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Jackson A. Lanier

Summary

Jackson Lanier earned his Juris Doctor at North Carolina Central University and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media. He is a first-generation college and law student, as well as a former manager for the UNC Football Team. He’s a hard-working individual with a strong work ethic and exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, adept at collaborating with legal professionals and engaging non-legal audiences.
  • Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, maintaining high professionalism and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Strong legal writing and communication skills, evidenced by publication in law journals and media outlets.
  • Skilled in translating complex legal concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
  • Dynamic self-starter with a proactive approach to challenges and a passion for achieving results.
  • Proficient in legal research including the use of platforms like LexisNexis and Westlaw.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

BAR ADMISSIONS

North Carolina – Active

South Carolina – Admission Pending

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor

North Carolina Central University • Durham, NC • 2024

3.22 GPA • Graduated Cum Laude • Dean’s List • Law Review • IP Law Society • Sports and Entertainment Law Society

Bachelor of Arts in Media and Journalism

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC • 2021

3.54 GPA • Graduated with Distinction • Minor in United States History • Dean’s List • Institute of Politics • Student Journalism

EXPERIENCE

Public Defender’s Office – Seventh Circuit

Assistant Public Defender — September 2024 – Present, Spartanburg, S.C.

  • Advocate for clients in court during bond hearings, trials, pleas, and post-conviction relief motions, including presenting arguments, examining witnesses, and making motions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, court officials, and law enforcement, ensuring smooth case management and collaboration.
  • Advise clients on charges, potential consequences, and the prosecutor’s case, providing clear guidance on legal processes.
  • Research legal issues and evidence, prepare defenses, and draft documents applying legal principles to case circumstances.
  • Assist clients with inquiries, prepare and maintain case files and records, and represent clients in court.
  • Interview clients, witnesses, and law enforcement officials to gather case details and evidence.

North Carolina Central Law Review

Articles Publication Editor — August 2022 – May, 2024, Durham, NC

  • Manage a team of 18, providing mentorship, guidance, and coaching.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of the 200+ articles submitted for publication consideration.
  • Edit selected articles in accordance with Bluebook style to improve readability, maintain style and formatting, and ensure accuracy and completeness of content.

Red Hat, Inc.

Trademark and Copyright Intern — May 2023 – August 2023, Raleigh, NC

  • Performed trademark clearance searches.
  • Drafted cease and desist letters as well as responses to third-party demand letters.
  • Monitored copyright and trademark compliance by third parties and investigated potential infringements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and product development, to provide guidance on IP matters.
  • Advised manager on solutions to assigned legal issues after conducting thorough research.
  • Drafted and revised trademark guidelines for open-source projects and communities.

Roupas Law Firm, PLLC

Summer Associate — May 2022 – August 2022, Greensboro, NC

  • Conducted legal research and analysis on state and federal statutory and case law for family law and civil litigation cases.
  • Assisted with pre-trial discovery, including drafting interrogatories, document review, and document preparation for trial.
  • Drafted various legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and settlement agreements in support of civil litigation cases.

Carolina Week / UNC Media Hub

Multimedia Journalist — January 2020 – May 2021, Chapel Hill, N.C.

  • Produced over 20 news stories for media outlets such as WRAL and 97.9 WCHL, reaching an audience of over 6 million.
  • Managed and prioritized interviewing, research, fact-checking, and deadlines in a fast-paced news environment.
  • Translated legal concepts into accessible narratives to convey intricate information to diverse audiences.

UNC Football Team

Film Manager — March 2018 – May 2021, Chapel Hill, NC

  • Coordinated all video-related logistics for both home and away games.
  • Maintained effective communication with coaches and department coworkers, ensuring clear expectations.
  • Served as the primary point of contact for visiting team staff, promoting positive relationships between teams.

VOLUNTEER

North Carolina Teen Court Programs

Volunteer – August 2013 – September 2024

  • Teen Court is a diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders that utilizes restorative justice and peer empowerment to reduce juvenile recidivism and promote accountability and rehabilitation.
  • Mentored volunteers on public speaking, the law, and strategies for effective arguments.

Victory Junction

Volunteer – Summer 2018 and Summer 2019, Randleman, NC

  • Victory Junction is a nonprofit camp for children with chronic or serious medical conditions that offers them a normal camp experience through specialized programs and activities.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and creativity while working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Fostered a supportive and inclusive environment while working closely with children with disabilities and their families.
  • Gained valuable experience in disability advocacy, community outreach, and nonprofit management.

HONORS

Pro Bono Student Award

North Carolina State Bar – November 2024, Raleigh, N.C.
Awarded to me for my extensive work with the Durham County Teen Court Program and juvenile justice advocacy.

Regional Public Interest Award

Equal Justice Works – May 2024, Washington, D.C.
Awarded to me for my innovation, impact, and commitment to public interest law.


Stembler Scholar

UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media – May 2021, Chapel Hill, N.C.
The school’s highest honor awarded to me for my academic excellence, dedication, and writing skill.

Publications

Plea Problems and Diversion Dilemmas: Protecting Juvenile Rights Through Pragmatic Means

14 Ark. J. Soc. Change & Pub. Serv. 31 (2024) available at http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4616142
A comment that analyzes how courts handle juvenile diversion contracts and advocates for their treatment to be akin to plea bargains as the optimal method for safeguarding juveniles’ constitutional rights.

Lanier’s North Carolina Teen Court Handbook

(2023), ISBN: 979-8862381849
A user-friendly handbook designed to educate high school students on legal procedures and principles.

The Ninth Circuit’s Split Personality: How NFTs Highlight a Concerning Split in the Court’s Application of Trademark Law to Web 3.0

21 Dartmouth Law Journal (2024) available at https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4411021
An article that examines an intra-circuit split in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding its likelihood of confusion test for trademark infringement and its application to Web 3.0.

Realigning Habeas Corpus: How Brown v. Davenport Attempts to Balance Habeas Relief with Federalism

45 N.C. Cent. L. Rev. 128 (2023)
A note that discusses the history of the writ of habeas corpus in the legal system, and the changes made to it by Brown v. Davenport.

HBCUs in NC request higher cap on out-of-state student enrollment

WRAL-TV (2021)
A television broadcast story that discusses the changes to the UNC Policy Manual and its anticipated effect on college enrollment.

Older buildings at UNC are often difficult for disabled people to enter

97.9 WCHL “The Hill” (2019)
A radio broadcast story that highlights UNC-Chapel Hill’s lack of compliance with Title II of the ADA and its impact on students.

SKILLS

Soft Skills:

Teamwork, Professionalism, Ethical, Trustworthy, Dependable, Communicator, Multi Tasker, Stringent Deadline, Prioritize Workload, Timely Manner, Organized, Attention Detail, Positive Attitude, Patience, Flexibility, Fast Pace, Flexible, Fast Learner, Resourceful

Software:

Lexis+, Westlaw Edge, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft OneDrive, Zoom, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Slides, Gmail, Adobe Suite, Adobe Acrobat

Hard Skills:

Memo Drafting, Case Briefing, Complaint drafting, Case file management, Client letter drafting, Motion drafting, Statutory interpretation, Legal research, Cease and Desist Letters, copyright registration, trademark clearance, trademark portfolio management