“I think having work experience from both sides of the table, so to speak, allows me to look at a case from different viewpoints. This can benefit my clients in that I can try to see obstacles a little farther in advance and advise them accordingly.”
- Michael Shepherd
mike.shepherd@farrin.com
919.287.9329
Co-leader of the firm’s personal injury department
Former Senior Claims Representative for a major insurance company
Licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Virginia
Attorney Michael Shepherd (Partner)
Michael Shepherd is a Partner of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. He joined the firm in 2010 and co-leads the Personal Injury Department. He’s earned the respect and admiration of his team for his commitment to their professional growth, as well as his unflagging dedication to trying to get the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Mike grew up in the small town of West Terre Haute, Indiana surrounded by farmland and the industrious families working it. He was the only child of hard-working parents and recalls a childhood exploring the outdoors – especially on the neighborhood lake. Not surprisingly for a native of Indiana, basketball also played a prominent role in his childhood as he cheered on the Hoosiers and attended Bobby Knight Basketball Camp.
Mike went to Indiana University and earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice. After graduation, he began his legal career working as office manager and head personal injury paralegal at a law firm in Greenville, North Carolina. As the team lead for the firm’s paralegals and investigators, he learned how to run an efficient P.I. law firm and saw firsthand how attorneys can help protect the rights of individuals when they have been injured by another’s negligence.
Bringing Other Side Knowledge to the Team
After five years, Mike enrolled at North Carolina Central University School of Law to pursue a career as an attorney. Throughout law school, he worked full-time as a Senior Claims Representative at one of the largest national insurance companies and gained invaluable experience about how “the other side” works – experience he shares with his team today.
Mike found a home when he brought his solid work ethic, insurance insights, managerial experience, and legal skills to the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. His co-workers describe him as calm, thoughtful, reliable, hard-working, and knowledgeable. He treats clients and teammates alike with respect, and he always has their best interests at heart.
Mike’s professional affiliations include the American Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in North Carolina and Virginia, and he has served as a past President of the Eastern NC Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.
Giving Back and Going the Distance
Mike gives back to the community by serving as Secretary and Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Committee Lead on the Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for the city and county. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Durham Literacy Center, and the Literacy Volunteers of America.
Outside of work, Mike continues in his lifelong tradition of cheering on the Hoosiers – he claims to never miss a game, though now he watches them on TV with his wife, Jennifer, and rescue dog, Rowdy. He’s also an avid Carolina Hurricanes hockey fan, and he loves to attend games in person.
Mike is an athlete himself and has an impressive history of completed triathlons and marathons. He has even finished the Umstead 100 Ultra – a 100-mile endurance run through the William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh. (Ever the practical planner, he reportedly tucked a cheeseburger in his pocket for nourishment during that feat!)
Read More
Former Personal Injury Client, Online Yelp Review
Former Car Crash Client, Online Google Review
For legal reasons and client confidentiality, reviews have been slightly edited to remove identifying information and correct typos.
*denotes past involvement