Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Born and raised in Virginia, I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. degree in 1972.  I married my husband, Frank, that same year and we remained in Gainesville until he graduated from law school the following year.  We settled in Raleigh and with his encouragement, I applied and was accepted into the Charter Class of Campbell University School of Law, graduating and passing the bar exam in 1979.  My first job was with the Attorney General's Office where I held positions of increasing responsibility while arguing numerous civil and criminal appeals.  I was recognized for my brief writing and oral argument skills by being placed on the Capital Case team, arguing exclusively first degree murder cases. 

In 1999, I was hired as General Counsel to the Speaker of the House, switching from the executive to the legislative branch of government.  On February 2, 2002, I became a District Court Judge -- making the move to the judicial branch -- and was elected to the seat in 2004 and in 2008. 

In addition to being admitted before the United States Supreme Court, and all levels of federal and state court, I hold the AV (highest) rating from Martindale-Hubbell. 

My professional memberships include the NC Bar Association, serving as Vice President in 2007-08; the Wake County Bar Association, serving as President in 2001; NC Association of Women Attorneys; and the NC State Bar, serving on the Continuing Legal Education Committee for six years.  I am a current appointee of the Chief Justice to the NC Courts Commission and served for eight years on the State Judicial Council.

I am active in my church and community, volunteering for a number of nonprofits.  Frank and I are the proud parents of Matthew, who married the lovely Lauren Bailey last July.

As a trial judge, my philosophy has been to give each party a fair and impartial hearing -- whether the case is civil or criminal; whether the party is an individual or a business.  I do not have an "agenda".  There is no place for partisan politics in the courtroom.  I do not prejudge any case, but let the facts of each case come from the evidence presented.  I then apply the law to the facts, whether the law is a statute, administrative regulation, appellate court precedent or a provision in our state or federal constitution.  On occasion, when the applicable law may not be clear, or there may be a conflict in precedents, I look to the intent of the drafters of the law -- either the General Assembly in the case of a statute or rule, or the authors of our federal and state constitutions in the case of a constitutional principle.

If elected, I would take this same philosophy to the Court of Appeals.  I would seek to apply established precedent and explain my rulings in clear, cogent opinions.  It is very important that appellate decisions be clear and understandable to the trial judges, the attorneys and the parties.

I believe my colleagues on the bench and attorneys who practice in Wake County would attest that I have a strong work ethic.  The Court of Appeals issued opinions in approximately 1,800 cases last year, so the Court needs dedicated, hard working judges.  I am committed to carrying my share of the caseload.

I am humbled by the endorsement of former Chief Justices James Exum and Burley Mitchell, former Chief Judges Gerald Arnold and Sidney Eagles, Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby and Wake Public Defender Bryan Collins.  Further endorsements are found on my website. 

Thank you.