Ashleigh is from Hickory, NC. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wake Forest University, and her law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Ashleigh is a mother to 2 boys. She actively participates in her church community.

Ashleigh worked as an assistant district attorney upon graduating from law school. She then worked as the assistant attorney general starting in 2014 prior to her election.

Ashleigh S. Parker is currently a district court judge. She was appointed in 2017, and is serving her second term.

Candidate website

Believes legal experience is crucial, having litigated hundreds of cases and gained valuable criminal Superior Court experience. Supports specialized legal education and career development, demonstrated by her work in identity theft, child abuse, and drug treatment courts.

Has litigated hundreds of cases and has Superior Court experience, working in identity theft, child abuse, and drug treatment courts.

Believes legal experience, including litigating motor vehicle law and writing appellate briefs on complex issues, provides extensive knowledge in civil law areas such as contract, property, constitutional, and employment law.

Has litigated motor vehicle law and wrote appellate briefs on complex issues, providing extensive knowledge in civil law areas such as contract, property, constitutional, and employment law.

Believes in the importance of diverse legal experience, having presided over various criminal and domestic cases. As a District Court Judge, handled cases including traffic offenses, assaults, DWI, domestic violence, and juvenile court.

Has presided over various criminal and domestic cases, including traffic offenses, assaults, DWI, domestic violence, and juvenile court.

The candidate's website says, "Judge Ashleigh was also certified as an Employment Mediator for the State of NC and a Criminal Justice Instructor in the area of Law by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission"

Certified as an employment mediator and a criminal justice instructor in the area of law by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

Graduated cum laude from law school and has been practicing law since 24 years old.

- Has litigated hundreds of cases and has Superior Court experience, working in identity theft, child abuse, and drug treatment courts.
- Has litigated motor vehicle law and wrote appellate briefs on complex issues, providing extensive knowledge in civil law areas such as contract, property, constitutional, and employment law.
- Has presided over various criminal and domestic cases, including traffic offenses, assaults, DWI, domestic violence, and juvenile court.
- Certified as an employment mediator and a criminal justice instructor in the area of law by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
- Graduated cum laude from law school and has been practicing law since 24 years old.

Legal Experience

Believes in maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in the judiciary. As a judge, earned respect for fair and just decisions, advocating for equal rights under the law.

Believes in maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in the judiciary.

Believes racism is a significant issue in the court system, even affecting lawyers. Said, "Justice isn’t always blind."

Believes racism is a significant issue in the court system, even affecting lawyers, saying, "Justice isn’t always blind."

The candidate's website says, "10th Judicial District Professionalism Committee Spotlight Award, 2017"

Earned the 10th Judicial District Professionalism Committee Spotlight Award in 2017.

- Believes in maintaining high ethical standards and integrity in the judiciary.
- Believes racism is a significant issue in the court system, even affecting lawyers, saying, "Justice isn’t always blind."
- Earned the 10th Judicial District Professionalism Committee Spotlight Award in 2017.

Ethics & Conduct

Believes in moving "efficiently and effectively" to manage large dockets and ensure timely justice in Wake County courtrooms.

The candidate's website says, "“Judge Ashleigh cares about improving the justice system through education.”"

Cares about improving the justice system through education.

- Believes in moving "efficiently and effectively" to manage large dockets and ensure timely justice in Wake County courtrooms.
- Cares about improving the justice system through education.

Judicial Administration

Believes in following the law "without bias and prejudice" and remaining "free from political influence."

Believes in a holistic judicial philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of the people she serves.

- Believes in following the law "without bias and prejudice" and remaining "free from political influence."
- Believes in a holistic judicial philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of the people she serves.

Judicial Philosophy

Believes in educating youth about the criminal justice system and developing strategies to prevent negative involvement. As co-founder of the Capital City Lawyers Association Law Day, facilitated educational tours and mock trials for over 1,000 students.

Believes in educating youth about the criminal justice system and developing strategies to prevent negative involvement, and is a co-founder of the Capital City Lawyers Association Law Day, facilitating educational tours and mock trials for over 1,000 students.

Believes in community involvement through co-founding the Wake County Legal Support Center, which assists individuals in representing themselves and provides legal resources to the public.

Believes in the importance of community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations. As Chair of the Public Service Committee for the Wake County Bar Association (2016-2018), promoted community engagement.

Believes in the importance of community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations as Chair of the Public Service Committee for the Wake County Bar Association from 2016 to 2018.

Believes in the importance of community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations. As Founder of the Wake County Bar Association Day of Service, emphasizes the value of giving back to the community.

As Founder of the Wake County Bar Association Day of Service, emphasizes the value of giving back to the community.

The candidate's website says, "Member, North Carolina Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System, 2020-2023"

Was a member of the North Carolina Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System from 2020 to 2023.

The candidate's website says, "• Participant of Educational Seminar in Israel for Northeast and Southeast African American Leaders sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), 2019"

Was a participant of Educational Seminar in Israel for Northeast and Southeast African American Leaders sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) in 2019.

- Believes in educating youth about the criminal justice system and developing strategies to prevent negative involvement, and is a co-founder of the Capital City Lawyers Association Law Day, facilitating educational tours and mock trials for over 1,000 students.
- Believes in community involvement through co-founding the Wake County Legal Support Center, which assists individuals in representing themselves and provides legal resources to the public.
- Believes in the importance of community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations as Chair of the Public Service Committee for the Wake County Bar Association from 2016 to 2018.
- As Founder of the Wake County Bar Association Day of Service, emphasizes the value of giving back to the community.
- Was a member of the North Carolina Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Criminal Justice System from 2020 to 2023.
- Was a participant of Educational Seminar in Israel for Northeast and Southeast African American Leaders sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) in 2019.

Community Involvement

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Ashleigh S. Parker

Judge Ashleigh S. Parker, originally Ashleigh Dunston, hails from Hickory, North Carolina, and is the daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Parker. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and later graduated cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Ashleigh is a mother to two boys and actively participates in her church community.

Judge Ashleigh S. Parker, formerly known as Ashleigh Dunston, is a Wake County District Court Judge. She has a history of practicing law since the age of 24. Her father, Jason Parker, is a retired Prosecutor and former Wake County Assistant District Attorney.

As of July 8, 2024, Ashleigh S. Parker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes legal education and experience are crucial for protecting the vulnerable. Supports approaching complex cases with empathy and impartiality.

Believes in the power of education and empowerment to drive positive change in the legal landscape. Supports mentoring young aspiring lawyers and participating in legal education programs.

Believes education is crucial for improving the justice system and has written articles and presented CLE classes on topics like professionalism, racism, sexism, DEI, and cultural competency.

Believes in the importance of legal experience and public service. As a District Court Judge, Assistant Attorney General, and Assistant District Attorney, dedicated her career to serving North Carolina citizens.

Believes legal experience, education, and career should be rooted in dedication to justice, public service, and compassion.

Believes racism is a significant issue in the court system, affecting justice. Said, "Justice isn’t always blind."

The candidate's website says, "• 10th Judicial District Professionalism Committee Spotlight Award, 2017"

The candidate's website says, "Dunston, A. P. (2019). Humility is the Highest Form of Professionalism. Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar’s Professionalism Committee Blog."

Believes in ethical conduct by making contributions with personal credit cards, not corporate or others' cards.

The candidate's website says, "Justice Isn’t Always Blind"

Believes a District Court Judge should serve both in court and the community. Said, "I have dedicated my life to public service through both my employment and community commitments."

Believes District Court Judges should be "visible and accessible in the community" and recognizes that rulings impact people's lives beyond case numbers.

Believes in strong community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and supporting local organizations. Said, “Committed to the Community, Dedicated to Justice.”

Believes community involvement helps understand the challenges facing youth and citizens. Said, "Through my own personal experiences and involvement in the community, I understand the challenges facing our youth and the citizens of Wake County."

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 