Warren Hynson, NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program class of 2024

Warren Hynson is one of the 13 members of the NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program class of 2024. The program identifies the state’s emerging trial lawyer leaders.

Lives in: Raleigh

Law degree from: New England Law Boston

Works as: Owner, Hynson Law, PLLC

Legal association involvement: I was member of the UNC School of Government’s Racial Equity Network 2017-2018 cohort. I’ve also served on the Wake County Public Defender’s Indigent Appointment Committee.

Why is the idea of criminal justice important to you?

The criminal justice system is, in theory, supposed to be a reflection of fairness and proportionality. In reality, it is not a level playing field, it produces disparate outcomes, and it often has not lived up to its self-proclaimed lofty ideals. Notwithstanding its flaws and inequities, I have also seen it produce justice, sometimes years later in my post-conviction cases. Those moments are what drive me to continue fighting for my clients, knowing that the constitutional commandments we ascribe to our criminal justice system can be reached and it is up to us to fight for them.

What’s your vision for the future of NCAJ?

I hope in five to 10 years NCAJ has expanded its membership, grown in partnership with local and national advocacy organizations, and continues to deepen its resources and credibility. I also hope NCAJ expands opportunities for local NCAJ members across the state to have closer connections, whether through coordinated CLEs and /or social events or both, fostering stronger bonds amongst its individual members.

Away from work …

I like traveling with my family, especially to the mountains and coast of North Carolina. I love to read and listen to music. I am also a college sports fan and enjoy following the local teams.