Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

A native of Halifax County, NC, Pat Evans came to Durham in 1976 to attend NCCU and never left. In 1980, Pat graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Political Science.

She received her Juris Doctorate from NCCU's School of Law. In 1984, Pat received her bar license and opened a general practice of law in Durham. As a general practitioner, she represented an array of persons and handled a diversity of legal matters (both criminal and civil) in District and Superior Court. In 1990, Pat joined the Durham County District Attorney's Office where she prosecuted criminal, traffic, and child support matters in all trial courts in Durham County.

Pat's current law practice is focused primarily on criminal matters in District and Superior Court in Durham County. In addition, she handles civil matters and represents clients before state administrative and professional boards. She is also licensed to practice in the Middle District of North Carolina.

A dedicated servant to the Durham community, Pat maintains strong affiliations with the local, state and national bar associations. She is also a member of the Policeman's Benevolent Association, Southern Poverty Law Center, Durham Sentencing Services and NCCU's Law School, where she serves as an Adjunct Professor. She has served on the board of directors for Durham County Mental Health, American Red Cross and the Durham Bar among others. Today, Pat tutors at-risk youth, teaches Sunday School, is a Teen Court Judge, leads an AIDS Care Team ministry and mentors young lawyers.

Despite all the above, her most rewarding achievement is her relationship with God, and her bestowed blessings of a loving husband, wonderful children and grandchildren, a caring family, and loyal friends and colleagues.

After much prayer and soul searching, I have decided that NOW is the time for me to seek a seat on the Durham County District Court bench. I did not enter this decision lightly. I reflected on my passions and convictions and realized what is right and true for me - at my core, I am a public servant.

Of course, I could tell you about my academic and professional qualifications, but that is not what this piece is about. This is about our hopes for a brighter future here in Durham.

I have been in the legal system for over 26 years. We have gotten some things right and some wrong. Experience is the best teacher. The one thing I do know is that we have an obligation as a community to address those issues that plague our at-risk youth. My personal slogan is 'ON A MISSION FOR JUSTICE'. As a part of that mission, I see my role as judge as simple: to serve ALL of the people of Durham. Therefore, I will be reaching out and asking for your assistance in helping me to help our young people. It is up to us to make sure that the next generation has the skills it needs to carry forth our legacy. However, my commitment does not stop with our young people. It also requires a lot more of me. Therefore, I pledge to : preside with integrity; run an efficient courtroom; maintain a level head; listen with an open mind; and be fair and impartial.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend. I love Durham. Together we can make Durham an even more spectacular community than it already is!!

- Pat Evans