Governor Cooper Announces Three Judicial Appointments

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Angela earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from the College of William & Mary and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.

Angela works as a social services attorney with the Cleveland County Department of Social Services. She previously worked as a delinquency attorney with The Children’s Law Center.

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Angela Woods currently serves as district court judge in District 39. She was appointed in 2024, and is serving her first term while running for official election. She previously ran for district court judge in 2020, but did not win.

Voters will elect new judge for Cleveland and Lincoln counties

As part of the Cleveland County Department of Social Services, works to assist the agency with the establishment and enforcement of child support payments and addressing adult guardianship issues.

As part of the Children's Law Center, worked to represent juveniles charged with crimes.

- As part of the Cleveland County Department of Social Services, works to assist the agency with the establishment and enforcement of child support payments and addressing adult guardianship issues.
- As part of the Children's Law Center, worked to represent juveniles charged with crimes.

Legal Experience

As of June 15, 2025, Angela Woods’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Judicial Administration

Said, "People need to have a judge who will listen to what they have to say," and "As an attorney, I think it makes a big difference when you not only have the experience I do, but can also represent the community.'"

Advocates for minority and female representation in the court system.

- Said, "People need to have a judge who will listen to what they have to say," and "As an attorney, I think it makes a big difference when you not only have the experience I do, but can also represent the community.'"
- Advocates for minority and female representation in the court system.

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Angela Woods

Brittany is a lifelong resident of Cleveland County and graduated from Crest High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from North Carolina State University and her law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Brittany and her husband Jason have two daughters. She is a member and Sunday School Teacher at Poplar Springs Baptist Church.

Brittany has worked as an assistant district attorney for District Attorney Mike Miller, in private law practice, and as a social worker for the Department of Social Services in Cleveland County.

Brittany Waters Padgett's campaign for District Court Judge for North Carolina Judicial District 39 is her first entry into politics. 

As assistant district attorney, she 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.

In private law practice, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in child custody, divorce, spousal support, child support, property division and adoption.

- As assistant district attorney, she 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.
- In private law practice, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in child custody, divorce, spousal support, child support, property division and adoption.

As of June 15, 2025, Brittany Waters Padgett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Brittany Waters Padgett

- 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. 

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