Guilford County Loses Legal leader to Charlotte
Guilford County is preparing for a shift in leadership within its Attorney’s Office as current County Attorney, Nicole Leslie-Fite, is returning to Charlotte to resume her legal career. Leslie-Fite announced her departure with a statement expressing “deep gratitude” to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and staff, emphasizing the importance of public service and the impactful relationships she’s forged during her two-year tenure. She expressed hope that her leadership positively impacted the community and voiced appreciation for the support received during the transition.
During her time in Guilford County, leslie-Fite and her team were instrumental in navigating complex legal challenges surrounding significant economic progress projects, including Jet Zero, cascade, and Lenovo. She also provided crucial legal guidance for the county’s landmark $1.7-billion bond initiative – the largest in state history – and played a key role in the overhaul of the Guilford County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, shaping the future of growth and development within the county.
Leslie-Fite also faced a significant early challenge, successfully managing the legal fallout from a contentious dispute with Samet Corp. over a stalled $20-million-plus sheriff’s headquarters project.
Prior to joining Guilford County, Leslie-Fite brought a wealth of experiance garnered from over 15 years in local government law. Her background includes serving as city attorney in Shelby, handling human resources litigation for Charlotte, advising boards and commissions in Cleveland County, and practicing as a law firm partner. This diverse experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of governmental legal operations. In fact, Shelby’s mayor reportedly expressed strong reluctance to see her leave when she initially accepted the Guilford County position.
The Charlotte City Council unanimously approved her return, a noteworthy outcome given the city’s often-divided political landscape. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Leslie-Fite remains actively involved in legal organizations, currently serving as president of the North Carolina Association of County Attorneys, and holding memberships in the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the North Carolina Bar association.She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from UNC-Chapel Hill and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
her departure leaves Guilford County facing a period of transition. The county had recently achieved stability in the Attorney’s Office following the retirement of her predecessor, and now must begin a new search for a qualified replacement. The situation is further complex by the recent retirement of Matt Mason,who traditionally served as interim county attorney during such transitions.
With a population exceeding 540,000, numerous ongoing contracts, and a constant stream of land-use issues, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners will be tasked with finding a capable leader to navigate these complex challenges and continue the momentum of ongoing initiatives.
