NCSB Journal Spring 2026

the idea that this work deserves focus, care, and continual growth. Q: How does specialization benefit the pub lic? The profession in general? Sloan Carpenter: I believe the public benefits from and can rely upon the special ization because it is an objective credential. When selecting a lawyer that is a specialist in his or her practice area, the public can trust that their lawyer is focused on and knowl edgeable about that practice area. The same goes for the profession. The profession can rely upon specialization when making referrals in particular practice areas. Specialization also benefits specific practi tioners by publicly demonstrating and recog nizing their knowledge and experience. Jarrette Pittman: Legal specialization benefits the public by giving clients confi dence that their attorney has demonstrated a deep level of knowledge and commitment within a specific area of practice. To me, preparing for—and earning—specialization is evidence of a lawyer’s dedication to mas tery, not just competence. For me, the past 18 months of prepara tion strengthened not only my knowledge of the law but also my confidence in the court room. I found myself more precise in my advocacy, more assured in my legal analysis, and more effective in explaining the law to clients and the court. Knowledge truly is power, and the justice system works best when its participants strive for proficiency and excellence. For the profession, specialization elevates standards. It creates a culture that values con tinuous learning and professional growth. I believe it gives lawyers who are deeply invest ed in their craft an opportunity to distin guish themselves through demonstrated expertise. Q: Is certification important in your prac tice area? How? Kisha Patel: Certification is particularly important in family law because the practice often overlaps with other areas, including estate planning, contracts, and criminal law. Having a board certified specialist helps clients feel confident that their attorney understands not only family law itself, but also the related legal issues that frequently arise. Certification provides an added level of assurance that an attorney practices primarily in this field and is equipped to guide clients through complex and emotionally challeng ing matters with both competence and care.

D. Cole Phelps: Yes, certification is important in juvenile delinquency because it represents proficiency in an area of the law that is constantly evolving. It signals that an attorney has committed to staying current, understanding the law deeply, and applying it thoughtfully in a complex and demanding field. To me, certification means you are prac ticing at the top of your game. For young people and their families, it provides reassur ance that the lawyer standing beside them understands the system and is prepared to navigate it with confidence and care. For me, certification reflects a commitment to excel lence and accountability. It represents a belief that juvenile work matters deeply and that young people deserve advocacy ground ed in skill, preparation, and heart. Q: What career accomplishment makes you most proud? Jarrette Pittman: I am proud of the many successful verdicts and outcomes I have achieved for my clients, but my sense of accomplishment extends beyond the court room. One of the most meaningful experi ences of my career was campaigning for dis trict court judge in Pitt County. Although I was unsuccessful, the campaign taught me a

great deal about myself and reaffirmed my passion for service and community leader ship. That same passion led me to help launch a recreation program (through my non-prof it, the Tipping Point Project, Inc.) in my hometown of Scotland Neck, North Carolina. Using relationships I had built through my legal career, I organized an eight-week flag football league that engaged nearly 45 children between the ages of five and 15. During that period, our community saw a noticeable decrease in youth-related crime and, remarkably, not a single reported shooting. While that work is not directly tied to my law practice, it represents what I value most about being an attorney—the ability to leverage this profession to create opportuni ties, provide stability, and make a lasting dif ference in people’s lives. Q: What is the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Sloan Carpenter: It’s okay to change your mind. n For more information about the specializa tion program, please visit our website at nclawspecialists.gov.

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