Trellis Law

Graham holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Military Institute and a law degree from the William & Mary Law School. He is married to his wife, Kim with whom he has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Their family lives in Apex and are active members of Christ Church in Raleigh.

Graham previously worked as a private practice attorney at Shirley & Adams, PLLC, and as an attorney at Lewis & Roberts, PLLC. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army

Ballotpedia

Graham Shirley currently serves as a superior court judge in District 10. He was appointed to this position in 2015, re-elected in 2016, and is serving his first term. 

Candidate website

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As a Superior Court Judge, presided over numerous criminal, civil, and administrative cases, including serious felonies and complex civil disputes.

As a superior court judge, Shirley presides over numerous criminal, civil, and administrative cases and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Believes legal experience includes extensive practice in construction and commercial litigation, representing clients in various courts.

As a private practice attorney, Shirley researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in construction and commercial litigation law. 

As an attorney at Lewis and Robert's PLLC, Shirley drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, and represented clients in North Carolina state in federal trial and appellate courts for various construction and complex commercial cases.

- As a superior court judge, Shirley presides over numerous criminal, civil, and administrative cases and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As a private practice attorney, Shirley researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in construction and commercial litigation law. 
- As an attorney at Lewis and Robert's PLLC, Shirley drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, and represented clients in North Carolina state in federal trial and appellate courts for various construction and complex commercial cases.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Graham Shirley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to reduce backlogs and save time by modernizing court processes. 

- Wants to reduce backlogs and save time by modernizing court processes. 

Judicial Administration

Supports judicial restraint and preventing political biases from interfering in court.

Supports the Constitution and believes in "interpreting the law as it is written and not as I might like it to be..."

- Supports judicial restraint and preventing political biases from interfering in court.
- Supports the Constitution and believes in "interpreting the law as it is written and not as I might like it to be..."

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

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Graham Shirley

Ballotpedia, Jennifer Bedford

Trellis, Judge Jennifer Bedford: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Jennifer was born in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Florida and holds a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University and a law degree from Pennsylvania State University. She is Christian. 

Jennifer previously worked as a staff attorney and senior legislative analyst for the North Carolina General Assembly and as an assistant district attorney for the State of North Carolina. She served in the U.S. Army for 8 years. 

Jennifer Bedford currently serves as a district court judge in Judicial District 10. She was appointed to this position in 2022. 

As an assistant district attorney, Bedford prosecuted felonies with a focus on violent crimes including Murder, Robbery, and Kidnapping, and Domestic Violence and DWI cases.

As a staff attorney and senior legislative analyst, Bedford provided elected officials with context for proposed changes to criminal law and juvenile justice and assisted with statutory interpretation and problem-solving with various stakeholders.

Appointed as a County Guardian ad Litem in 2021, where she advocated for abused and neglected children in Wake County.

- As an assistant district attorney, Bedford prosecuted felonies with a focus on violent crimes including Murder, Robbery, and Kidnapping, and Domestic Violence and DWI cases.
- As a staff attorney and senior legislative analyst, Bedford provided elected officials with context for proposed changes to criminal law and juvenile justice and assisted with statutory interpretation and problem-solving with various stakeholders.
- Appointed as a County Guardian ad Litem in 2021, where she advocated for abused and neglected children in Wake County.

As of June 14, 2024, Jennifer Bedford’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes politics interfering with courthouse matters.

- Opposes politics interfering with courthouse matters.

Believes in "Justice without Favor, Denial, or Delay."

- Believes in "Justice without Favor, Denial, or Delay."
- Supports placing "People First."

Jennifer Bedford

- The Superior Court Judge hears both civil and criminal cases. Superior Court Judges try civil cases involving more than $10,000. Superior Court Judge hear appeals of misdemeanors and infraction cases that were first heard in the District Court,
- They make decisions on bail, meaning a Superior Court Judge could keep a non-dangerous person in jail before they are convicted by setting a high bail.
- In each district (except Wake County), the most senior judge in years of service is designated the senior resident superior court judge. They are responsible for various administrative duties, including appointing magistrates and some other court officials, and managing the scheduling of civil cases for trial.
- Superior court judges rotate among the districts within their divisions.  
- The Superior Court Judge is elected for 8-year terms. Elections are partisan.