Governor Cooper Announces Three Judicial Appointments

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced three judicial appointments to North Carolina District Courts.

“These new judges will bring years of legal experience to the bench and have served North Carolina well over the years,” said Governor Cooper. “I appreciate their continued commitment to serving the people of our state.”

Justin Greene has been appointed to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 30, serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Kristina L. Earwood. Greene is a solo practitioner currently serving as County Attorney for Swain County, a Counsel for Graham and Swain County Departments of Social Services, Counsel for the Cherokee County and Clay County Guardian ad Litem and contract counsel for Western North Carolina Legal Aid. He served as conflict counsel for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Legal Assistance Office. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and his Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Lora T. Baker has been appointed to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 29B, serving Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. She will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Emily Cowan. Baker is currently a Partner at Feagan Law Firm and Town of Columbus Attorney. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and her Juris Doctor from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.

M. Jason Williams has been appointed to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 2, serving Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrell and Washington counties. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Christopher B. McLendon. Williams is currently a solo practitioner in Washington, NC, contracted to represent the Martin and Washington County Departments of Social Services. Previously, he served as an Assistant Public Defender in Judicial District 3A in Greenville. Williams received his Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law.