About Leslie

Leslie Rawls is a board-certified specialist in appellate practice based in Charlotte, North Carolina — Since 1995, she has focused exclusively on appeals, handling both criminal and civil cases. She has argued hundreds of cases in the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and the North Carolina Supreme Court. Additionally, she has petitioned the United States Supreme Court for discretionary review. In 2011, Rawls became one of the first attorneys to be board-certified in appellate practice by the North Carolina State Bar. This certification reflects her dedication to the field and her commitment to providing high-quality appellate services. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1980. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with an emphasis in Southeast Asia and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977.

In 1971, she studied Chinese language at Eckerd College. Rawls has taught appellate writing principles under the Rules of Appellate Procedure in seminars for lawyers and paralegals. She also assists other attorneys by helping ensure compliance with appellate rules and by ghostwriting or editing briefs and other appellate filings. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar and the Mecklenburg County Bar. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2024 and 2025 — Rawls' office is located at PO Box 38325, Charlotte, NC 28278. She can be contacted by phone at (704) 583-1279. In her personal life, Rawls has a strong interest in mindfulness and meditation.

She has served as the former editor of The Mindfulness Bell, a journal about meditation and mindfulness practice in daily life. Has taught mindfulness in various settings, including retreat centers, hospitals, prisons, churches, and yoga centers. Overall, Leslie Rawls is a seasoned appellate attorney with experience in both criminal and civil appeals. Her board certification and active involvement in legal education underscore her commitment to excellence in appellate practice. \n\nIn 2011, Rawls became one of the first attorneys to be board-certified in appellate practice by the North Carolina State Bar. This certification reflects her dedication to the field and her commitment to providing high-quality appellate services.\n\nShe earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1980. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with an emphasis in Southeast Asia and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977.

In 1971, she studied Chinese language at Eckerd College.\n\nRawls has taught appellate writing principles under the Rules of Appellate Procedure in seminars for lawyers and paralegals. She also assists other attorneys by helping ensure compliance with appellate rules and by ghostwriting or editing briefs and other appellate filings.\n\nShe is a member of the North Carolina State Bar and the Mecklenburg County Bar. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2024 and 2025.\n\nRawls' office is located at PO Box 38325, Charlotte, NC 28278. She can be contacted by phone at (704) 583-1279.\n\nIn her personal life, Rawls has a strong interest in mindfulness and meditation. She has served as the former editor of The Mindfulness Bell, a journal about meditation and mindfulness practice in daily life. Has taught mindfulness in various settings, including retreat centers, hospitals, prisons, churches, and yoga centers.\n\nOverall, Leslie Rawls is a seasoned appellate attorney with experience in both criminal and civil appeals. Her board certification and active involvement in legal education underscore her commitment to excellence in appellate practice.","sources":[

Education

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

J.D.

1980

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

B.A. | International Studies with an emphasis in Southeast Asia and political science

1977

Eckerd College

Chinese language

1971

Experience

Handled purely appellate work in the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
1995

Trial attorney in North Carolina state courts and Western District of North Carolina federal court
1983

Certified Specialist in Appellate Law Practice

North Carolina State Bar

Accepted Jurisdictions

North Carolina
U.S. Supreme Court
4th Circuit

Types of Cases Handled

daily life has taught mindfulness in various settings including retreat centers hospitals prisons churches yoga centers