Diana Devine, NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program

Diana Devine is one of the 11 members of the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program class of 2025. The program identifies the state’s emerging trial lawyer leaders. 

Lives in: Raleigh

Law degree from: Regent University School of Law

Works as: Associate Litigation Attorney at Brent Adams & Associates

Why do you want to participate in the NCAJ NEXT Program? I am very excited to participate in the program. I have always been a leader throughout my life so the opportunity to train to be a leader in my career now is an amazing opportunity. For the past three years, I have attended the NCAJ Annual Conference and met so many of the leaders of the plaintiffs’ bar that it would be an honor to mentor under. My current position does not give me a lot of opportunities to mentor with other leaders, but they have allowed me to apply to this program and support me in the commitment of it to remedy that. I am very grateful for the opportunity.

In what ways are you involved in NCAJ or other legal organizations? I am a member of the NCAJ and part of the Auto Torts & Premises Liability Section and Women’s Caucus listserv. I have attended the NCAJ Annual Conference for the past three years, which is what has prompted me to want to be more involved and learn about the NCAJ NEXT Program.

I am also a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, and previously a member of the Wake County Bar. I am interested in learning about other legal organizations, specifically women in law organizations.

By participating in this program, I hope to learn not only more about the legal organizations available that align with NCAJ but also how I can serve and be more involved as a leader.

Why is the idea of civil or criminal justice important to you? I believe the commitment to justice is a calling and often, as in my case, what drives attorneys to enter the profession. I was called to fight for my clients. I believe we, as attorneys, have a duty to not only uphold justice, but also better it when needed. The NCAJ helped make a momentous change to the legislature recently, showing the strength of what we can do together as leaders.

Justice, at its best, is to promote fairness, equality, protection, and accountability. Whether it’s addressing issues of civil rights, criminal defense, or personal injury, the outcomes of cases can shape our communities. As an attorney,being part of that system means playing a role in shaping a just and fair society.

Where do you see NCAJ as an organization in five to 10 years? I believe the NCAJ will experience growth and evolution in several key areas: (1) a deepened influence in state and national legislative matters; (2) membership growth by reaching out to younger attorneys (such as with the NEXT program) and the diversity and inclusion initiatives; and (3) technology integration, with AI playing a huge role in changing our profession, I believe NCAJ will help lead not only attorneys themselves to evolve but also facilitate the laws to adapt to the digital transformation of the legal field as well. These factors and others will secure financial stability for the organization as well. Overall, NCAJ could position itself as a more powerful and innovative advocate for justice in North Carolina.

Through my participation in NCAJ’s NEXT Leadership Program, I hope to… develop my leadership skills further, expand my professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the legal profession. I am eager to engage with experienced mentors and peers who can provide valuable insights and perspectives, which will help me grow both personally and professionally. Additionally, I aspire to use the knowledge and connections gained through this program to advocate more effectively for justice and contribute to the broader goals of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

Outside of work … I embrace my role as both a mother and a daughter. I am proud to be the mother of a beautiful teenage daughter who attends Raleigh Charter High School, where I also serve on the executive board of the Phoenix Parents, contributing to the school community. Additionally, I am a devoted daughter to my wonderful parents. We regularly visit them in rural northeastern North Carolina, where I was raised. These visits are a cherished part of our family life, as they allow me to maintain a close bond with my parents and the community I grew up in.

I also enjoy attending our local events and establishments here in the Triangle as well as walking our many local trails.