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Planting Seeds in the Desert: Interviews with Legal Oasis Interns (Part 11)

Jim, a white man with grey and brown hair, wears a white shirt, pale blue tie and navy suit.
Jimbo Perry

In this blog post series, interns who are participating in the Legal Oasis Internship program discuss their participation in the program and why they choose to live and serve in an underserved area. Background on this program can be found in the initial blog post of this series. It is our hope that others will be inspired by these stories.

This post in this series is an interview with Lauren Shell, a law student at Campbell Law School. She anticipates graduating in 2027.  

The interview was conducted by James S. Perry, a small-town practitioner in Kinston. Mr. Perry is also on the Professionalism Committee with the NCBA and is currently the Executive Director of the Chief Justice Commission on Professionalism.

Lauren, a white woman with light brown hair, wears a black and white top and black blazer.

Lauren Shell

Shell earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina State University. She currently serves as Vice President of Campbell Law’s Christian Legal Society and is a member of Campbell’s Women in Law group. Shell plans to practice in her home of Rowan County or another rural community in North Carolina.

Where were you raised?

I am a native of China Grove in Rowan County, North Carolin. I hope to return upon graduation.

What was your path to law school?

Growing up, I was educated in public schools within the Rowan-Salisbury School system. I graduated from South Rowan High School in 2019, earning the title of salutatorian. Upon graduation, I pursued a bachelor’s degree at North Carolina State University, where I explored several different areas of study. I graduated summa cum laude in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance. I also minored in Accounting and Philosophy. At this time, I discovered my interest in pursuing a legal education and took a year to apply to law schools in North Carolina and gain exposure to the profession by working in a law office in Salisbury.

Why did you go to law school?

I decided to attend law school because I have a desire to help the people in my community. Throughout college and beyond, I wanted to pursue a career where I would be able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By joining the legal profession, I will have the opportunity to help clients find creative solutions to their problems, navigate difficult decisions, and face unexpected challenges. People often interact with the law during some of the most important or stressful times of their lives, and I look forward to being someone who is able to provide clients with guidance, advocacy and reassurance in the near future.

When you went to law school, did you have any intentions of returning to your home community?

I always intended to return to my hometown upon law school graduation. I have a very close relationship with my family and wish to be near them as I settle down and begin my career. I love rural living — the slower pace, the tight-knit community, and the wide open spaces are things that I have genuinely missed while living in Raleigh for so many years.

What is it like interviewing for summer internships in a smaller community?

It is somewhat challenging to find a summer internship in a smaller community such as Rowan County. Most lawyers in the area are solo practitioners or have a very limited number of staff and are therefore not actively looking for summer help. I contacted several firms in the area before becoming a Legal Oasis Fellow, and despite having mutual connections with a few of the attorneys in town, I was unable to secure any type of summer position, paid or unpaid. While all the attorneys I spoke with were gracious and willing to speak with me, I believe the smaller size of the firms made it difficult for them to take on additional personnel.

The Legal Oasis Fellowship has allowed me to get my foot in the door in Rowan County and has helped me make strong connections with local attorneys who are already established in the area. I am so grateful to be a part of this program, as it has provided me with countless opportunities to experience the local rules of the courthouse, get to know attorneys from various firms and observe small-town lawyering from both a civil and criminal point of view.

What are you doing this summer?

This summer I am interning at Hiatt Law Firm, PLLC, located in Salisbury. Evan Hiatt is a solo practitioner who primarily practices criminal law. As an intern, I have been able to sit in on client consultations, attend court proceedings in both District and Superior Court, as well as conduct internal research memoranda for upcoming cases.

Share what your experience has been like this summer.

In addition, I have had the opportunity to observe other attorneys in the area and gain exposure to other fields of practice. I attended client meetings and court proceedings with Scott Oakley, another solo practitioner in Rowan County who does both criminal and civil work. He allowed me to sit in on a variety of matters, including cases involving child custody, contract disputes and small claims. I have gained exposure to estate planning and property-related practice areas thanks to Sean Sandison and Jeremy Carter. Additionally, I have been able to shadow Mr. Jacob Rush as he conducted client consultations and worked on involuntary commitment matters. I am so thankful to all of the Rowan County attorneys and courthouse personnel who have welcomed me this summer and allowed me to have this unique experience.

Do you have some idea as to what type of law you eventually would like to practice?

I am drawn towards general practice at this time and am open to exploring criminal and civil practice alike as I begin my legal career.

Why are you drawn towards that type of practice?

I am interested in being a general practitioner because I like that every day at work will be different, and every problem encountered will be unique. Having experience in several areas of law will not only lend itself to being a more versatile professional but also allow me to offer more comprehensive services for my future clients.

What are your long-term future hopes and dreams for your law practice and for living in a smaller community?

In the future, I hope to secure a position at a small firm or government entity in Rowan County where I can forge long-lasting relationships with clients and attorneys alike. I look forward to living near my family’s farm and making deeper connections with others in Salisbury and beyond.