MIP’s Get to Know New Members is a new blog feature to spotlight new members to the MIP Committee from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the broader community through a brief set of interview questions. Everyone, meet Michelle Dewkett-Kocchar.

What law school did you attend and what was your graduation year?

Campbell Law School, 2019.

Describe a typical day in your life.

After taking my puppy to the park for our morning play time and meeting our friends, I spend my day in the office working talking to clients and working through workers’ comp cases before coming home and making dinner for my husband and me. I love to spend my free time baking, reading, going on walks with my husband and dog, and just watching TV with them and our three cats.

What led you to a career as an attorney?

I was adopted from South Korea as an infant, so I spent a large chunk of my childhood dreaming of being an immigration and adoption attorney to help other families grow in a positive adoption experience. While my path shifted quite a bit and landed me in workers’ comp, my adoption and passion for helping others continue to lead my work, even if the field is not adoption specific.

Tell us about your involvement with the NCBA.

I have been a part of MIP for two years.

What is the best advice you received as a lawyer?

Don’t take what clients say so personally all the time. Sometimes, they are so mad and want to scream, but you’re the only one who’s there to yell at.

Describe your favorite travel experience.

Showing my husband Spain, where I studied abroad, was magical. Watching him fall in love with the food and culture in the same way I did while being able to walk him through so much of it as his guide and translator was so special.

Starbucks or Dunkin?

Dunkin – I’m a New England girl at heart.

February 16, 2024/by NCBA MIP