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Pittman Agner has some exciting news: we're growing our team again. Please join us in welcoming two new associate attorneys to the firm, John Michael Leighton and Aleisha Santos, who were officially sworn in this week.
Both John and Aleisha bring something different to the table, but they share the same foundation: a genuine commitment to the people and communities they serve. We couldn't be more excited to have them join us.
Meet Attorney John Michael Leighton
For John, this isn't just a new job, it's a homecoming. A Kinston native, John previously interned with Pittman Agner during law school, and we're thrilled he's chosen to launch his legal career right back where he started, alongside attorneys and staff he already knows and respects.
John's interest in the law took root well before he set foot in a courtroom. Watching attorneys guide individuals and families through some of life's biggest moments left a lasting impression on him, one that shaped the client-centered approach he now brings to his own practice. For John, a job well done means a client who feels genuinely heard, supported, and ready to move forward.
When he's not in the office, you'll likely find John fishing, hunting, or spending time with the people closest to him.
Meet Attorney Aleisha Santos
Aleisha joins Pittman Agner with a clear sense of purpose: advocating for people, especially young people, caught up in the justice system. Her focus on criminal defense, and juvenile defense in particular, grew out of real, hands-on work in the community long before she passed the bar.
Before coming to Pittman Agner, Aleisha spent time working directly with at-risk youth through a restorative justice program in Wayne County and contributed to post-conviction review efforts aimed at identifying wrongful convictions. That experience, paired with her degree from Campbell Law, gives her a grounded, practical perspective on the stakes her clients face.
Outside the office, Aleisha can usually be found trying out a new coffee shop, reading, or spending time with her dog, Rylie.
Welcoming John and Aleisha to the Team
At Pittman Agner, we've always believed our firm is only as strong as the people in it. John and Aleisha each bring real heart to the work, and we're confident our clients will feel that difference right away.
Please join us in welcoming John Michael Leighton and Aleisha Santos to Pittman Agner.