Micah Mooring is a newly licensed attorney in Goldsboro who is ready to make a difference in the community. His accelerated path to his dream career began in high school as dual enrollment allowed him to earn a degree from Wayne Community College.
Getting a head start
Mooring attended Wayne School of Engineering where high school students have the option to simultaneously pursue a two-year degree at WCC. He took advantage of the opportunity and received an associate in arts degree two weeks before his high school graduation in 2019.
The work ethic required to take college classes while still in high school prepared Mooring for the commitment needed throughout the rest of his education. Studying criminal justice at Campbell University while playing college football, Mooring found that his experience at WCC set him up for success at the university.
“In my opinion, it was equally challenging, showing the academic rigor that Wayne Community College offers that is comparable to a four-year university,” he said. He graduated two years later with a bachelor’s degree.
Career aspirations
Mooring initially became interested in law in high school through the mentorship of a teacher, who is a former attorney, and through participation in mock trial competitions. He decided to pursue his passion at Campbell Law School and earned a law degree in 2024.
Being enrolled in a doctoral program, Mooring still found value in the skills he learned earlier in his education. “A lot of what I learned both in high school and college, like analytical reasoning, translates,” he said about the program. “The core skills that you learn at places like Wayne Community College help you out a lot.”
After graduating from law school, Mooring successfully passed the bar exam later that year. The two-day exam requires lawyers to write essays related to different areas of law and answer 100 multiple choice questions. This thoroughly vets those in the legal profession, ensuring they uphold the highest ethics while practicing law.
Mooring worked as an intern at the law firm of Haithcock, Barfield, Hulse & King in Goldsboro throughout law school. He gained experience with legal research and writing, interviewing clients and witnesses, and drafting sample motions and briefs. Now working as a licensed attorney at the firm, Mooring is thankful for their support and the opportunity to build relationships with others in the field.
A bright future
Mooring, at 24 years old, was officially sworn in as an attorney in February and is practicing traffic and criminal law. His days involve handling court cases and meeting with current and potential clients, and he is grateful to be able to serve the community he grew up in.
“I’ve got a passion in my heart for the people of Goldsboro,” he said. “It means everything to me that I can come back to the place I’ve called home my entire life and help the people here.”
Getting a head start on an ambitious educational journey would not have been possible without WCC, Mooring said. “Financially speaking, it’s incredible that I was able to save thousands of dollars on an education and add years in the workforce. I would strongly recommend anybody considering higher education to go to community college,” he shared. “I’m thankful for the support that Wayne Community College has offered me.”
Learn about WCC’s college transfer pathways and dual-enrollment opportunities on our website.