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Ashley received her bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and her law degree from Charlotte School of Law.

Ashley previously worked as an assistant district attorney and as a judicial law clerk. Prior to her legal career, she worked as a nurse.

Ashley Watlington-Simms currently serves as a District Court Judge in Judicial District 24. She was appointed in 2020 and is serving her first term.

As a state district court judge, Watlington-Simms 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.

As an assistant district attorney, Watlington-Simms prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a state court clerk, Watlington-Simms 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 state district court judge, Watlington-Simms 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.
- As an assistant district attorney, Watlington-Simms prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a state court clerk, Watlington-Simms maintained court records, administered and collected court fees, filed and processed official documents, scheduled cases, and ensured the public availability of all court proceedings.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Ashley Watlington-Simms did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ashley was a pro bono volunteer for the Mecklenburg County Self Serve Center. She handled divorce, custody, and family law.

- Ashley was a pro bono volunteer for the Mecklenburg County Self Serve Center. She handled divorce, custody, and family law.

Community Involvement

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Ashley Watlington-Simms

- 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. 