As part of their ongoing commitment to address inequities in access to legal services and participation in the legal profession experienced by historically excluded or disadvantaged individuals and communities in North Carolina, these two organizations are proud to support the NCBF Open Door Fellowship.
The NCBF Open Door Fellowship is a unique, competitive opportunity for first-year North Carolina law students. Open Door Fellows gain valuable, hands-on legal experience while widening their professional networks to “open doors” and prepare them for the next steps in their legal careers.
Learn more about each of the Fellows, as they progress into their legal careers through expanded professional networks and “open doors.”
2025 Open Door Fellows
Josh Peacock
Josh Peacock is a 1L law student at Campbell University School of Law, where he has participated in the Second Chance pro bono project with Legal Aid of NC, and the 1L Mock Trial Competition. Prior to attending law school, Josh attended Liberty University and majored in Law and Policy Pre-Law. Josh is a first-generation college graduate who worked years as a welder and assisted his family on their chicken and cattle farm in Denton, NC before beginning legal studies. Josh currently resides in Pittsboro with his wife and two young children and is a member of Pleasant Grove Church. Through the Open Door Fellowship, Josh will be working at RDU Airport Authority under the guidance of Erin Locklear.
Suzy Brito Lagunas
Suzy Brito Lagunas is a 1L law student at Campbell University School of Law, where she serves with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance pro bono program and is a member of the Hispanic Law Student Association, Business Law Association, and Women in Law. Suzy studied Business Administration and Public Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill before attending law school. She participated in study abroad programs in the Netherlands, Israel and Thailand, studying sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices, and she served as an AmeriCorps Local Government fellow for Lee County. Suzy is a first-generation US citizen, and she would like to use her law degree to support individuals and communities facing challenges as new immigrants. Through the Open Door Fellowship, Suzy will be working at IQVIA under the guidance of Jane Paksoy.
2024 ODF Alumni | Darius Alexander, April Franklin
The North Carolina Bar Association and North Carolina Bar Foundation are committed to recognizing, respecting, promoting and encouraging diversity in the legal community. 
