Marcus counsels clients on a wide range of issues, including telecommunications regulation, media and the First Amendment, Internet law and regulation, and broadcast licensing and regulation.

Learn more about this practice area

Marcus advises businesses on complex matters related to intellectual property licensing. 

Learn more about this practice area

Marcus has extensive experience representing clients before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Learn more about this practice area

Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in First Amendment Law (2008-2020)

Member, Advisory Board for International and Area Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2001-05)

Chairman, Class of 1938 Endowment Committee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1995-2004)

Member, Federal Communications Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association

Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Co-Author, Survey of North Carolina Privacy and Related Claims Against the Media, Libel Defense Resource Center, 1997-present

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School Festival of Legal Learning, Recent Developments in Internet, Privacy, and Business Communications Law, February 2006, February 2007, February 2008, February 2009, February 2010

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School Festival of Legal Learning, Recent Developments in Internet and Telecommunications Law, February 2003, February 2004, and February 2005 

Author, Reporter's Privilege Compendium: A Guide to State and Federal Law Concerning News Media Subpoenas, June 2002, The Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Electronic News Academy, "Libel and Privacy Review for Reporters and Editors," June 2003

The Internet and E-Commerce, "Regulatory Convergence: The Regulatory Treatment of Internet Services and Applications," August 2000

North Carolina Library Association Annual Meeting, "Intellectual Freedom in Cyberspace: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly," September, 1999

Greensboro Bar Association Foundation, Greensboro Public Library Foundation Continuing Legal Education Program, "Terrorism, Identity Theft, the Internet, and Libraries," January 2006

Recent Publications & Media

Close up of Benjamin Franklin's face, $100 bill

North Carolina Legislative Update, January 14, 2020

Insight
/
January 14, 2020
After holding a one-day session in Raleigh on Jan. 14, North Carolina Legislators have left town and will return on April 28. Budget Bill An impasse over the budget bill ( H966 ) was not resolved this week as the Senate did not seek to override...(read more)

Speaking Engagements

Recognitions

The 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America © recognized 55 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
The 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America © recognized 55 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
The 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America © recognized 54 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
The 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America © recognized 50 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
The 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America © recognized 48 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
The 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© recognized 46 Brooks Pierce attorneys as industry...(read more)
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP is pleased to announce that 46 lawyers were...(read more)
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP is pleased to announce that 45 lawyers,...(read more)
Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP is pleased to announce that 34 lawyers,...(read more)
The Best Lawyers in America Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP is pleased to...(read more)

Recent Publications & Media

Close up of Benjamin Franklin's face, $100 bill

North Carolina Legislative Update, January 14, 2020

Insight
/
January 14, 2020
After holding a one-day session in Raleigh on Jan. 14, North Carolina Legislators have left town and will return on April 28. Budget Bill An impasse over the budget bill ( H966 ) was not resolved this week as the Senate did not seek to override...(read more)
Close up of hundred dollar bill

North Carolina Legislative Update, November 18, 2019

Insight
/
November 18, 2019
Legislators left Raleigh this past Friday after passing bills drawing new congressional district lines and some additional appropriations bills. They plan to return on Jan. 14 for a session that may consider a variety of items including...(read more)
Highway interchanges, transportation

North Carolina Legislative Update, November 4, 2019

Insight
/
November 4, 2019
After considering additional “mini-budget” and tax bills, Legislators have left Raleigh and will return on Nov. 13 for a session likely focused on congressional redistricting. After concluding that session, they will return on Jan. 14 for a session...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, October 25, 2019

Insight
/
October 25, 2019
Legislators this week continued to act on some “mini-budget” bills. Some legislative leaders have indicated that they plan to leave Raleigh at the end of October, at least until later in the year—and thus, are focused on a number of unresolved...(read more)
North Carolina Capitol Grounds

North Carolina Legislative Update, October 11, 2019

Insight
/
October 11, 2019
The impasse between Governor Roy Cooper and the General Assembly over the 2019 budget bill ( H966 ) continued this week, as Legislators considered some additional “mini-budget” bills. The House overrode Governor Cooper’s veto of H966 on September 11...(read more)
Health Care, Doctor

North Carolina Legislative Update, September 19, 2019

Insight
/
September 19, 2019
This week at the General Assembly, Legislators passed bills redrawing State Legislative district maps and took action on some mini-budget bills. They have left Raleigh and are expected to return for voting sessions the week of September 30...(read more)
Calculating for a budget.

North Carolina Legislative Update, September 13, 2019

Insight
/
September 13, 2019
This week at the General Assembly, Legislators began to draw new Legislative district maps and took action on budget bills. Legislative Redistricting Following a recent order by a panel of three State court judges, Legislators this week began the...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, August 29, 2019

Insight
/
August 29, 2019
In the absence of an enacted budget for fiscal year 2019-2020, Legislators passed a number of bills appropriating money for various purposes this week. They also acted on bills on other topics. Budget Bill ( H966 ) & Other Appropriations Bills...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, July 26, 2019

Insight
/
July 26, 2019
The week at the General Assembly ended without a budget veto override or compromise on the budget. Legislators considered bills on a variety of other topics. Budget Bill ( H966 ) & Other Appropriations Bills ( H961 , H111 ) Governor Roy Cooper...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, July 12, 2019

Insight
/
July 12, 2019
This week at the General Assembly ended without a budget veto override or new budget bill and legislators considered bills on a variety of topics as they inched closer to the end of session. Budget Bill ( H966 ) & Supplemental Appropriations (...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 28, 2019

Insight
/
June 28, 2019
While the focus at the General Assembly this week was on the budget bill, legislators also considered a number of bills on other topics. Budget Bill ( H966 ) A conference report for the budget bill covering two fiscal years beginning July 1 passed...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 21, 2019

Insight
/
June 21, 2019
Budget negotiators from both chambers worked behind closed doors this week seeking to resolve differences on the budget bill. A conference committee report that includes the budget agreement between the two chambers could be on the floor of both...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 14, 2019

Insight
/
June 14, 2019
Budget negotiators from both chambers worked behind closed doors this week seeking to resolve differences on the budget bill . Some legislative leaders have indicated they hope to have the report ready for a floor vote as early as next week...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 7, 2019

Insight
/
June 7, 2019
After the Senate’s passing of the budget last week, key negotiators from each chamber have begun working behind closed doors on a final version. Legislators also considered a number of various bills this week. Wind Ban ( S377 ) A bill that could...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 31, 2019

Insight
/
May 31, 2019
The focus at the General Assembly this week was on the Senate, which passed the budget bill on Friday by a vote (30 to 16) largely along party lines. North Carolina adopts a two-year budget in the odd-numbered years and adjusts the second year...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 24, 2019

Insight
/
May 24, 2019
Senate appropriators worked on the budget bill behind closed doors this week and both houses considered a variety of bills prior to leaving for the Memorial Day holiday. Budget Bill ( H966 ) After passing the House on May 3, the budget bill is now...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 17, 2019

Insight
/
May 17, 2019
After two busy weeks culminating in the May 9 bill crossover deadline, Legislators returned this week at a steadier pace. Senate Tax Reform ( S622 ) The Senate began moving its 2019 tax bill and tentatively approved it this Thursday. The bill will...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 9, 2019

Insight
/
May 9, 2019
Legislators considered dozens of bills this week in advance of the bill crossover deadline. Both chambers are taking a short break before the Senate gears up to release and pass their version of the budget by the end of the month. Crossover...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 3, 2019

Insight
/
May 6, 2019
It was a busy week at the North Carolina General Assembly as the House passed its version of the budget bill and both houses worked intensely in advance of the May 9 crossover deadline. Budget Bill ( H966 ) The House on Friday passed its version of...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 18, 2019

Insight
/
April 18, 2019
With Easter approaching, both chambers are taking work breaks. The House left Raleigh on April 16 and returns to work April 24. The Senate will be taking a break the entire week of April 22 to return April 29. Budget Process After recently...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 12, 2019

Insight
/
April 12, 2019
Legislators in both chambers considered many bills this week as House budget writers negotiated behind closed doors. Budget Bill After recently concluding Appropriations subcommittee meetings, House members are working behind closed doors to begin...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 5, 2019

Insight
/
April 5, 2019
Dozens of bills were filed this week as the Senate faced its bill introduction deadline. The House announced that it will publish a budget plan within the next two weeks. Budget bill The House will pass the budget bill first this year and it appears...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 29, 2019

Insight
/
March 29, 2019
Activity at the General Assembly continued to accelerate this week as joint appropriations committees held their final meetings and prepared to break-off into their separate, chamber-specific committees. State Health Plan Study ( H184 ) A bill...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 22, 2019

Insight
/
March 22, 2019
Budget appropriations meetings continued this week at the General Assembly as a number of substantive bills were introduced on a variety of topics. Farm Act of 2019 ( S315 ) The annual bill to make various changes in State agricultural laws was...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 15, 2019

Insight
/
March 15, 2019
Activity at the General Assembly gained speed this week as the deadline for bill introduction approaches. Legislators in appropriation subcommittees continued to receive presentations regarding the Governor’s budget recommendations. School...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 8, 2019

Insight
/
March 8, 2019
Things continued to pick up this week at the General Assembly as the legislators received the Governor’s budget recommendations and started to vote on substantive bills. Governor’s Budget Recommendations ( https://www.osbm.nc.gov/budgetbook_2019-21...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 1, 2019

Insight
/
March 1, 2019
Activity at the North Carolina General Assembly increased this week as additional bills were introduced and appropriations subcommittees met to begin discussing the state budget. State of the State Address Governor Roy Cooper delivered his State of...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 22, 2019

Insight
/
February 22, 2019
Legislative activity increased this week as bill introductions continued and committees began to vote on bills. Constitutional Amendment ( H140 ) Rep. Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson) was joined by fellow lawmakers Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), Rep. Jon...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 15, 2019

Insight
/
February 15, 2019
The pace of work at the General Assembly increased this week as bill introductions continued and committees held initial meetings. Revenue Projections A consensus revenue forecast released this week by the legislature's Fiscal Research Division and...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 8, 2019

Insight
/
February 8, 2019
The North Carolina General Assembly continued organizational work this week as legislators began to introduce bills and meeting schedules were announced. Teacher Pay ( S28 ) Senators Danny Britt (R-Robeson) and Rick Horner (R-Nash) filed a bill...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 1, 2019

Insight
/
February 1, 2019
State legislators returned to Raleigh this week to begin work for the 2019 session. This year’s “long session” is expected to last through the summer as members enact a two-year budget and consider hundreds of bills. Rules Changes Each biennium both...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, January 11, 2019

Insight
/
January 11, 2019
State legislators returned to Raleigh this week to begin the 2019 session. This year’s session, which is called the “long session,” is expected to last through the summer as members enact a two-year budget and consider hundreds of bills. Republicans...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, December 14, 2018

Insight
/
December 14, 2018
Legislators returned to Raleigh this week as the special session continues. Leadership from both chambers have indicated skeletal sessions will be held over the coming days as the General Assembly awaits any potential vetoes from Governor Cooper...(read more)

Blue Moon Election Brings Record Turnout, Changes

Insight
/
November 7, 2018
Despite 2018 being a “blue moon” election cycle, North Carolina experienced near-record voter turnout for yesterday’s election. Once in a “blue moon,” North Carolina does not have any marquee, statewide races on the ballot. Turnout typically suffers...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 22, 2018

Insight
/
June 22, 2018
This week legislators focused on veto overrides, constitutional amendments, and local bills as leadership announced a goal of finishing this year’s session next week. Veto Overrides ( S486 , S757 ) Legislators overrode two of Governor Cooper’s...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 15, 2018

Insight
/
June 15, 2018
Legislators worked long hours this week in an effort to finish up their work. They're expected to wrap up most of their bills of statewide significance Friday, taking up local bills and constitutional amendments next week while waiting for any...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 8, 2018

Insight
/
June 8, 2018
After passing the budget and sending it to the Governor, the legislature turned its attention to other policy issues this week. Budget Veto ( S99 ) Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that he was vetoing the legislature's state budget bill. The...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 1, 2018

Insight
/
June 1, 2018
Legislators released, debated, and passed budget adjustments for the 2019 fiscal year this week. The legislation appropriates $23.9 billion of FY19, which represents an increase of approximately 3.9% over last year. The budget process typically...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 25, 2018

Insight
/
May 25, 2018
This was another quiet week at the General Assembly as legislators continued work on the budget behind closed doors. Schedule Budget chairs have indicated that a finalized budget could be released early next week and could be passed by June 1st. The...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 21, 2018

Insight
/
May 21, 2018
North Carolina Legislators returned to Raleigh last week for their “short session” with a focus on revising the State budget bill passed last year. There was not much formal action in the two days the legislators returned to Raleigh, but lots of...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 11, 2018

Insight
/
May 11, 2018
PRIMARY ELECTIONS HELD MAY 8— LEGISLATORS RETURN TO RALEIGH ON MAY 16— May is a busy month for elections and government in North Carolina. Primary elections were held for certain federal, state and local offices on May 8th and Legislators return to...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, October 20, 2017

Insight
/
October 20, 2017
North Carolina Legislators finished up what is expected to be the last in a series of 2017 "special sessions" this week. The General Assembly overrode Governor Cooper's veto of S656 , a bill that will cancel North Carolina's judicial primaries next...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, October 6, 2017

Insight
/
October 6, 2017
North Carolina Legislators finished up another 2017 "special session" this week. Over the next few months, members will be in Raleigh on occasion for oversight committee meetings and will return again in January 2018 for another special session. The...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, September 1, 2017

Insight
/
September 1, 2017
The legislators finished up a second short session this week, adjourning until October 4th. Redistricting The General Assembly approved new House and Senate district maps Wednesday just ahead of the court-ordered deadline of September 1st. The maps...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, August 4, 2017

Insight
/
August 4, 2017
The legislators made their way back to Raleigh this week for the first in a series of special sessions. This particular session was intended to give legislators the chance to override gubernatorial vetoes, vote on conference reports, and to consider...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 30, 2017

Insight
/
June 30, 2017
This week the General Assembly worked through the final bills of the session as the chambers prepared for adjournment of the 2017 long session. Budget ( SB257 ) Tuesday, Governor Cooper vetoed the Appropriations Act of 2017. Hours later the veto was...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 23, 2017

Insight
/
June 23, 2017
This week the General Assembly gave final approval to the two-year state spending plan and heard various bills as rumors of adjournment started to stir. Budget ( SB257 ) This week the House and Senate passed the final version of the 2017...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 16, 2017

Insight
/
June 16, 2017
This week at the General Assembly, budget conversations continued while both the House and Senate considered noteworthy bills. Budget Process ( S257 ) Thursday afternoon House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) expressed hopes of reaching a budget...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 9, 2017

Insight
/
June 9, 2017
This week at the General Assembly, budget conversations continued while both the House and Senate considered noteworthy bills. Budget Process ( S257 ) Both chambers appointed members to the conference committee for the Appropriations Act of 2017...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 2, 2017

Insight
/
June 2, 2017
This week at the General Assembly, the House approved its proposed budget for the biennium while the Senate continued committee work. House Budget Proposal ( S257 ) The House voted to adopt its version of the budget early Friday morning with an 80...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 26, 2017

Insight
/
May 26, 2017
This week at the General Assembly, Senate Committees were busy while House Budget leaders rolled out parts of their version of the budget in subcommittees. House leaders have indicated they hope to hold a vote on the budget bill next week. House...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 19, 2017

Insight
/
May 19, 2017
This week at the General Assembly the Senate focused on moving legislation through committees while House Budget leaders focused on the budget bill (S 257). House leaders have indicated they hope to hold votes on the budget bill during the week of...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 12, 2017

Insight
/
May 12, 2017
Work at the Legislature picked back up this week as the Senate unveiled and passed its 2017-2019 budget proposal. Senate Budget ( S257 ) The Senate passed its version of the budget bill early Friday morning. The bill spends $22.9 billion in fiscal...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, May 5, 2017

Insight
/
May 5, 2017
Work at the Legislature slowed this week following the whirlwind of last week's crossover deadline. Few committees met and no action was taken on any substantive bills. Champions honored ( H920 ) The House and Senate met for a special joint session...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 28, 2017

Insight
/
April 28, 2017
Dozens of bills passed through both the House and Senate this week as Legislators worked overtime to beat the "crossover deadline." Crossover is the date by which a bill that does not impact taxes or appropriations must pass one chamber to remain...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 24, 2017

Insight
/
April 24, 2017
After a weeklong spring recess, the legislature ramped up last week to move legislation ahead of the upcoming “crossover” deadline, which is currently set for April 27th. Crossover is the date by which a bill that does not impact taxes or...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 13, 2017

Insight
/
April 13, 2017
This week at the Legislature, House members filed dozens of bills and tried to get as much accomplished as possible prior to the legislature's spring recess. Confirmations The Senate continued the process of confirming Governor Roy Cooper's cabinet...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, April 7, 2017

Insight
/
April 7, 2017
This week at the Legislature, Senate confirmation of Cabinet secretaries continued as Legislators filed dozens of bills ahead of filing deadlines. Confirmations Senate committees are continuing the process of confirming Governor Cooper's Cabinet...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 31, 2017

Insight
/
March 31, 2017
This week at the Legislature, HB2 was repealed and replaced, Senate confirmation of Cabinet secretaries continued, and Legislators filed dozens of bills ahead of filing deadlines. HB2 “Reset” ( HB142 ) Thursday, the General Assembly passed, and the...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 24, 2017

Insight
/
March 24, 2017
This week at the legislature, Senate confirmations continued as rumors of another potential HB2 compromise swirled. Confirmations Senate committees are continuing the process of confirming Governor Cooper's Cabinet members despite the matter being...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 17, 2017

Insight
/
March 17, 2017
This week at the legislature, Senate confirmations continued as committees in both chambers received informational presentations and voted on bills. Confirmations Senate committees are continuing the process of confirming Governor Cooper's Cabinet...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 10, 2017

Insight
/
March 10, 2017
This week the pace quickens within the House and Senate policy committees while the Appropriations committees received presentations on Governor Cooper's proposed budget recommendations. Regulatory Reform ( HB131 ) A bill entitled Regulatory Reform...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, March 3, 2017

Insight
/
March 3, 2017
While various bills made their way through committees and chambers this week, the highlight was the release of Governor Cooper's proposed Budget Recommendations for fiscal years 2017-2018. Secretary Hall Confirmed After three declined invitations to...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 24, 2017

Insight
/
February 24, 2017
Public School Funding ( HB6 ) The House passed HB6 this week which will create a task force to study and recommend changes to the State's school funding formula. Two amendments to increase diversity of the task force failed on the floor...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 17, 2017

Insight
/
February 17, 2017
Eminent Domain ( HB3 ) A bill that seeks to amend the State's Constitution to prohibit the exercise of eminent domain to condemn private property except for public use passed through the House this week after being approved by the House Judiciary I...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 10, 2017

Insight
/
February 10, 2017
Activity at the North Carolina General Assembly gained some momentum this week with legislative committees meeting to hear bills, some bills being considered for floor action, and new members becoming familiar with procedures. UNC Board of Governors...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, February 3, 2017

Insight
/
February 3, 2017
North Carolina Legislators made their way back to Raleigh for the beginning of the 2017 long session on January 25 th . With returning members settling into their new offices and new members getting acclimated to Raleigh, no votes were held this...(read more)

How Election Results Will Impact North Carolina Businesses

Insight
/
November 9, 2016
After a lengthy and contentious campaign, voters have chosen new leaders for our nation and state. Those choices could impact North Carolina businesses in a number of significant ways. What happened on November 8? President Republican Donald Trump...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, July 1, 2016

Insight
/
July 1, 2016
It is a busy week at the General Assembly as legislators are pushing through the final days of the 2016 short session. The legislature is expected to adjourn for the year either late today or tomorrow. The remaining items include the House giving...(read more)

North Carolina Legislative Update, June 24, 2016

Insight
/
June 24, 2016
Budget negotiations continued behind closed doors this week, with Speaker Tim Moore and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Phil Berger, working to resolve the final differences between the two chambers’ spending plans. Tax and pay...(read more)

Legislative Update, June 17, 2016

Insight
/
June 17, 2016
With negotiations on the budget bill ( HB 1030 ) still continuing outside the public view, this week the General Assembly focused on other issues. Tax Proposals; Services Tax Clarifications and New Market Jobs Act The House Finance Committee rolled...(read more)