Chambers Steps Down From Duke Board Due To Potential Conflict

DURHAM, N.C. - Julius L. Chambers, past chancellor of North Carolina Central University and noted civil rights attorney, has resigned from the Duke University Board of Trustees because of a potential conflict of interest resulting from work at his law firm in Charlotte. "I have tried any number of scenarios to resolve this matter but the North Carolina Bar Association advises that I have a conflict in each of the scenarios I proposed," Chambers said in a letter to Duke President Nannerl O. Keohane. "The trustees and I are disappointed that we will not have the benefit of Julius' wisdom and advice on a wide range of issues affecting the university," Keohane said. "At the same time, we understand the reasons for his decision to step down from the trustees in order to maintain his longstanding relationship with the law firm he was instrumental in founding." Chambers was elected to the Duke board effective July 1. In his letter to Keohane, Chambers said: "I really hate to leave the board. You have been a great leader and an inspiration to me and to a number of friends across North Carolina and the country. I started this firm, however, several years ago and simply cannot bring myself to resign from the firm. I hope you understand."