The Alamance News, Bryan Norris sworn in as newest Alamance County district court judge

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Bryan is from Burlington, North Carolina. He completed his undergraduate studies at Davidson College and earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina. He and his wife Rachel Blunk have two sons. 

Bryan has been a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of North Carolina and for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He has also been a litigation associate for
Sharpless and Stavola PA and for Wishart Norris Henninger & Pittman Attys. 


R. Bryan Norris, Jr. is currently serving as a District Court Judge for Judicial District 17. He was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in April of 2024 and is serving his first term. 

As a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of North Carolina, he kept the record of all cases reviewed by the court, filed documents and transcripts, maintained the list of attorneys licensed to practice law before the court, and served as a point of contact for all litigants and attorneys who requested review of their cases.

As a judicial law clerk for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, he maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.

As a litigation associate, Bryan researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

- As a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of North Carolina, he kept the record of all cases reviewed by the court, filed documents and transcripts, maintained the list of attorneys licensed to practice law before the court, and served as a point of contact for all litigants and attorneys who requested review of their cases.
- As a judicial law clerk for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, he maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.
- As a litigation associate, Bryan researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, R. Bryan Norris, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Candidate website

Believes in efficient court administration to prevent delays in justice. Supports effective case management and reducing court backlogs.

- Believes in efficient court administration to prevent delays in justice. Supports effective case management and reducing court backlogs.

Judicial Administration

Believes district court judges must resolve disputes with efficiency, equity, and empathy. Plans to prioritize these principles if elected district court judge.

Believes district court judges must resolve disputes with efficiency, equity, and empathy. 

- Believes district court judges must resolve disputes with efficiency, equity, and empathy. 

Judicial Philosophy

Believes in community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations. Supports initiatives like statewide food drives and mental health assistance for legal professionals.

Serves on the board of directors for BarCARES, a mental health assistance service for lawyers, paralegals, and their families. 

Is a member of the American Bar Association's Judicial Division.

Chaired the North Carolina Bar Association’s statewide food drive for three years.

Chaired the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Civic Engagement Committee to educate young lawyers on how to give back to their communities.

- Serves on the board of directors for BarCARES, a mental health assistance service for lawyers, paralegals, and their families. 
- Is a member of the American Bar Association's Judicial Division.
- Chaired the North Carolina Bar Association’s statewide food drive for three years.
- Chaired the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Civic Engagement Committee to educate young lawyers on how to give back to their communities.

Community Involvement

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R. Bryan Norris, Jr.

Bryan is currently serving as a District Court Judge for Judicial District 17. He was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in April of 2024 and is serving his first term. 

Believes that delaying justice is equivalent to denying it and is committed to efficient case resolution, especially in child welfare and family cases. Plans to bring his expertise to the Alamance County District Court to improve judicial administration.

Believes efficient case management is crucial, stating that "the delay in the administration of justice equates to its denial." Supports using legal expertise to improve court administration and reduce case backlogs.

Believes district court judges must resolve disputes with "efficiency, fairness, and empathy." Plans to support vulnerable populations and manage diverse cases effectively.

R. Bryan Norris, Jr. is an Alamance County native and an Eagle Scout who values integrity, service, and selflessness. He completed his undergraduate studies at Davidson College and earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina. Details about his current place of residence, church attendance, or family life are not provided in the information given.

R. Bryan Norris, Jr. began his legal career at Wishart, Norris, Henninger, and Pittman in Burlington, where he represented individuals, businesses, and non-profits in court. No previous jobs are mentioned in the provided information.

As of July 8, 2024, R. Bryan Norris, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes real-world legal experience is crucial for understanding practical law, advocating for clients, and ensuring justice for all. Supports treating all legal participants with respect and dignity.

Believes in efficiently resolving criminal and civil cases to ensure timely justice. Plans to bring his extensive legal experience and dedication to Alamance County's District Court bench.

Believes in the importance of legal experience and education, having clerked at North Carolina's appellate courts and received the Robinson O. Everett Professionalism Award. Supports mental health initiatives for legal professionals through BarCARES.

Believes real-world legal experience is essential for understanding the practical aspects of law. Supports justice for all, regardless of background or circumstances.

Believes in the importance of legal experience and education, having served as a secretary in appellate courts and received the Robinson O. Everett Award for Professionalism. Supports mental health initiatives for legal professionals through BarCares.

Believes in community involvement through volunteer work, public service, and participation in local organizations. As president of the Committee of Civic Engagement, encouraged young lawyers to contribute to their communities.

The candidate's website says, "Estamos sentando las bases para una campaña impulsada por la comunidad y queremos que participes. Únase a otras personas que apoyan a Bryan como juez de un tribunal de distrito haciendo una donación hoy."

Believes community involvement, including volunteer work and local organizations, can significantly impact lives by providing quality mental healthcare and setting people on a pathway to success.

Believes community involvement is personal and impactful, emphasizing the importance of quality mental health care to improve lives. Plans to bring his values and experiences to the district court.

- 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. 