, and method of capture for every piece of digital evidence preserved.

Digital Capture Methods Matrix: Legality & Admissibility in NC

The following matrix summarizes common methods of capturing digital evidence in North Carolina family law proceedings:

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Evidence in NC Divorce

Is it legal to screenshot my spouse’s texts in NC?

Yes, it is entirely legal to screenshot text messages sent directly to your device or sent within a group thread that includes you. Because you are a party to the communication, you have lawful access to the messages. To ensure admissibility in court, capture complete conversation threads that display the sender’s phone number or contact header, alongside full date and time stamps.

Can I use Life360 data in a NC custody case?

Yes, Life360 or Apple Find My location data can be used in North Carolina custody cases if the account was established mutually and you accessed the location data legally through your own authorized user profile. Location logs can help corroborate or refute claims regarding travel times, missed custody handoffs, or presence at unapproved locations. However, if you secretly log into your spouse’s private account after separation to track them, that data becomes inadmissible and exposes you to legal sanctions.

Is Ring camera footage admissible in NC family court?

Yes, Ring camera and video doorbell footage is routinely admitted in North Carolina family court to document custody exchanges, property damage, or domestic disturbances. Because outdoor entryways and driveways do not carry an expectation of privacy, footage captured by property-mounted cameras is lawful. To introduce Ring footage in trial, you must provide the raw video file, preserve the embedded metadata, and verify the time and date of the recording.

What happens if I put spyware on my spouse’s phone in NC?

Installing spyware, keyloggers, or hidden tracking software on a spouse’s phone is a crime in North Carolina under the NC Wiretap Act (N.C.G.S. § 15A-287) and Computer Trespass laws (N.C.G.S. § 14-458), as well as federal wiretap statutes. Any evidence obtained through spyware is strictly inadmissible in family court. Furthermore, the spouse who installed the spyware faces potential felony charges, mandatory payment of opposing attorney fees, and severe loss of credibility with the judge in custody and financial rulings.

How do I prove digital evidence is authentic in a North Carolina court?

Under North Carolina Rule of Evidence 901, you prove digital evidence is authentic by demonstrating that the evidence is what you claim it to be. This requires showing a clear chain of custody, providing unedited files containing native metadata, cross-referencing screenshots with official cellular carrier billing statements, or presenting witness testimony from the individual who captured or received the transmission.

Take Control of Your Digital Strategy Today

Navigating digital evidence in a divorce or custody dispute requires technical precision and experienced legal counsel. One wrong move can turn valuable evidence into a legal liability.

Protect your rights and secure your family’s future with our actionable digital evidence resources:

  • Download the Homewrecker Evidence Guide
  • Learn exactly how to audit your digital privacy, disconnect shared family accounts safely, and archive text messages for your legal team without violating state or federal privacy statutes.

Ready to discuss your case directly with an expert? Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Board-Certified Family Law Specialist Janet L. Gemmell at Cape Fear Family Law Today.

Legal Disclaimer & Ethical Notice

  • No Attorney-Client Relationship: Reading this blog or downloading any related resource does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship is formed only when a written engagement agreement is signed by both parties.
  • Information, Not Advice: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every equitable distribution case is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the particular assets, debts, marital history, and county involved.
  • No Guarantee of Results: Past case outcomes do not predict future results.
  • Office Responsibility: Cape Fear Family Law is responsible for the content of this advertisement. Our principal office is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, with additional offices in Durham, Raleigh, and the Jacksonville/Camp Lejeune corridor.

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Janet Gemmell
Practicing law for over 20 years may have caused Janet some gray hairs, but she remains young at heart, probably because she loves what she does. Janet's focus is to work with clients building new lives after relationship turmoil and although it is hard work, she finds it utterly rewarding. Such work and experiences gives Janet a ton of insight and along with her legal knowledge (afterall she is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist) she is able to get to the heart of any legal matter quickly in order to start helping clients find resolutions and to get their lives back on track.

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Knowledgeable

We know what to do and we actively share our knowledge.

Integrity

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Active understanding without judgment.

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