Joseph J. Garcia “Jay” is a Mexican-American Attorney. He is originally from Winston-Salem, N.C. He attended Robert B. Glenn High School. During his time in high school, Jay was the President of the school’s Spanish Club. After high school, Jay went Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) where he earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. During his time at GTCC, Jay in the Student Government Association and was the President of the school’s Spanish Club. After GTCC, Jay went to East Carolina University (ECU) where he earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Criminal Justice and one in Political Science.

During his tenure at ECU, Jay earned the nickname “Chicano” because of his love and pride for his Mexican-American heritage. Jay was also the President of the Student Association of Latino Spanish Affairs (SALSA) and was a part of various student lead movements such as the re-naming of the Charles B. Aycock dormitory. He is a proud initiate of the Eta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc – (Spring ’14).

After ECU, Jay attended The North Carolina Central University School of Law (NCCU Law) (Class of ‘19) and was involved in various student affairs and student leadership organizations. During his tenure at NCCU Law, Jay was hand-picked to be on the national trial team for two years in a row, President of the Trial Advocacy Board, a Dean’s Ambassador, a Student Clinician for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, and mentored his underclassmen during his “free” time.

Jay currently handles the Criminal and Juvenile Litigation at The Law Offices of Eric M. Williams, PLLC. Jay believes that he can effectively assist those communities because of his background. Once a troubled youth, Jay was guided by his older mentor and close friend, John Williams of Forsyth County, N.C., to turn his life around and inspire other young men of similar backgrounds and demographics. Thus, Jay is passionate in his scope as a litigator and defender of rights.

On his time off, Jay enjoys reading books, playing video games, spending time with his daughter, cotorriando with the carnales, and eating tacos de asada. Jay loves mentoring Black and Latino young men to be the next generation of attorneys and business owners.

 

Involvement / Organizations:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

The 7eventh Foundation – Chief Legal Officer

NCCU School of Law – Dean’s Ambassador

NCCU School of Law’s National Trial Team – 2017-2019

NCCU School of Law – Trial Advocacy Board

NCCU School of Law – Michael F. Easley Award for Trial Advocacy

NCCU School of Law – Willie Gary Closing Argument Competition 2^nd Place

NCCU School of Law – Hispanic Law Student Association – Student Advisor

NCCU School of Law – Leadership Institute

NCCU School of Law – Pro Bono Clinic – Student Volunteer

NCCU Eagle Promise Project – Chosen Leader

Durham County Bar Association – President of Young Lawyer’s Division

Durham Expunction and Restoration Clinic – Latinx Workgroup

Jennifer E. Castillo Foundation – President’s Counsel

Trainings:

Juvenile First-Degree Murder Training

North Carolina Youth Defender Forum

2022 Intensive Juvenile Defender Training

Felony Defender Training

Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Court

Sex Offender Registry Issues

 

EXTERNAL LINKS:

• Eagle Promise Project: Proven Leader – Jay Garcia talks about his story, law school, and his future goals

 

 

Questions, Comments, Concerns? Feel free to reach Jay at: [email protected]