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.

Name: Spencer Fritts

Connect: LinkedIn

Name: Jacob Morse

Connect: LinkedIn

[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.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices of NCAJ features members of the...

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.

Name: Jon Moore

Connect: LinkedIn

[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.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices 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!

“What we do is tough, and Convention can be really cathartic,” says Kristen Dewar, co-chair of NCAJ's upcoming Convention 2025 in Charlotte. Speaking with host Amber Nimocks, Kristen previews the event, highlighting the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program and the location of the Friday Soiree at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A Charlotte resident, Kristen also shares her journey from Toronto to North Carolina, where she's built a criminal defense career she's dreamed of since age 4. Now finishing her second term as NCAJ’s DEI vice president, Kristen discusses NCAJ's Building Bridges to Excellence Initiative and the new Ambassador Program designed to welcome newcomers to the organization.

Convention 2025 will be held in Charlotte, June 18-20. Learn more and register here.

Name: Kristen Dewar

Connect: LinkedIn

[01:59] Finding NCAJ: Kristen joined during law school when her criminal justice clinic professor suggested using the listserv for case advice.

[02:43] Building Connections: A sparsely attended Women's Caucus event in Charlotte provided quality time with NCAJ leaders, inspiring Kristen to see leadership possibilities for herself.

[04:18] Building Bridges Initiative: As DEI vice president, Kristen helped develop this initiative to foster connections and ensure NCAJ's membership reflects diverse experiences and perspectives.

[05:35] Ambassador Program: This new program will connect convention first-timers with veteran members, creating a welcoming environment and empowering longtime members.

[08:15] Canadian Roots: Kristen shares her journey from Toronto to Charlotte, explaining she's been "running from the snow" and wanted to stay in the same time zone as her family.

[09:53] Born Defender: Since age four, Kristen had a strong sense of justice, standing up for classmates accused of classroom infractions and inspired by TV lawyers.

[11:47] Practical Experience: A high school co-op program placed Kristen with a criminal defense attorney in Toronto, allowing her to appear in court and continue cases—an experience that confirmed her career path.

[13:10] Return of the Masters: Convention 2025 will feature the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program, focused on DWI defense.

[13:33] Back in Charlotte: Another convention highlight this year is its return to Charlotte, which last hosted the event in 2022.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial...

After wrongful conviction, exoneration brings freedom but not healing. Chris Mumma, Executive Director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence, joins host Amber Nimocks to discuss the unique challenges faced by those released after years of wrongful imprisonment. Inspired by Joseph Sledge, who took his own life five years after being exonerated following 37 years in prison, the center is creating the Joseph Sledge Houses of Healing—a first-of-its-kind transitional sanctuary where exonerees can decompress and begin healing with comprehensive support. The project, being built on Second Act Farm in rural Alamance County, aims to address the often-overlooked trauma of wrongful incarceration.

Learn more about how you can support the center's new re-entry project at their website at www.nccai.org or at Second Act Farm. You can also follow the center on Facebook.

Name: Chris Mumma

Connect: LinkedIn

[01:54] Center Origins: The NC Center on Actual Innocence was incorporated in June 2000, consolidating work that started at UNC and Duke to prevent duplication of efforts.

[03:46] Personal Pivot: Chris left a finance career and initially planned to practice corporate law before her clerkship revealed systemic justice issues she wanted to address.

[06:35] Successes: The center has achieved 12 complete exonerations, helped six others gain release, and participated in investigating 18 additional exonerations over more than two decades.

[08:19] Psychological Wounds: Being wrongfully imprisoned creates a fundamentally different psychological experience than serving time for an actual crime, with the constant question of "why?" eroding mental health.

[12:56] Joseph's Story: Joseph Sledge spent 37 years in prison for a double murder he didn't commit. After his exoneration, he struggled to adjust to a changed world, eventually taking his own life after five years of freedom.

[15:39] Houses of Healing: In partnership with journalists Mandy Locke and Alex Granados of Second Act Farm, the center is building two small homes—one for exonerees to live in temporarily and another for family reunification and service providers.

[21:41] How to Help: You can donate funds, purchase items from an Amazon gift list for the homes, or attend work days and the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony in May.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on

From bartender to high school English teacher to senior claims counsel, Warren Savage’s winding career path brings valuable skills to his role at Lawyers Mutual. He sits down with host Amber Nimocks for a conversation about supporting small and solo practitioners, including lots of NCAJ members. Drawing from his insurance defense background, Warren offers a unique perspective on bridging divides between opposing counsel. He and colleagues from Lawyers Mutual will share insights during NCAJ’s Sidebar Social events at cities around the state this spring and summer. Click here to learn more.

Name: Warren Savage

Connect: LinkedIn

[02:27] JV Coach to Claims Counsel: Warren jokes about his path from high school English teacher to legal claims counsel, saying he "didn't know what I wanted to be until I was 40."

[04:35] Back Behind the Bar: Warren and his wife recently purchased House Creek Beverage Company, bringing his career full circle from his bartending days.

[05:30] Teaching Skills Transfer: His background in teaching prepared Warren perfectly for his current role delivering CLEs to attorneys across the state.

[07:49] Sidebar Socials: Warren enjoys participating in these events because they give him the opportunity to meet NCAJ members in-person and not in a crisis situation.

[08:57] Solo Support Network: NCAJ members often come from small or solo firms without built-in mentorship, making Lawyers Mutual's support especially valuable.

[11:02] Insurance Defense Beginnings: Despite initially declaring he'd never become an insurance defense lawyer, Warren's first position proved invaluable to his current work.

[13:29] Bridge Builder: Having worked with both plaintiff and defense attorneys, Warren often serves as a peacemaker between opposing counsel.

[16:22] Persistent Pitfalls: Despite technological advances, the most common issues remain timeless: statute of limitations problems and managing difficult clients.

[19:50] Proactive Networking: Warren highlights the importance of young attorneys reaching out proactively for mentorship, citing Lex-Jordan Ibegbu as an exemplary model.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it...

With February being CLE season at NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Lauren Newton, an NCAJ leader who has helped develop popular CLEs, including the auto torts series. Lauren also discusses her involvement in other NCAJ initiatives, such as helping launch its Women’s Caucus. She describes serving as a delegate for the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and – if all that’s not enough – acting as an avid Instagram poster outside of her law practice.

Visit the NCAJ’s event calendar to learn about upcoming CLEs.

Name: Lauren Newton

Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

[02:25] Amazing CLEs: Lauren reveals the secrets behind the NCAJ’s successful CLEs, including the virtual technology that broadens participation among trial lawyers.

[08:12] Liens and Disbursements: For eight or nine years, Lauren has presented at this popular seminar that covers the “necessary evil” that all plaintiffs’ lawyers have to contend with. She’ll do so again this year, on Feb. 21.

[08:49] The Women’s Caucus: Lauren recalls how she helped launch this NCAJ group shortly after she had her first child. She served as the chair for two years.

[12:18] Secure Leave: The caucus spurred the codification of secured leave, a policy that protects lawyers who need to take off more than the previous standard of three weeks for childbirth or adoption.

[15:53]: Women’s Caucus Retreat: It’s gotten bigger and bigger each year. It's different from other events because it transcends one practice area. This year, it will be held on March 13 and 14.

[20:19] Find Her on Instagram: Lauren’s Instagram journey began when she decided to document all the “crazy decisions” she made while shepherding DIY projects at home.

[28:33] AAJ Delegate: In addition to her work with NCAJ, Lauren is a delegate to the American Association for Justice (AAJ). She describes the group’s work ending forced arbitrations in the employment context.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices 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....

NCAJ President Kevin Bunn encourages attorneys to stay focused on advocating for vulnerable people and to resist any urge to check out because of frustration with the political climate. Bunn joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a midterm chat. One of the first in his family to attend college, he reflects on how different his perspective and political beliefs might be but for attending UNC. He reminds listeners that, although people may have different perspectives, it doesn’t mean they can’t find common ground. NCAJ members are often the only ones advocating for clients facing down powerful institutions, and NCAJ has a legacy of fighting for fair laws and a level playing field, he says. “I think that’s what sets us apart.”

Name: Kevin Bunn | LinkedIn

[09:31] All Lawmakers the Same? Background and education influence perspective, but that doesn’t mean that someone with a different view is a bad person.

[10:54] A Unique Role: All lawyers are sworn to uphold the Constitution regardless of the type of law they practice.

[11:45] No Time to Check Out! Focus on your clients and on the people you represent.

[14:03] NCAJ Membership on the Rise: It’s critical to find ways for members to come together in person.

[15:12] The Anonymous Internet: People who know each other are kinder to each other.The anonymity of the internet tests that.

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices 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!

NCAJ is losing a longtime member, but North Carolinians are gaining a judge on January 1, 2025. Sean Cole is passionate about service, his two constituents – the public and the Constitution – and the law. Also about having a sense of humor.

Sean visits host Amber Nimocks for a retrospective on the various turns his life has taken. Twenty-four years ago, he was invited to interview for a plaintiffs’ firm but needed a friend to dig his car out of a snow drift so he could make the appointment. This year, he received a call asking him to run for the bench at the same time he was mulling where the next road would take him. “I really like wearing robes to work,” he jokes.

Name: Sean Cole, judge-elect for Judicial District 10C of the North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division.

[01:51] Interesting Tidbits: NCAJ’s member database has a treasure trove of information about Sean, such as his description of his meeting space: broad, open savannahs and mangrove swamps.

[04:39] Encouragement and Inspiration: Sean celebrates the opportunities he enjoyed and relationships he built during his involvement with NCAJ.

[08:56] Money: That’s Sean’s answer to a question that voters frequently asked him: What’s the biggest problem facing the judicial system?

[14:56] Road to Damascus: Sean stepped away from defense to the plaintiff’s side after realizing that, if he did a good job on defense, someone who was hurt would either get less than they should or perhaps nothing at all.

[25:21] Rules, Loopholes, Norms: Borrowing from Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, Sean places the judge’s role in the context of these three concepts in government.

[27:54] Access: As a judge, Sean can’t give legal advice, but he can – and plans to – make himself available to the community, for example, at meetings, civic groups, or speaking engagements.

☑️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Voices 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!