Angela Farag Craddock is a partner with Young Moore. She says that her ability to see the big picture plays a major role in her appeals practice. Craddock said, “I take arguments that have not been successful and reframe them within the larger context of applicable law and jurisprudence.” The big picture is important in appeals, because rulings can have a wider impact than the disputing parties.
“Being a bookworm has never let down me.” I make sure that I am the one who knows every aspect of the law, its history and the case in question. I examine every angle and dig into the weeds before zooming out to decide the best way of contextualizing our arguments.
Craddock is responsible for handling appeals within Young Moore. This includes clients represented by the firm’s large trucking industry group. She assists businesses and institutions with civil litigation, administrative litigation in state courts, and appeals that are based on referrals from civil courts, the Industrial Commission or other administrative agencies. She is an active member of the NC Bar Association’s appellate section and the state appellate bar.
“My appellate work lends itself well to working with attorneys both inside and outside Young Moore. This is great because I learn from different people all the time. I enjoy working with lawyers from other law firms, whether it is at the trial stage to prepare arguments for an anticipated appeal or at the appellate level.
Craddock sets a positive tone in these meetings by bringing a sincere smile to the table and a cheerful attitude. I have found it easier to deal with people when I bring levity and positivity. It certainly helped me resolve conflicts with opposing counsel in the past.
The Essence of Good Writing
In the most recent issue of this magazine, Lucy Inman and Marty Geer, both former NC Court of Appeals judges, said that they place a high importance on good legal writing.
“Anything easy to write will not be pleasant to read.” Craddock said that things that are easy to read are difficult to write. It takes a lot to distill the issue to its essence, where the reader can digest it (and hopefully accept) our position.
Judge Wapner & Prince
Craddock earned a Juris Doctor with honors from UNC School of Law. She graduated with a degree from UNC in Public Policy Analysis and Political Science.
She watched “The People’s Court”, a TV show, as a child. “I told everyone in my family I wanted to become Judge Wapner as I grew. No one in my family is a lawyer but they told me, “Well, you have to be a legal before you can become a judge,” so this was the path I chose. “I’m not yet a TV judge, so I suppose I’ve just stagnated as a lawyer,” Craddock chuckled.
It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy performing. She’s a wonderful singer. She covered Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” in the form of “Eminent domain” at the WCBA Bar Awards before COVID while wearing full Axl Rose gear, including exact replicas to his arm tattoos. Every detail matters, whether you are performing on stage or briefing an audience.
The Purple One, which was her mother’s favorite Prince song, was “the soundtrack of my childhood”, said Craddock. I use music to reduce stress. “If you see me singing loudly while driving, it’s probably a Prince song that I am singing to prepare for a tough day.”
The article Angela Farag Creaddock: the Big Picture first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.