After serving as the top federal prosecutor for eastern North Carolina since November 2021, Michael Easley Jr. quit in early February before President Donald Trump could fire him and the other U.S. Attorneys appointed by Joe Biden.
So Easley did what every veteran lawyer does: He started working on oil changes, fixing brakes and overhauling engines.
Actually, Easley says, “I didn’t know the first thing about how to take an engine apart,” he says. “I felt I’ve never had the time because I’ve been on an all-out sprint since I passed the bar exam.”
But the son of former Gov. Mike Easley became friends in recent years with Jennings “Tiger” Strickland, who runs Tiger’s Automotive less than a mile from the state Capitol in Raleigh. Strickland is a GM-certified mechanic in his mid-60s and a specialist on repairing Corvettes from the 1980s and ‘90s.
“I stopped by Tiger’s a couple of years ago, introduced myself and developed a friendship,” Easley says. “Sometimes when I felt cooped up, I’d go grab a bucket of chicken and hang out there at the shop.”
Easley wanted to remain as the top cop for 44 N.C. counties because he loved the work and believes his team of 150 lawyers and associates helped make the region safer. Trump had other ideas, so Easley spent time after the November election mulling his next step. He learned that several New York and Washington, D.C., law firms like to hire former federal prosecutors.
But Easley decided to return to McGuireWoods, the Richmond, Virginia-based law firm where he had worked from 2010-21. He is a 2010 graduate of UNC Chapel Hill’s law school.
The firm has more than 1,000 lawyers in 24 offices, including Charlotte and Raleigh. Starting March 14, he will be based in the state capital, focusing on investigations and enforcement in partnership with other colleagues around the world. “I hope we can bring a tough investigation practice to help North Carolina businesses navigate risk,” he says.
In the meantime, Easley is still spending some time at Tiger’s Automotive. Strickland taught him basic oil and spark plug changes, then moved on to more sophisticated work. It’s a one-man shop with a steady workload, making what Easley calls “the perfect place to learn. He’s really patient with me, and I’ve moved through the process.”
He’s enjoyed the experience while not seeking compensation. “When you’ve been in a job that is hard and so focused on an executive role, to just do something with your hands and turn a wrench is really fulfilling.”
Easley’s father, by the way, is a master woodworker who “can build anything with his hands,” the junior Easley says. The former governor grew up on a tobacco farm in Nash County, where handyman skills were essential.
When Easley showed interest in working at the repair shop, Strickland told him, “Well, I know you federal employees aren’t used to working a full day, so do you want to come by here around 2:30.” Easley says he laughed, and showed up at 9 a.m.
David Mildenberg is editor of Business North Carolina. Reach him at dmildenberg@businessnc.com.