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Robesonian: Diane Surgeon takes oath of office to serve as District Court judge

Diane is originally from Goldsboro. She is married to her husband, Anthony. She earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Law.

Diane currently operates the Surgeon Law Firm. She worked at Lumbee River Legal Services and the Robeson County Public Defender's Office. She was the first African-American female attorney in the county. Diane founded the Southeastern Family Violence Center and Communities in Schools.

Diane Phillips Surgeon is currently a district court judge serving Judicial District 16B. She was appointed in 2021 and is serving her first term.

Has experience as a guardian ad litem, which represents the interests of those that cannot do so themselves.

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization procedures, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- Has experience as a guardian ad litem, which represents the interests of those that cannot do so themselves.
- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization procedures, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Diane Phillips Surgeon did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Served as the president of the Robeson County Bar Association.

- Served as the president of the Robeson County Bar Association.

Community Involvement

Diane Phillips Surgeon

- 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. 