Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I have been a Wake County resident for nearly 30 years. After graduating from Ravenscroft School in 1987, I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in chemistry. I attended Regent University School of Law, where I was a member of the National Trial Team. During law school, I interned with the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office. I received my law degree in 1999 and thereafter, accepted a commission with the United States Navy as a JAG officer.

From October 1999 until December 2002, I served the United States as a lieutenant and attorney at the Naval Legal Service Office, Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT. I defended clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges and was the legal assistance department head, personally counseling over 500 clients in domestic relations, landlord/tenant law, consumer law, and estate planning.

After serving honorably for three years as a JAG officer, I entered private practice where I am now a partner with Sandlin & Davidian PA. My practice encompasses criminal law and defense, all aspects of family law, civil litigation, juvenile law and I have practiced and appeared in each of the Wake County District Court courtrooms. I am a certified Parenting Coordinator and will soon be a certified family financial mediator, having completed the training in March 2010. I am a contributing author to the Military Divorce Handbook and have been a speaker at various military and family law education seminars.

I am married to Heidi Bloom, a family law attorney and partner at Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton, and am the proud father of two beautiful children, Pierce (4) and Isabel (2).

I am respectfully requesting your vote for the position of Wake County District Court Judge. I have the knowledge, capabilities and dedication to serve the Wake County public as a District Court Judge and possess the integrity, temperament and professional experience that make me uniquely qualified for the position.

A district court judge presides over the issues most likely to impact our citizens, including domestic/family law matters, traffic issues, misdemeanor criminal matters, juvenile matters, landlord/tenant disputes and small civil matters. As a private practitioner, I have substantial experience in criminal law, family law, civil litigation, and juvenile law. This experience is what sets me apart – I am the only candidate in my race that has practical experience in all District Court courtrooms. My legal experience has well prepared me to meet all of the issues and the challenges facing a District Court Judge.

As a long-time Wake County resident, I have had the opportunity to interact with many members of our diverse community. I have earned a sound reputation among peers and colleagues in my profession. I am considered thoughtful, compassionate, knowledgeable and fair by the people I have encountered in my personal and professional life. I am open-minded, fair-minded and when necessary tough-minded.

As a JAG officer, I developed a strong sense of honor, integrity and commitment. As a husband and father, I have gained the necessary practical insight and perspective to make confident, well-reasoned decisions from the bench. I view service on the District Court bench as an opportunity and privilege to share my skills, knowledge, experience, judgment and temperament with the citizens of Wake County. If elected, I promise to work hard, to honor my oath to support the Constitution, and to administer justice fairly, faithfully, and impartially.

Thank you for your support,

Woofer