Smoky Mountain News, WNC swears in a new judge

Justin has a son. He is a Swain County native.

Justin has practiced law out of Bryson City since 2006. he works primarily in family law.

Justin B. Greene is currently a district court judge in District 43. He was appointed in 2023 and is serving his first term while running for official election. He previously ran for the seat in 2010 and 2020, but did not win at either of those times.

Believes legal experience in family law requires understanding the "best interests of the minor child" standard and balancing it with client advocacy. Said, "I have become talented at understanding these cases well enough to predict what a judge will generally do."

Believes legal experience in family law requires understanding the "best interests of the minor child" standard and balancing it with client advocacy.

Has experience with family law, especially cases with children in difficult situations.

Represented the Swain County Department of Social Services (DSS) from 2010 to 2014, and became the DSS's attorney in 2018.

- Believes legal experience in family law requires understanding the "best interests of the minor child" standard and balancing it with client advocacy.
- Has experience with family law, especially cases with children in difficult situations.
- Represented the Swain County Department of Social Services (DSS) from 2010 to 2014, and became the DSS's attorney in 2018.

Legal Experience

Believes in maintaining honesty, acknowledging mistakes, and respecting the time and resources of clients, opposing counsel, and the court.

- Believes in maintaining honesty, acknowledging mistakes, and respecting the time and resources of clients, opposing counsel, and the court.

Ethics & Conduct

As of June 14, 2024, Justin B. Greene did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Justin B. Greene

As of June 14, 2024, Justin B. Greene did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Justin B. Greene is a native and resident of Swain County, North Carolina, where he graduated from Swain County High School in 1994. He earned his BA in English in 1998 and his MA in Writing and Editing in 2001. Details about his family life, church attendance, or other aspects of his personal background are not provided.

Justin B. Greene worked in the publishing industry as a copy editor after completing his MA in Writing and Editing. He later pursued a career in law, graduating with a JD from the University of Kentucky in May 2008, and subsequently opened his own law firm at the end of 2008.

As of July 8, 2024, Justin B. Greene’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- 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. 