New Direction Family Law has nearly 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of our clients in family law matters. Our holistic approach allows us to provide high-quality, individualized attention to individuals in Wake, Durham, Johnston, and surrounding counties in North Carolina.
Harriet Strickland
Client Relations Specialist
Harriet Strickland
Client Relations Specialist
Professional Background
Harriet Strickland is a North Carolina native who grew up in Wilson, NC, in a family deeply rooted in
the court system. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Carolina
University, graduating cum laude. From an early age, Harriet was exposed to the inner workings of
the legal field through her family’s work in juvenile justice and advocacy, which helped shape her
long-standing interest in law and public service.
During her undergraduate studies, Harriet completed an internship with the Pitt County District
Attorney’s Office, where she discovered her passion for legal studies and courtroom work. Following
graduation, she gained hands-on experience as a legal assistant in criminal law and later as a
paralegal in real estate law. These roles provided her with a strong foundation across multiple
practice areas before she found her professional home in family law; a field she finds both meaningful
and fulfilling.
Approach to Clients
Harriet is passionate about helping people navigate challenging circumstances with compassion and
confidence. She values building strong relationships with clients and takes pride in guiding matters
from start to finish with care. Her background in both criminal and real estate law allows her to bring a
well-rounded perspective to family law matters, while her natural warmth and empathy help clients
feel comfortable and supported throughout the process from the very first phone call.
Community Involvement
As a lifelong North Carolinian, Harriet values community connection and service. She comes from a
family with a strong legacy of civic involvement, including work with Guardian ad Litem programs and
juvenile court services, which continues to inspire her commitment to helping others through her legal
career.
Outside of work, Harriet enjoys staying active and engaged in a wide range of interests. She spends
her free time playing pickleball during the warmer months, exploring new restaurants, shopping, and
keeping up with the latest in skincare and haircare. A self-described home décor enthusiast and
reality TV professional, she also enjoys researching criminal justice statistics and finds herself
engrossed in true crime programming.
Harriet is a devoted cat mom to two cats, Miss Kitty and Pookie, and loves traveling with her family,
spending summers at Atlantic Beach and making annual trips to New York City—her favorite
destination.
