Meet Veneta Sydnor | Attorney at Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Veneta Sydnor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veneta, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
There are two main things that inspired me. First, my mother Cheryl Carter. As a child I could not comprehend why my mom did some of the things that she did
nor could I understand what she sacrificed. However, as an adult I can now reflect on my
childhood and appreciate the many sacrifices that she made for her children. I watched my
mother struggle to raise her children when she was still very young herself. She pushed herself
to go to school full time and get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, all while working full time and taking care of three
children on her own. Many times she worked multiple jobs to make sure that she could provide for her family. She was and is a strong woman who still cares and supports her family with all of her being. I know that no matter what I can always depend on my mama.
Second, this question resonates with me because it was my calling to be an attorney. I
remember in elementary school saying I was going to be a model or an attorney. What I did not
know is it would be a calling driven to help my brother who was sentenced to life at the age of
17. My family experienced the pain of having my brother incarcerated while fighting for his
innocence that spanned several decades of unsuccessful appeals, multiple hearings, financial
strain and the devastating emotional toll the experience had on my family.
When we were out of money and when no attorney could seem to be successful, I took this
emotional burden and used it as a catalyst to go to undergrad, complete law school, and
become licensed in two states in order to take on my brother’s case myself. I felt like nobody
would work harder for my brother than I would.
I worked relentlessly with the assistance of my colleagues, Leticia Shapiro and Joshua
Richardson, as well as, Shukriyah Satterfield, who devoted their time as we all believed in his
innocence. I figured there wasn’t more power in the situation than a sister fighting for her brother
with two friends and powerful colleagues at my side.
I had the absolute blessing of presenting his case at a hearing and I believe we were heard, as
the judge allowed us to come back again in three years and gave us suggestions on how to
make his case stronger. This was more hope than we had received for several years prior to my
becoming involved in his case. While we did not win the battle, I believed we were well on our
way to winning the war.
Unfortunately, the good Lord called my brother home a few months after that hearing. I continue
to move through the devastation and grief of losing him when we were so close to victory. But
he received the ultimate victory of going home to be with the Lord.
Now I use this life experience to continue to assist helping those incarcerated find a way to
recovery and/or re-entry, and helping people who have been or are on the same journey I endured in my brother’s honor. Even if that help is only in the form of encouraging words, for some people that makes a world of a difference. It’s them knowing that they have someone who understands what they have been through or are going through.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am an attorney with my own general practice firm. I work specifically advocating for Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency cases assisting parents who have lost custody of their children to the system. This is a very complicated situation, and it is important to maintain the constitutional rights of parents and work to achieve what is in the best interest of the child.
The firm also has an important practice area assisting incarcerated individuals through the Juvenile Restoration Act. In 2012 the United States Supreme Court found that sentencing minors to life without parole was unconstitutional and violated the Eighth Amendment. The Supreme Court of the United States establishes and upholds the fact that “children are constitutionally different from adults in their levels of culpability.” Montgomery v. Louisiana, 136 S.Ct. 718, 736 (2016). I am proud to represent the underdog in the legal system and I am extremely proud of being able to present my brother’s case at a hearing.
In addition, we also assist with powers of attorney, estates, Wills and trusts. People do not realize just how important powers of attorney can be. Did you know that when your child turns 18 they become a legal stranger to you after the establishment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, (HIPPA)? If your child does not give you the power of attorney to handle medical emergencies and they become incapacitated, you as a parent will have no rights to their care. You can even find yourself in a position where a hospital will not even tell you if your child is there. Having a Will is an essential part of a person’s life. When you die, your rights end. Your family is left trying to gain access to your assets and it is a nightmare. Having a simple Will can avoid this headache for your loved ones. Every state has a statute that will essentially become your Will and that is not what people want to have happen.

Finally, we have a very specialized niche practice of no-conflict divorce. We believe the decision to get a divorce is personal and a difficult decision to make. That is hard enough in itself. We do not believe in spending all of your savings and your children’s college tuition to fight about dishes and the dog. There are many people who want to split amicably and not get the court involved. We can make that happen, keeping your personal life out of the public court system until it is time to file the absolute divorce paperwork, have a hearing, and be done. It is a huge time saver, money saver, and lets divorced couples just get on with their lives.

It has been a very difficult road to get where I am today. Women in the legal field experience many challenges, especially women of color. Not only am I a woman of color but I am also a little older than some attorneys coming into the field, which made it even more challenging. However, I am a fighter, and I work through adversity. Every day is a blessing and even the worst days are still progress. I have learned to be a good listener, and to thoroughly review facts in order to successfully advocate for my clients.

Also, I may be a little different from some attorneys. I have experienced the law from both sides. I know how treacherous the system can be for families, and I try to encourage and support when I can. I want the world to know that anything is possible. If you put your heart and mind to it, you can achieve it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are going to church Sunday morning at Bible Way Temple in Raleigh, NC where Apostle
Darnell Dixon and Co-Pastor Lady Sheryl Dixon will give us a great spiritual word. After church
we will have dinner with family and then spend time talking and catching up. On Monday we are
going to take the grandkids to eat pizza at Slice of New York Pizza in Brier Creek and then head
to take them skating at United Skates of America in Raleigh, NC or Wheels in Durham, NC. And yes we are skating too.
Tuesday through Thursday we will spend time catching up and shopping at Triangle, Southpoint
and Crabtree Malls. We will also go and get manicures and pedicures at Princess Nail Spa in Brier Creek
where Tien, Ruth, or Diana will provide us with the best service. Then on Friday and Saturday
we will go to Bar Louie in Brier Creek or Yard House in North Hills.  Basically, we are going to go
to Church, spend time with family and friends, eat, drink, sleep and be merry.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I have to give honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that without Him none of
this would be possible. I also want to give honor to my mother Cheryl Carter, who has always
supported me. My mom always made sure I had whatever I needed throughout my law school
journey. My mom made sure that my bills were paid before her bills were paid so that I did not
have any situations that I would have to explain to the bar. No matter what problem I had she
would always say to me “don’t worry about it, we will figure it out” and we always did.
My brother inspired me and encouraged me to push through school. I remember when I was
first accepted into law school I couldn’t wait to send him the acceptance letter as a surprise. I did not tell him that I had applied because I wanted to make sure that I was accepted first. Of course he was ecstatic. From that point on we took the law school journey together. I still chuckle thinking about hearing him brag to his friends that his sister was in law school and telling people “don’t make me call my attorney.”
However, no matter how much I knew or how much education I had he always reminded me
that he was “the big brother,” and he is “the head of the family.” Whenever I got overwhelmed
and felt like I could not handle school or things in life were overwhelming I would call my
sister Angela Sydnor. She would never let me doubt myself. Whenever I called her and started expressing my doubts, she would not allow it and would stop me in my tracks. She would always adjust my crown and remind
me just who I was and encourage me never to doubt myself. Even now when I am overwhelmed she will say “girl don’t worry, you got this.” She still calls me at night sometimes and forces me to stop working and go to bed.
My daughter Akira Montague would leave notes in the most random spots reminding me why I
was on this journey and cheering me on. I would open a book in class and there was a sticky
note from her or I would turn a page to write notes and she has left me a note just to say “I love
you” or “stay focused.” Not to mention she would be so proud in telling her friends “my mama is
going to be an attorney.”
My fiancée Nathaniel Dixon Jr. who always put up with my mood swings and emotional
breakdowns throughout this journey. They say law school is a jealous mistress, but he was able
to handle things well and understood my assignment. He would always say “I’m not getting in
the way” and he didn’t. He also cooked quite often so I didn’t have to live off of snicker bars and
Coca-Cola.
My aunt Vynette Duncan who was a listening ear and always encouraged me and would say “if
anybody can do it you can.” My uncle Thomas Gregory who was my Mr. Fix It and my IT
specialist and anything else I needed fixed. Even if he could not fix it he knew someone that
could or he would research it himself and learn how in an effort to help me not have to pay out
additional money.
My sister from another mister, Leiticia Shapiro, Esq. who guided me through the law school
process, bought study materials and was there for anything that I needed and still is. Joshua
Richardson and Robonetta Jones as well. We were all in law school together and helped each
other throughout school and now that we are all attorneys we continue to help each other in the
legal field and continue to encourage and support one another.
Additionally, a special shoutout goes to attorneys Leticia Shapiro, Joshua Richardson,
Shukriyah Satterfield and Brian Saccenti for assisting me in working on my brother’s case. I am
forever grateful for their help and support. Judge Doretta Walker for allowing me to intern with
her and providing me with mentorship. There are numerous family and friends that I can thank
but too many to list individually. There were so many people that helped me throughout my
journey. Whether it was doing my hair, printing documents, cooking, praying and encouraging me, or just
checking on me I appreciated them all. Just know that if you supported me in any type of way I
truly appreciate you and thank you.
There are numerous attorneys that have welcomed me into the legal field with open arms and
have been willing to provide guidance and mentorship. I am especially grateful for attorneys
ChaunitaWilliams, Jessica Fludd, Libria Stephens and Michelle Schalliol for allowing me to
always bother them with quick questions, guidance or just allowing me to have venting
sessions. Thank you all for that. Lastly, with all the odds stacked against us I always love to
shout out to my mother Cheryl Carter and say MAMA WE MADE IT!

Website: https://sydnorattorney.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veneta-sydnor-9b061919

Other: 2216 S. Miami Blvd.
Suite 201
Durham, NC 27703
919-201-4471