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Former Onslow Co. Commissioner returns to fill unexpired term

William received a bachelor's degree in political science and anthropology from Mercer University, and a law degree from the Notre Dame Law School.

William worked as a senior associate for Silva, Kiernan & Associates. He also worked as a legal intern for the Wake County District Attorney's Office and the Onslow County District Attorney's Office.

William Shanahan currently serves as district court judge in Judicial District 4. He was elected in 2020 and has served one term. He was previously elected in 2018 to serve one term as an Onslow County commissioner and resigned in 2020 following his election as a district court judge.

As a senior associate, worked on family law cases such as divorce agreements, domestic violence, and adoptions, and real estate cases involving land transactions.

- As a senior associate, worked on family law cases such as divorce agreements, domestic violence, and adoptions, and real estate cases involving land transactions.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, William Shanahan did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Candidate profile: William Shanahan

Advocated addressing growth in caseloads through efficient case management and judges' willingness to work longer hours.

- Advocated addressing growth in caseloads through efficient case management and judges' willingness to work longer hours.

Judicial Administration

Said, "I understand that the role of a judge is to follow the law as it is written and apply it to the facts in front of you—regardless of who the parties are and regardless of who the attorneys are."

Supported the "Raise the Age" law, which moves most cases of 16 and 17-year-old teenagers to the juvenile court.

- Said, "I understand that the role of a judge is to follow the law as it is written and apply it to the facts in front of you—regardless of who the parties are and regardless of who the attorneys are."
- Supported the "Raise the Age" law, which moves most cases of 16 and 17-year-old teenagers to the juvenile court.

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

William Shanahan

William received a bachelor's degree in political science and anthropology from Mercer University.

William Shanahan currently serves as District Court Judge in the 4th Judicial District. He was elected in 2020 and has served one term. He was previously elected in 2018 to serve one term as County Commissioner on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners and resigned in 2020 following his election to the District Court Judge position.

Received a Juris Doctorate from the Notre Dame Law School.

- Received a Juris Doctorate from the Notre Dame Law School.
- As a senior associate, worked on family law cases such as divorce agreements, domestic violence, and adoptions, and real estate cases involving land transactions.

As of June 14, 2024, William Shanahan did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- 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. 