As a social worker, Billie Guthrie was drawn into all the factors at play in her clients’ struggles. As a Social Security Disability attorney for The Deuterman Law Group, she is laser-focused on getting clients the benefits they deserve. Tune in to this conversation with host Amber Nimocks as Billie reflects on her unique journey to making “tangible differences” in clients’ lives. And attend the NCAJ’s upcoming day-long CLE, "Social Security Disability Updates and Practical Pointers for 2025 and Beyond," to learn more about her strategies and insights. Held at NCAJ’s Raleigh headquarters, the September 18 event will kick-off the fall season of in-person, member-led CLE programming.

Billie’s topic for the CLE is strengthening cases involving mental health impairments and substance abuse, but email her if you’re attending and have a question.

Name: Billie Guthrie

Connect: LinkedIn

[03:00] Clear Path in Mind: Billie intentionally attended Appalachian State to earn a Bachelor's of Social Work because it fast-tracked her to earn an MSW.

[06:22] Social Justice: Billie didn’t know much about what a social worker actually does – but she knew the vocation aligned with her values.

[08:48] Club Nova Experience: Billie details her meaningful work at a psychiatric rehabilitation program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness.

[12:07] Critical Choice: As she entered her MSW program, Billie faced a choice: Did she want to do therapy or policy-based work? She chose the latter.

[14:14] Policy Advocacy: One of Billie’s first policy roles was with a project called Reclaiming Futures, which focused on fixing the preschool-to-prision pipeline.

[15:40] Law School: Billie explains how her desire to learn more and be more effective drove her to attend Central's evening program while working full time.

[18:30] The Motivation: Billie’s transition to law was inspired by seeing how systems confined efforts to help people. “I saw: This person's success in the community is only going to go so far if our systems are set up in the way that they're set up.”

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Voices of NCAJ features members of the North...

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.

Name: Leslie Leake, Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

Connect: LinkedIn

[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.

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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....

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.

Name: Rosa Antunez Boatwright

Connect: LinkedIn

[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.

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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...

“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.

Name: Lindsey Granados

Connect: LinkedIn

[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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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