A Truck Driver’s Daughter Maps a Career In PI, with Telana Poe

Telana Poe grew up in the world of trucking: Her first job was working in her parents’ ambulance service as a teenager. She considered a career in medical billing until a judge in her law school clerkship suggested that she consider personal injury law. That’s what she does today at Horton & Mendez in Wilmington. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, Telana reflects on her journey, including her formative time as a NCAJ NEXT fellow, and discusses another thing that she does in Wilmington: co-chair NCAJ’s Convention 2026.Learn more and register for Convention 2026, June 24-27 in Wilmington.🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️Name: Telana PoeConnect: LinkedIn💡 Episode Highlights 💡[01:33] Convention Co-Chair: A resident of Wilmington for one year, Telana is excited about co-chairing NCAJ Convention 2026 in her new home.[05:26] Career Development: Growing up with a truck-driver father who directed a local EMS service, Telana worked in the ambulance billing office at age 16. The job pointed her toward personal injury law long before she recognized it.[07:02] “Consider Personal Injury”: During her law school clerkship, a judge encouraged Telana to consider personal injury practice because of his own background in that practice.[10:44] Father Knows Best: On her first trucking case at Horton & Mendez, Telana called her father to ask what a truck driver wouldn't want a lawyer to know. His advice helped her add items to discovery that she hadn't considered.[15:22] “You Don’t Have to Be a Bully”: Telana's top advice for new lawyers is to be kind and professional. As she says: You can advocate for your client and get good results without being mean.[22:48] The “Say/Do” Ratio: Telana learned about the “say/do” ratio three years ago as a NCAJ NEXT fellow. She still follows it. “I try to take some time at least once a week to reflect on, ‘Okay, what did I say I was going to do versus what I actually got done?’”Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVoices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers.Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!