Voices of NCAJ

How Curiosity Built a Prize-Winning Paralegal Career, with Leslie Leake

Curiosity has driven Leslie’s Leake’s remarkable career, which NCAJ recently celebrated with the awarding of its prestigious Robby Price Award. The lead paralegal for the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, Leslie said her advice to up-and-coming paralegals who want to stay engaged in their careers: Keep asking questions. “Stay curious,” she says. Her nominator described her as an “unspoken hero.” In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Leslie shares her path from defense to plaintiff's work, tales from the frontlines (including climbing on file cabinets and facing down barking dogs), and lessons learned from serving everyone from judges to clients in shackles.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Leslie Leake, Law Offices of James Scott FarrinConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:52] Early Start: Leslie became a deputy clerk of court at just 18, making her the youngest courtroom clerk in her district before even graduating high school.[02:15] On-the-Job Training: One minute, she’d be working with a judge or probation officer. The next, she’d be listening to a person in shackles explaining why they’re in court that day.[05:48] An Invaluable Skill: At the clerk’s office, “you have DAs coming at you. The public’s asking to see you. The judge is asking you questions. It taught me how to remain calm.”[08:30] “Briefs Do Not Scare Me”: While working for a defense attorney, Leslie became immersed in detailed research on insurance policies. There, she learned the importance of precise writing, right down to where to place a comma.[11:30] “Am I Limiting Myself?”: In her early 40s, Leslie pursued her business administration and law degree while working full time, often studying until 3 a.m.[15:21] Taking Risks: Working in James Scott Farrin's Triage Department, Leslie once faced down barking dogs to retrieve surveillance footage that would help a client's case.[17:15] Giving Back: As a mentor to young paralegals, Leslie emphasizes the importance of understanding why you're doing tasks, not just following templates, because there are consequences for mistakes.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners....

Denied Then Determined: A Journey to NCAJ Leadership, with Rosa Antunez Boatwright

Rosa Antunez Boatwright, an immigrant from Honduras, was excited to attend community college in her new Florida home – until the college rescinded its acceptance because of her immigration status. Fast forward years later. Today, she is a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin and the incoming chair of NCAJ's Hispanic/Latino Legal Issues Division. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Rosa explains how national and local legislation affecting the Hispanic community means that all lawyers need to be “on our toes.” “If we need to get together next week because of something that happened this week, we need to be able to do that and have those open discussions,” she says. Tune in to learn about Rosa’s journey from Honduras, her path from paralegal to lawyer, and her experience as an NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program fellow. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Rosa Antunez BoatwrightConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:38] Idyllic Childhood: Rosa describes growing up in Honduras' capital surrounded by mountains, with her father owning a candy factory and her mother was a psychologist.[03:06] Hurricane Mitch: In 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated Rosa’s family's candy factory and forced them to move to the United States.[06:33] “We Can’t Enroll You”: She was accepted to community college, made the cheerleading team, and then came the letter. “Nevermind. We can’t enroll you.” Why? Because of her immigration status.[09:02] The Ad Said “Paralegal”: Her first job was as a medical secretary for a chiropractor. It came in handy when she wanted to pivot to law: a firm sought someone with medical experience to join them as a paralegal.[12:49] Breakthrough Case: Rosa convinced a judge that an unmarried couple was common law married under South Carolina law, securing recovery for the surviving partner and children.[15:04] NEXT Leadership Program: Rosa describes the transformative experience of the NCAJ NEXT program that prepared her for introspective leadership both personally and professionally.[17:26] Leadership Goals: Rosa outlines her plans for multiple roundtables and responsive meetings to help attorneys navigate challenging legislation and government changes affecting Hispanic clients.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

From Listserv to Leadership, with Incoming Board Member Lindsey Granados

“Somebody told me, ‘Hey, if you want to do criminal defense, you really need to join NCAJ.’ And they were absolutely right.” The year was 2008, and Lindsey Granados had just begun practicing law. Fast forward to 2025. She owns Granados Law Group and is a newly elected member of NCAJ’s Board of Governors. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Lindsey reflects on her journey to criminal defense law, the early jury verdict that convinced her she was in the right job, and her goals on the NCAJ board. She looks back at the impact of NCAJ’s influential listserv system and contemplates the future of North Carolina’s eCourts system.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Lindsey GranadosConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:27] NCAJ Journey: Lindsey explains how she joined NCAJ right after starting practice in 2008 and how the criminal defense law listserv helped her learn the practice.[03:14] Listserv Mentorship: Lindsey describes how NCAJ members would call her within minutes or hours to provide answers and guidance throughout her career.[03:30] Women's Caucus: Lindsey discusses joining the Women's Caucus and attending the women's retreat, highlighting the energy and connections formed.[06:19] eCourts Rollout: Requested by a Wake County judge to help implement eCourts, Lindsey identifies lack of communication and system slowdowns as the greatest challenges.[13:38] Career Switch: Lindsey explains how the 2008 economic downturn led her from wanting to be a prosecutor to criminal defense through court-appointed cases.[16:12 Eight Minutes: In Lindsey’s first jury trial, on a communicating threats case, the jury deliberated for only eight minutes before awarding her a victory.[17:08] Board Goals: Lindsey outlines her hopes to listen to experienced board members and continue NCAJ's legislative efforts for the next decade.[19:06] Professional Impact: Lindsey describes NCAJ as the most defining professional membership of her career and her commitment to mentoring newer lawyers.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

From NCAJ Newbies to Firm Founders, with Spencer Fritts and Jacob Morse

Taking the leap from employee to firm owner requires courage, but having the right partner makes all the difference. Jacob Morse and Spencer Fritts discovered their partnership potential through NCAJ's NEXT leadership program, where they bonded as classmates despite barely knowing each other at Campbell Law School. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, they discuss their journey from fellows to co-founders of Morse Fritts, their Raleigh-based personal injury firm. As leaders in NCAJ's New Lawyers Division, they will attend Convention 2025 later this month, and Jacob describes the value for all members. “It's a no-brainer if you can get there,” he says.Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.🎙️ Featured Guests 🎙️Name: Spencer FrittsConnect: LinkedInName: Jacob MorseConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:11] NCAJ Connection: Spencer explains how the NEXT program was pivotal in forming their friendship and eventual business partnership.[03:33] Daily Support Network: Jacob describes how NCAJ members serve as regular resources for referrals, questions, and case collaboration.[04:30] Early NCAJ Experience: Jacob attended NCAJ's Professionalism for New Attorneys CLE before even becoming a member or plaintiff's lawyer.[06:40] Leadership Development: Spencer details how NEXT allowed him to grow into leadership roles, including as chair of the New Lawyers Division and Professional Negligence Section.[08:35] The Partnership Decision: Jacob explains how conversations with other NCAJ members who had started their own firms confirmed their decision to take the leap.[09:39] Member Support: Spencer credits supportive NCAJ members for giving him and Jacob confidence to start their own firm.[15:46] First Settlement Success: Jacob recalls their anxiety over their first case settlement and the confidence boost it provided.[19:03] Convention Value: Spencer explains why attending NCAJ Convention remains a priority despite their busy new firm schedule.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

Building Bridges in Politics and Practice, with Jon Moore

As chair of NCAJ’s political action committee, Jon Moore is committed to expanding NCAJ's political influence through strategic relationships across party lines. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, he explains how PAC contributions have been instrumental in recent legislative victories, including major insurance reforms. As Convention 2025 co-chair Jon also cherishes the unique professional camaraderie that sets NCAJ apart from other legal organizations. He urges younger and older attorneys to make connections through the organization.Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Jon MooreConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[02:00] Pivotal Year: The PAC’s mission is to grow its donor base, Jon says.[05:06] Legislative Wins: NCAJ has secured significant insurance reforms, including increased minimum liability coverage limits and mandatory underinsured motorist coverage.[07:06] Member Engagement: Jon explains why growing the number of PAC contributors beyond heavy donors strengthens NCAJ's legislative voice.[08:53] NCAJ’s Voice: NCAJ's influence means that legislators now proactively seek the organization's input on pending legislation rather than NCAJ playing defense.[13:35] Age Is Only A Number: Sometimes, Jon says, the “older generation” of lawyers “don't always do the best job of reaching out” so the younger generation of leaders shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to them.[17:59] NCAJ’s Value: The organization provides both professional resources and personal connections that Jon believes set it apart from defense-side practice and many other industries.Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!