Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Joseph Lee Levinson has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, attorney, and managing partner. He has established and co-owned multiple law firms in the Raleigh and Benson regions. His practice history encompasses diverse fields of law, including civil litigation, criminal defense, corporate law, and estate planning. He has also functioned as a mediator and arbitrator. Throughout his legal career, Joseph Lee Levinson has established a reputation as both a skilled litigator and innovative business leader with knowledge of the North Carolina real estate market.
Joseph Lee Levinson uses his insight into local real estate markets while practicing property law and managing real estate transactions. He also functions as an advisor to real estate investors, business owners, and property developers. As an attorney and business leader, he understands his clients’ desire to expand operations while mitigating risk.
Joseph Lee Levinson studied law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and competed on the school’s wrestling team. He received his juris doctor from the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. His professional affiliations include the North Carolina Bar Association and North Carolina Advocates for Justice.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with exercise to set a disciplined tone. From there, I prioritize client meetings, case preparation, and strategic planning for both legal and business ventures. I make it productive by focusing on high-impact tasks first and delegating effectively, ensuring that every hour moves the needle forward.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by analyzing feasibility through a legal and business lens, then build a structured plan with clear milestones. Collaboration is key. I involve the right people early on—whether it’s attorneys, business partners, or community leaders—to turn concepts into actionable strategies.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of technology into law and real estate excites me. Tools that streamline contracts, automate filings, and enhance transparency are transforming how professionals serve clients. It’s an opportunity to deliver faster, smarter solutions.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily physical training. Whether it’s running or Spartan Race prep, fitness keeps me mentally sharp and disciplined—qualities that translate directly into my professional life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it as a teacher. Every setback is a stepping stone toward resilience and growth.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that kindness is a competitive advantage in business. Many see it as secondary, but genuine care for people builds trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Give back. Whether through pro bono work or community service, helping others creates purpose beyond profit.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and train. Running clears my mind and resets my focus. Physical exertion often brings clarity to complex problems.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust through accessibility. By being approachable and transparent with clients and partners, I’ve created relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of delegation and tried to do everything myself. It led to burnout. I overcame it by building strong teams and trusting them. I learned that leadership is about empowerment—not control.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects attorneys with real estate investors for streamlined property transactions. It would merge legal compliance with investment strategy, saving time and reducing risk.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Clio, a legal practice management tool. It organizes cases, tracks billing, and keeps client communication centralized—allowing me to focus on advocacy rather than administration.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The entry fee for a Spartan Race. It’s more than a competition. It’s a commitment to discipline, resilience, and pushing limits.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink. It reinforces accountability and leadership principles that apply to both law and business.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Founder. It’s a MasterClass in vision, persistence, and the complexities of scaling a business.
Key learnings
- Discipline in fitness translates to discipline in business and law.
- Kindness and accessibility are powerful tools for building trust and growth.
- Technology is reshaping the legal and real estate industries—adapt early.
- Failure is a teacher. Delegation and teamwork are essential for success.
- Giving back creates purpose beyond profits and strengthens community ties.