Rick Fleming, Appellate Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina

Rick Fleming joined the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2002. He became a Partner in 2008 and currently leads the firm’s Social Security Disability Department. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Rick is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina. His practice includes Social Security Disability law and Appellate Practice.

Rick’s professional path reflects a broad academic and cultural background. He attended a small college in Michigan with a focus on experiential learning and international education. As a Hispanic Literature and Philosophy major, he participated in international programs, including student teaching at the Colegio Americano de Guatemala in Guatemala City and coursework at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito, Ecuador.

After graduation, Rick entered a Ph.D. program in Hispanic Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later transitioned into university administration, coordinating UNC’s study abroad program in Sevilla, Spain, and subsequently serving as Associate Director of UNC’s Study Abroad Program. Through regular interaction with University Counsel on risk management and insurance matters, Rick developed an interest in the legal profession, which led him to pursue a law degree.

While working full time, Rick earned his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. After graduation, he joined a Social Security Disability law firm as an associate, where he began representing individuals facing life-altering disabilities and navigating the complex Social Security Disability system.

Rick has dedicated his legal career to advocating for disabled individuals, fellow attorneys, and adjudicators involved in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. He holds board certification from the North Carolina State Bar in Social Security Disability law and has an extensive record of service with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). His work regularly involves appellate-level issues, including review of administrative decisions and appeals within the federal court system.

Fluent in Spanish, Rick values serving the diverse communities of North Carolina. He has presented on legal topics at Hispanic community events and has shared legal information through local Spanish-language radio programs.