Our Interview With Brian King, Managing Partner at King Law Offices

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Brian founded King Law Offices in 2002 with a vision to create a client-focused firm grounded in strong business principles. Under his leadership, King Law has grown from a small community practice to one of the largest and fastest-growing firms in the Carolinas. A Western North Carolina native, Brian remains committed to serving his community, holding memberships in both the North Carolina and South Carolina Bars and earning recognition as a Family Law Specialist in 2009. He has served as an attorney for multiple county Departments of Social Services and frequently speaks at legal conferences nationwide. Active in the community, Brian has held various leadership roles, including President of the Judicial District Bar, and co-authored Navigating Adoption and Surrogacy Laws.

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What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

I was motivated to practice law to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, especially in my community. I grew up in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Being a small-town lawyer in Western North Carolina comes with a unique sense of responsibility, and I wanted to build a practice focused on strong business principles and a commitment to client care. Founding King Law was my way of creating a firm that feels like a community resource while maintaining a high level of professionalism and growth.

What do you wish you had known about the law school application process before you applied?

I wish I’d known how valuable it is to build relationships early in the legal field, I would have worked even harder on that front. Your network and mentors will guide you through not only the application process but also through the unique demands of law school and beyond. The legal profession is built on connections, and looking back, I’d advise any applicant to start building those relationships as early as possible. I personally interned in every firm in my hometown.

A lot of students struggle with the law school personal statement. What did your brainstorming, writing, and editing process look like, and what do you think made yours stand out from the crowd?

My personal statement reflected my commitment to serving my community, which I’ve carried with me into my career. I focused on experiences that showed my dedication to helping others, which resonated because they were authentic. If you’re brainstorming, start with your “why.” Law schools appreciate candidates who are clear about their purpose and have a story that speaks to it.

What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard when you sat down to write the LSAT?

I didn’t really study for the LSAT. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was logic puzzles. I found that developing the ability to stay calm under pressure was as important as the content itself. Once you’re able to handle the test’s fast pace without losing focus, you’ll perform at your best.

How much work experience did you gain before applying to law school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I spent time working in community-oriented roles before law school, which helped me understand the real-world implications of law. Being involved in local organizations taught me that serving others is at the heart of the legal profession. Those experiences not only strengthened my application but also shaped my approach to law, which has always been client-centered.

Did you have any setbacks or rejections during the law school admissions process, and what did you learn from those experiences?

There were some setbacks, sure, but each one taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my vision. I learned that the right path often reveals itself, even if it means taking a few detours. Every rejection ultimately redirected me to where I needed to be.

What led you to specialize in Family Law? What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? What activities/events/opportunities would you recommend for students wanting to pursue Family Law?

Family law allows me to work directly with people, guiding them through some of the most personal and pivotal moments of their lives. My advice is to gain experience working with local agencies or volunteering at legal aid clinics. The firsthand experience of helping families through their legal struggles gives you a deeper understanding of the profession and the clients you’ll be serving.

What are some emerging fields of law that you would recommend potential students to start thinking about if they want to future-proof themselves in the industry?

Technology and privacy law are growing fields that will impact almost every area of practice, including family law. There’s also an increasing need for legal services related to mental health and elder law. Students who gain expertise in these areas will have a skill set that’s in demand as these areas continue to expand and evolve.

What are the biggest sacrifices you’ve had to make to pursue a career in law?

Balancing work and personal life has been a significant challenge. Growing King Law required countless hours and energy, especially in the early years. The rewards have been worth it, but it’s essential to recognize that building something meaningful often means making sacrifices along the way.

Bonus question: How much would we have to pay you to take the LSAT again?

I really enjoy playing logic games, so I may like taking the LSAT a second time—I just don’t think that my mind works quite as fast as it did when I was in my 20s!

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Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Brian to help future lawyers understand the challenges and rewards of a legal career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.

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