Rachel Mosser, NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program

Rachel Mosser 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: Charlotte

Law degree from: Campbell Law School

Works as: Attorney at Maginnis Howard

Why do you want to participate in the NCAJ NEXT Program? I would like to participate in the NCAJ NEXT Program as I continue to look for opportunities to grow and develop my connections within the legal community and understanding of the legal programs throughout North Carolina. I am looking forward to further experiences that will allow me to learn, lead and demonstrate my skill set.

In what ways are you involved in NCAJ or other legal organizations? At this time, I am a member of multiple programs throughout North and South Carolina including: NCAJ, NC Women in Law, AAJ, and SCWLA. Unfortunately, I have not yet carved out a specific area within these programs where I could become an invaluable member through my service. I am currently the Regional Coordinator of Gaston County for the NC Mock Trial Program and have thoroughly enjoyed running that program.

Why is the idea of civil justice important to you? The idea of civil justice is extremely important to me. As a civil attorney, the majority of my clients are reaching out to me for assistance following one of the worst days of their life. My goal, whether it is an individual or a parent on behalf of a child, is to be respectful of their physical/emotional limitations, provide them with as much information and guidance as I can, and advocate for them as we seek justice. It is truly important to me that my clients receive the appropriate legal assistance for their claims – even if that means I have to refer them elsewhere.

In your opinion, where do you see NCAJ as an organization in five to 10 years? NCAJ has been a pivotal part of the North Carolina legal system, and I can only see that growth continuing over the years. As our society experienced a shut down in 2020 due to COVID we transitioned away from some of the historical practices throughout the state, including a lot of in-person requirements for the judicial system. It is important that we continue to lead with a purpose and follow the pattern of growth which has become more reliant on electronics and automated services. I believe that NCAJ can continue to rally behind this growth, while supporting the legal industries practices and history. I see NCAJ as an organization advocating on behalf of the common man, providing services to attorneys to keep them appraised of new developments, and forging ahead with young leaders eager for future developments in the technological aspects.

Through my participation in NCAJ’s NEXT Leadership Program, I hope to… continue to build my leadership skill set beyond my involvement in the NC Mock Trial Program. I look to develop further relationships with NCAJ members, learn more about what NCAJ has to offer, and empower the next generation of young lawyers.

Outside of work … I thoroughly enjoy traveling. I have made it a goal of mine to take a week each year away from the office to travel and explore a new area of the world. Last year I was able to travel to Alaska for a week where I spent my time hiking glaciers, camping among bears and witnessing wildlife on a water cruise. It truly was an eye-opening experience and rejuvenated me prior to my return to office. This year I intend to travel to Banff, Canada where I will take a gondola ride up the side of a mountain, participate in white water rafting, and hike around some of the clearest lakes. This time is so important to regroup and step away from the day-to-day stress surrounding the practice of law.