“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.

☑️ 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!