NC Court of Appeals Judge
A NC Appellate Court Judge must be authorized to practice law in NC and have substantial appellate practice experience; and must be under 72 years of age. Justices are elected for 8-year terms.
JOHN ARROWWOOD
UNRESPONSIVE
DemocratMATT SMITH
UNRESPONSIVE
RepublicanRepublicanMICHAEL BYRNE
UNRESPONSIVE
DemocratTOBIAS HAMPSON
UNRESPONSIVE
GEORGE BELL
UNRESPONSIVE
Republican
JAMES WHALEN
I am an attorney fighting to protect our rights. Earlier this year, I was part of the legal team that defended Justice Allison Riggs’s victory and stopped a dangerous attempt to overturn a free and fair election. I previously served as an appellate attorney in the NC Department of Justice, where I fought gerrymandering, fought for our public schools, and held domestic abusers accountable. I have the appropriate appellate experience necessary to serve on the Court of Appeals. I began my legal career clerking and being mentored by U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Biggs. Before becoming an attorney, I served as a fellow on President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign and managed winning political campaigns. I earned my B.A. from UNC Asheville and J.D. from UNC School of Law. Originally from Charlotte, I live in Raleigh with my wife, son, dog Sherlock, and cat Clue, and practice law at Brooks Pierce LLP.
Democrat
DemocratCHRISTINE WALCZYK
I was born in Raleigh and earned my Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill. I also graduated magna cum laude from the Boston College Carroll School of Management with a B.S. in Management and a concentration in Finance. In 2007, I was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacancy on the district court, and since then, I have been elected five times. I have been nominated for leadership positions by four different chief judges from both political parties. I served as Lead Judge in domestic court for many years and currently serve as Lead Judge in general civil court. Prior to serving on the bench, I practiced law for over a decade. We started our practice in the 1990s because we wanted the freedom to represent everyday people and to be a voice for marginalized groups. Our practice primarily assisted employees, small family-run businesses, and indigent adults and juveniles charged with crimes. Throughout my 30-year career, I have remained deeply committed to public service. I believe in mentoring and supporting women, particularly in the legal profession, and in working with organizations that help level the playing field for self-represented persons. I am a former instructor at Wake Technical Community College and Meredith College’s Paralegal Program, and I have devoted substantial time to training new attorneys and fellow judges.
Republican