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 Farrin
Connect: 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.
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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.
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