Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Profile: Benjamin T. Cochran ‘02
Benjamin T. Cochran ‘02 currently serves as a managing partner at Hardison & Cochran, a law firm that deals in personal injury, workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Law across the state of North Carolina. Cochran currently serves on the law school’s Board of Visitors. He is originally from High Point, North Carolina, and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1999.
Why Campbell Law?
Cochran chose Campbell Law for its former and more remote location in Buies Creek, North Carolina, where he would be able to focus on studying law with minimal distractions.
On practice
Cochran is a North Carolina board certified workers’ compensation specialist who represents injured workers. Early in his law school career, he was exposed to workers’ compensation law and found that “it was his calling,” becoming employed with his current firm during his second year of law school. His role requires frequent direct client interaction, claims management and litigation, allowing him to make a difference inside and outside of the courtroom.
A lesson that stuck
“Never sacrifice your reputation to win.”
People who shaped you
Cochran was shaped by Professor Gregory Wallace, who “stood” him up every single class in his first semester of law school. This taught him to always be prepared to perform at any time.
On being Campbell Law Family
Being Campbell Law family means being part of a tradition that devotes itself to the education of legal practitioners, preparing them to help those who cannot navigate the law themselves.
Advice to current students
Cochran’s advice is to start out in your law school career like you can hold out. When you “give your best effort consistently, eventually everyone will realize what they will get when they see your name.”
The next 50 years
Cochran feels that over the next 50 years, the law school should continue the tradition of providing legal education and advocacy as it continues to develop leaders in education of law. Campbell Law should focus on continuing to grow within the community, the state of North Carolina and become recognizable across the country as well as throughout the world.
Sidebar
- Currently reading: National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) “Reiner Magazine”
- Most adventurous thing: About five years ago, I started breeding, riding and training reining quarter horses.
- Favorite Raleigh spot: Hibernian Irish Pub
- Proudest moment: Each time my family is able to sit down at the dinner table together.