MIP’s Diverse Perspectives: Neubia Harris

MIP’s Diverse Perspectives is a monthly blog feature to spotlight a member from North Carolina’s community of diverse attorneys and legal professionals. Members have the opportunity to share a personal perspective through a brief set of interview questions.

This month’s perspective is courtesy of Neubia Harris, Managing Attorney, The Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC.

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

Wake Forest University School of Law, 2010.

What inspired or prompted you to become an attorney?

I have always loved words and the art of persuasion. At 3, I proudly announced, likely influenced by Matlock and the fact that I could be rich, that I was going to be a lawyer. In primary school, I was often selected for extemporaneous speaking events and speeches. I adored capturing the attention of my teachers and peers. As I got older, I began to understand how lawyers can speak for those without a voice, or who are silenced by louder voices. “That’s what I want to do,” I told myself every day. Here I am, an education attorney working, primarily, for tiny humans. I wake up every day ready to take on whoever for the sake of “my kids.” I have no regrets. Still waiting on the “get rich” part.

Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have overcome in your professional career? 

My first week as a lawyer in Cumberland County, N.C., I was behind the courtroom preparing to check the docket for the day. A bailiff chased me down and told me that only attorneys could be back there. I had on a suit, and a brief case. Therefore, it was my skin color, my hair (I have locs), or maybe both that gave the deputy pause. I announced that I was an attorney which sparked an overzealous apology. When I travel to other counties, I witness nonminority attorneys simply state they are an attorney, and proceed through security, in nonpublic areas or in front of the bar. Meanwhile, I am almost always asked for my bar card. It annoys me to no end. However, with ten years of practice under my belt, I am more comfortable speaking my truth when it happens. If I have to be uncomfortable, so do those who are making assumptions about me based on my appearance.

Do you have a message of encouragement for others who may have experienced similar challenges or adversity as a diverse attorney? 

Fix your crown! Stand in your truth! Reach back to help younger attorneys who stand where you once stood!

Neubia founded The Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC in 2018. Neubia has extensive education law and civil litigation experience. Prior to founding the firm, Neubia worked as an Associate Attorney with a local law firm where she practiced education law exclusively, and a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina. Neubia launched her law practice to marry her passions of practicing education law, ensuring access to justice in civil matters, and being an entrepreneur.

Neubia received her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She received her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.

Neubia is licensed to practice in the State Courts of North Carolina, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina.

In 2017, Neubia was one of only sixteen lawyers inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association’s (“NCBA”) Leadership Academy Class. She currently serves on the NCBA’s Minorities in the Profession Committee as well as the Juvenile Justice and Children’s Rights Council. Neubia is also an active member of the Wake County Bar Association where she serves as the Co-Chair of the Lawyer Support Committee and the Chair of Communications Subcommittee of the Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Neubia is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, and is member of the Junior League of Raleigh. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading and singing.