Rick Fleming

• He is a rare North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law.
• He was recognized for his service and advocacy by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice with a Lifetime Service Award in 2025.
• He has served in many lead roles for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).

Rick Fleming is a Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, where he leads the firm’s Social Security Disability practice. Rick is licensed to practice in North Carolina and is actively involved in organizations dedicated to supporting disability claimants and advancing the practice of Social Security Disability law. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Rick’s journey to law followed a unique and globally influenced path. He earned his undergraduate degree in Hispanic Literature and Philosophy from Kalamazoo College, an institution known for its emphasis on experiential learning and international study. His academic experience included teaching in Guatemala City and studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador.

He later pursued graduate studies in Hispanic Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and went on to work in university administration, including roles as an advisor and eventual associate director of study abroad. Through his work with University Counsel on risk management matters, Rick developed an interest in the legal field, ultimately leading him to enroll in law school.

While working full-time, he earned his JD from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Early in his legal career, he began representing Social Security Disability claimants — an area that has remained the focus of his practice.

Rick is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law and has been deeply involved in advancing the field at both the state and national levels. He has held numerous leadership roles with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), including serving as President in 2024, following prior service as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. His involvement has also included board service, committee leadership, and participation in the NOSSCR Foundation and Political Action Committee.

“I chose Social Security Disability law because it is direct advocacy for those who are most in need.”

Within North Carolina, Rick has contributed extensively to the legal community. He is a past chair of the North Carolina State Bar’s Social Security Disability Law Specialty Committee and has worked with the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Specialization as an exam reviewer. He also previously chaired the Disability Advocacy Section of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and served on its Board of Governors.

Rick’s contributions to the legal profession and disability advocacy have been recognized with multiple honors. He received the NCAJ Disability Advocacy Section Lifetime Service Award in 2025, acknowledging his long-standing commitment to professionalism and service and is a multi-time recipient of the NCAJ Order of Service Award. He has also been named by Best Lawyers in America to the “Best Lawyers” list for Appellate Practice (2025–2026) and by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly to the 2026 “Leaders in the Law” list.*

Fluent in Spanish, Rick regularly works with Spanish-speaking clients and has participated in community outreach through presentations and local media. He has contributed to discussions on disability-related legal issues, including commentary on topics such as long COVID and its potential impact on disability claims. Rick’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to assisting individuals facing significant health and financial challenges.