Voices of NCAJ

Hosted by North Carolina Advocates for Justice

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Aug 2026

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Since the beginning, members of the N.C. Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we’ll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – who founded the organization, whose dedication and energy kept it going and guided it through growth, change and challenges. Each conversation will inspire us to meet the future with a unified voice that channels the strengths and accomplishments of our organization. Welcome to Voices of NCAJ. For more information on the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and how to join or support NCAJ, please visit our website at www.NCAJ.com.

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August 18, 202621 min

How Big Data and Authentic Clients Won a $101 Million Verdict, with John McCabe

"Trust the data." That's the lesson John McCabe took from a six-week trial that ended in a record-setting $101 million jury award for two men seriously injured when a retaining wall collapsed in Hendersonville. John, principal attorney at The Law Offices of John McCabe and a past president of NCAJ, learned mid-trial that he had also won NCAJ's Founders Award. He tells host Amber Nimocks how his team scored jurors using big data analytics, why the jury needed only 35 minutes to decide 16 liability issues, and how his clients' unscripted testimony moved the courtroom to tears. Tune in for the story behind a case John says was "literally like a movie." 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: John McCabe Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:05] A Surprise Call Mid-Trial : Four weeks into a six-week trial and working 21 hours a day, John learned he had won the Founders Award — a complete surprise, since he sat on the nominating committee. [04:33] Beating the Defense Theory : The defense argued the collapse was purely a masonry and construction problem. John's team instead showed the property owner's tenant coordinated, scheduled and supervised the project, and that its profit center manager disregarded recommendations. [06:23] 35 Minutes : The jury decided 16 liability issues and picked a foreman in 35 minutes, filling out the verdict form exactly as suggested in closing and checking gross negligence. [08:23] Moneyball Jury Selection : After seven court days and three jury pools, John's team used empirical studies to build a scorecard and scored jurors against data-driven criteria to decide who to keep and who to excuse. [10:03] From Skeptic to Believer : Former law partner Brian Davis pushed John to trust the data despite his deep skepticism. The other side saw the same studies at mediation and discounted them completely, though the data projected a 90% chance of winning. [12:12] Testimony That Stopped the Courtroom : John's client testified through an interpreter about being buried alive under the wall for an hour, leaving everyone in the courtroom — including the interpreter — in tears. His wife, a kindergarten teacher, had the jury laughing and crying within minutes. [17:57] Four Failed Mediations : John mediated his case four times with three different mediators, including a global mediation the Saturday before trial, and still could not settle. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

August 5, 202621 min

40 Years of Fearless Paralegal Work, with Rana Holcomb

A fifth-grader wrote to President Richard Nixon in 1971 about school desegregation — and got a reply. That girl grew up to build a 40-year career as a litigation paralegal, most recently at Daggett Shuler Attorneys at Law in Winston-Salem, where her work earned her NCAJ's Robbie Price Award at Convention this year. In conversation with host Amber Nimocks , Rana D. Holcomb traces her path from an outspoken kid to a trial-prep specialist who mastered the rules of evidence and court. She also describes decades of volunteer work with Stop Child Abuse Now and family services, the networking that drew her to NCAJ's early paralegal committee, and her advice for paralegals just starting out. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Rana D. Holcomb Connect: LinkedIn Daggett Shuler Attorneys at Law: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:39] Argue With a Stop Sign : Rana recalls her mother's prediction that she'd make a good lawyer, and her early love of history and civics. [02:17] A Fifth-Grade Letter to the President : In 1971, Rana wrote Richard Nixon about school desegregation and received a reply from an attorney general's office. [03:35] An Unplanned Path Into the Law : A local attorney who had helped Rana with a family matter invited her to interview for an administrative position that grew into paralegal work with a tax attorney. [06:11] Why Litigation Work Fits Her : Rana explains that litigation is often the hardest process for clients, and that hard work and earned trust carry them through depositions, mediation and trial. [09:59] A Second Full-Time Job in Volunteering : Rana describes eight years with Stop Child Abuse Now, plus volunteer work in domestic violence response and support for sexual assault victims. [16:10] Advice for New Paralegals : Compassion, honesty, the rules of evidence and court, and drafting skills that take work off the attorney's plate. [18:07] What NCAJ Gave Her Early : Rana was honored to serve on the committee handling membership enrollment issues, and says networking with paralegals across the state has been the biggest benefit. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

July 23, 202628 min

Fraternity, Not Fear: Serving North Carolina's Hispanic Latino Community, with Anabel Rosa

When Anabel Rosa joined NCAJ's Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division in 2011, she was one of just a handful of attorneys in the room — today that group is nearly 200 members strong. Anabel, principal attorney at Rosa Lawyers in Durham and this year's Annie Brown Kennedy Award recipient, joins host Amber Nimocks to trace the path that led there: from Spanish-language TV reporter to press aide for Mayor David Dinkins to Brooklyn Law School graduate to a 2010 move to North Carolina and James Scott Farrin. Anabel also speaks candidly about the fear gripping immigrant communities today. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Anabel Rosa Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:23] Leaving Puerto Rico at 16 : Anabel recalls moving alone from Puerto Rico to Syracuse, New York, without speaking English, and registering for her first semester of college before she could form a sentence in the language. [07:57] Joining Mayor Dinkins' Press Office : Anabel spent nearly eight years on David Dinkins' team before and during his time as New York mayor. [10:51] From City Hall to the Bar : Encouraged by Dinkins, Anabel attended Brooklyn Law School and passed both the New York and New Jersey bar exams back to back in 1996. [13:55] Teaching ESL : Early in her advocacy work, Anabel spent Saturdays teaching English as a second language to newly arrived community members, building lessons around everyday skills like ordering food and reading bus routes. [16:09] Founding Durham's Hispanic-Latino Committee : Anabel describes working with then-Durham Mayor Bill Bell to build a committee that could bring Latino residents into city meetings, addressing barriers like scheduling and fear tied to immigration status. [20:53] HLD's Growth : Anabel and Amber discuss how NCAJ's Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division has grown from a small handful of attorneys when Anabel joined in 2011 to roughly 200 members today. [22:43] Fear Facing the Community : Anabel describes how fear is affecting mixed-status families, including clients who are hesitant to show up in court, drive, or send their kids to school. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

June 15, 202619 min

Se Habla Español: How Speaking Spanish Shaped Jacob Goad’s Journey to Practice Law

A crush on a Spanish teacher in middle school, a mission trip to Peru at age 16, and a CNN documentary — Jacob Goad 's path to workers' compensation law is anything but ordinary. Jacob is the principal attorney at the Law Office of Jacob Goad and immediate past chair of NCAJ's Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks , Jacob traces how his years working in Peru, his blue collar family roots, and his Spanish fluency all converged into a practice serving injured immigrant workers. He also shares his mission through NCAJ's HLD: recruiting young Hispanic Latino lawyers and equipping existing attorneys to serve communities in desperate need. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Jacob Goad Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:46] From Greensboro to Peru: Jacob describes his journey from working as an immigration paralegal in Greensboro to taking a role as an international delegations coordinator for the Presbyterian Church in Peru. [02:26] CNN and the Town of La Oroya: A fortuitous meeting with a New York church group — whose youth leader was a CNN executive producer — led Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Peru to report on a U.S.-held corporation's pollution in La Oroya, resulting in a documentary called Planet in Peril: Battle Lines . [08:26] Why Workers' Comp Connects: Helping injured workers who can no longer provide for their families resonates deeply with Jacob because he comes from a long line of blue collar workers. [10:02] The Cases That Confirmed His Path: In a previous role, Jacob’s bilingual skills gave him the opportunity to work with attorneys across the firm. Cases involving first-generation immigrant workers left a lasting impression and helped shape his interest in workers’ compensation. [13:03] HLD's Two-Track Mission: Jacob outlines NCAJ’s Hispanic Latino Legal Issues Division's strategy: recruit young Hispanic Latino lawyers and equip existing attorneys with tools to serve Hispanic clients. [17:25] Leadership Finds You: Jacob reflects on his path to NCAJ leadership, saying that by focusing on doing the right thing case by case and meeting the people that comes with that, “leadership finds its way to you.” [18:14] NCAJ — Firm Without Walls: As a solo practitioner with five total staff, Jacob says NCAJ gives him a community outside his firm and provides a wealth of resources always available when he needs them. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

June 3, 202627 min

A Truck Driver’s Daughter Maps a Career In PI, with Telana Poe

Telana Poe grew up in the world of trucking: Her first job was working in her parents’ ambulance service as a teenager. She considered a career in medical billing until a judge in her law school clerkship suggested that she consider personal injury law. That’s what she does today at Horton & Mendez in Wilmington. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks , Telana reflects on her journey, including her formative time as a NCAJ NEXT fellow, and discusses another thing that she does in Wilmington: co-chair NCAJ’s Convention 2026. Learn more and register for Convention 2026 , June 24-27 in Wilmington. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Telana Poe Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [01:33] Convention Co-Chair : A resident of Wilmington for one year, Telana is excited about co-chairing NCAJ Convention 2026 in her new home. [05:26] Career Development : Growing up with a truck-driver father who directed a local EMS service, Telana worked in the ambulance billing office at age 16. The job pointed her toward personal injury law long before she recognized it. [07:02] “Consider Personal Injury” : During her law school clerkship, a judge encouraged Telana to consider personal injury practice because of his own background in that practice. [10:44] Father Knows Best : On her first trucking case at Horton & Mendez, Telana called her father to ask what a truck driver wouldn't want a lawyer to know. His advice helped her add items to discovery that she hadn't considered. [15:22] “You Don’t Have to Be a Bully” : Telana's top advice for new lawyers is to be kind and professional. As she says: You can advocate for your client and get good results without being mean. [22:48] The “Say/Do” Ratio : Telana learned about the “say/do” ratio three years ago as a NCAJ NEXT fellow. She still follows it. “I try to take some time at least once a week to reflect on, ‘Okay, what did I say I was going to do versus what I actually got done?’” Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

April 15, 202616 min

“You Need to Stand Up for the Rule of Law” — with David Teddy

Barely a year old, North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law is actively driving the conversation about hot legal topics. Steering Committee member David Teddy discusses why he and like-minded lawyers formed the group in the wake of the NCAJ’s Convention 2025, seizing the opportunity to issue a public statement about threats against judges and lawyers. Since then, North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law has come out on other issues and is raising money to “get out the message that you need to stand up for the rule of law.” Sitting down with host Amber Nimocks , David also reflects on this term as NCAJ president from 2013 to 2014 and the return of his “Criminal Masters in Advocacy” CLE at NCAJ Convention 2026 in June. Visit the NCAJ Convention page to learn more about it. Interested in supporting the North Carolina Lawyers for the Rule of Law or its Law Day celebration on May 1? Contact David at 704-487-1234 . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: David Teddy Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:03] NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law : A debate at the 2025 NCAJ Convention — over whether the organization should issue a public statement defending the rule of law — led David and like-minded members to form an independent steering committee that launched NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law. [03:55] Beyond One Statement : Since its formation, NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law has grown to 873 lawyer signatories and established its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The group has made more public statements, including one opposing a proposed Department of Justice rule. [04:20] Law Day : NC Lawyers for the Rule of Law is partnering with similar groups in other states to mark Law Day on May 1, leveraging the American Bar Association's theme of "the rule of law and the American dream." [07:13] Popular CLE Returns : At the NCAJ Convention in June, David will reprise his popular “Criminal Masters in Advocacy” CLE, which gives criminal practitioners practical tools they need when they walk into either a district or superior court. [12:13] “Good Times President” : Like all NCAJ presidents, David chose a theme for his tenure. He wanted to be the “good times president,” which meant ensuring that NCAJ events would have live music. [14:34] “Above the Rest” : NCAJ’s CLEs are “head and shoulders above the rest” and give back the investment in time and money “sevenfold,” David says. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

April 6, 202623 min

Workers’ Comp Became a Career; NCAJ Became a Community, with Martha Ramsay

Martha Ramsay has been an NCAJ member for more than three decades and served in leadership roles – all while developing a thriving workers’ comp practice at two firms. Later this month, she’ll unite her law practice and her NCAJ commitment at the 31st Annual Workers' Comp Round Table CLE. In this episode, Martha sits down with host Amber Nimocks to look ahead at the CLE, where she’ll participate in a roundtable, and look back on her path to workers’ comp law and to the NCAJ. The Workers' Comp Round Table CLE will be held at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh on April 10. Members of the Workers' Comp Section can learn more and register here . Martha encourages attendees to “bring your questions, bring your problem cases.” 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Martha Ramsay | LinkedIn Connect: Ramsay Law Firm on LinkedIn | Facebook | X and Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt on LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Instagram 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:09] NCAJ from Day One : Martha traces her NCAJ membership to her first job, working for a founding member who instilled in her that lawyers must learn from other lawyers — not just the letter of the law, but how to get things done in the courtroom and the legislature. [09:29] Why Workers' Comp :After trying family law, business law, criminal law, and personal injury, Martha felt that she could truly change outcomes for people through workers' comp. [14:52] High-Value CLE : What makes the 31st Annual Workers' Comp Round Table CLE uniquely valuable? As Martha explains, it is members only, focused on frank discussion of real cases and trends, and gives attendees access to experienced practitioners and younger lawyers with boots on the ground. [18:07] Paying It Forward : Martha recalls the time when she was “just the little nobody” and stuck on a workers’ comp issue. She was encouraged to reach out to a well-known, respected lawyer who took the time to help her own. Today, she and everyone at NCAJ embrace that spirit of paying it forward. [21:26] Don’t Go It Alone: “Why would you go it alone?” Martha asks. With NCAJ, you don’t have to. She promotes membership as a way for lawyers to get access to resources, including other lawyers dealing with the same problems as well as practical gems from CLEs. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

March 5, 202633 min

Love, Law and Legacy: The Snyders on Taking the Helm of Ward Black Law

Audrey Snyder and Gabe Snyder stop by the studio to reflect on their “whirlwind” transition at Ward Black Law since the passing of founder Janet Ward Black last November. In January, they purchased the Greensboro-based firm and will preserve Janet Ward's faith-driven culture while reshaping it as their own. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks , they discuss their vision of serving clients spiritually as well as legally. They are both active with NCAJ: Audrey has served as chair of the Women’s Caucus and the Products Liability Class Actions and Mass Torts section while Gabe is a graduate of the NCAJ’s leadership program and was chair of the Auto Torts and Premises Liability Section. So, they share their positive experiences with the organization. Tune in to hear about their “meet cute” as college undergrads. 🎙️ Featured Guests 🎙️ Name: Audrey Snyder Connect: LinkedIn Name : Gabe Snyder Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [03:00] A Whirlwind : Audrey reflects on the “whirlwind” that she and the entire Ward Black Law team has experienced since founder Janet Ward Black passed away last November. [04:00] Stewarding a Legacy : Audrey and Gabe share their career journey that brought them to Ward Black. [11:16] The Path to Law : “We both had law in mind.” Gabe describes how he and Audrey pursued a career in law after meeting as undergrads. [26:45] The Gift : Janet Ward left $50,000 to NCAJ, which will help fund a mentorship program. [25:47] Life-Changing Program : Gabe credits the NCAJ NEXT leadership program with teaching him management and leadership skills that law school doesn’t cover. [29:29] 20 Years : Audrey describes the firm's 20-day celebration honoring Janet Ward's birthday and the firm's 20th anniversary, culminating in a staff dinner on March 6. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

February 19, 202622 min

“I Get More Out of Mock Trial than I Put Into It”: Meet Charles Becton Teaching Award Winner Chris Nichols

The winner of the NCAJ’s 2025 Charles Becton Teaching Award, Chris Nichols reflects on his decades-long commitment to NCAJ's continuing legal education programs and the North Carolina Mock Trial Program. Joining the conversation is one of Chris’ mock trial students, high school senior Sam Circosta. “The great thing about mock trial is we're not necessarily training lawyers. We're just training leaders. That's what Sam has been for the last four years,” Chris tells host Amber Nimocks . In addition to discussing his journey as a teacher and coach, Chris also highlights his role as NCAJ’s government affairs consultant and previews upcoming CLEs. 🎙️ Featured Guests🎙️ Name: Chris Nichols Connect: LinkedIn Name: Sam Circosta Connect : LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:42] “Sign Me Up” : Sam Circosta wasn’t supposed to join his high school’s mock trial team, but he was intrigued after a chance meeting with former state champions. Now a senior at Broughton High School and mock trial team captain, Sam has walked out of the courtroom for the last time and hopes the experience will inform his future. [05:40] Training Leaders, Not Lawyers : Chris explains that mock trial isn't necessarily about training future lawyers—it's about developing leadership skills, as demonstrated by Sam's ability to coordinate two teams with 16 people managing multiple extracurriculars. [07:16] “I Knew I Wanted to Coach” : Chris started coaching mock trial as a second-year law student at Wake Forest, even before he knew what NCAJ was. He’s been doing it for 32 years. [11:20] Call for Volunteers : Mock trial is a heavy lift. It’s also a unique way to help the next generation of lawyers. That’s why Chris puts out the welcome mat to volunteers. “I would encourage people who support mock trial with their time, their efforts, and also their money to keep doing it because it is a great program.” [13:08] New UIM Laws : The “ UIM/UM Unpacked ” CLE on Feb. 13 is sold out, but members will be able to view it on the NCAJ catalog next month. With his “legislative hat on,” Chris will present about new UIM laws. [17:01] “I’m the Medicaid Guy” : On Feb. 27, Chris will present about Medicaid disbursements at the “ Disbursements 2026: Back to Basics ” CLE. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!

January 16, 202633 min

One Word Changed Everything: From Teacher to Civil Rights Lawyer, with Zack Kaplan

Zack Kaplan sums up his inspiration for civil rights law in one word: Leandro . It’s long-running litigation that seeks to enforce the constitutional right to a sound basic education in North Carolina. As a fifth-grade teacher, Zack read frequently about the case. “I didn't even know that there was a constitutional right to a free public education under our North Carolina constitution. And the more I dug into it, the more it really – that mission and that purpose – really resonated with me,” he tells host Amber Nimocks . Zack eventually left teaching to become a lawyer, today focusing on state and constitutional claims, prison and police misconduct, and appellate litigation at Ballew Puryear . He is also the program chair of "Overcoming Immunity: Pro Tips for Success in Civil Rights Litigation," a CLE scheduled for January 29 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. He invites all lawyers to attend because he believes that everyone in NCAJ advocates for marginalized people going up against an institutional power. “We're hoping that, in a small way, this will be useful in those types of claims.” Register here . 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Zack Kaplan Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:21] Teacher to Lawyer : Zack spent three years as a fifth-grade teacher in East Durham before attending law school, an experience he describes as potentially his "best and most challenging job" of his career. [03:16] Civil Rights Foundation : As an undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill, Zack served as community organizer in historically Black communities, where he came to understand public education as a bedrock to building a multiracial democracy. [10:21] Standing Up for the Little Guy : Zack believes that he and everybody at NCAJ share a fundamental commitment to stand up for the “little guy.” [18:24] Law School Outreach Committee : As co-chair of NCAJ's Law School Outreach Committee, Zack is motivated to show students a variety of career paths. [23:02] “Struck by Lightning” : Zack describes being in the “right place, right time” to briefly clerk for Judge James Wynn, a relationship that led to connecting with other critical mentors. [26:07] NCAJ NEXT : “It was really impactful for me on several levels,” Zack says of the NCAJ NEXT fellowship program. [30:54] Civil Rights CLE : The January 29 CLE is designed to benefit all attorneys, even those who aren’t civil rights practitioners, because the work involves helping any marginalized person go up against larger institutional power. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ 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!