Ericka holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a law degree from Regent University School of Law. She is married to her husband, Ronald, with whom she has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Their family lives in Goldsboro and are members of St. Mark Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ.

Ballotpedia, Ericka Y. James

Ericka previously worked as an assistant district attorney for the state of North Carolina. She also worked as a private practice attorney and assistant public defender in Virginia. 

Ericka James previously served as a district court judge in District 8. She was elected to this position in 2012 and served for 2 terms. 

As district court judge,  James presided over cases involving juvenile, civil, criminal, and involuntary commitment matters. 

As a private practice attorney, James researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

As an assistant district attorney, James 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 district court judge,  James presided over cases involving juvenile, civil, criminal, and involuntary commitment matters. 
- As a private practice attorney, James researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.
- As an assistant district attorney, James 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.

Legal Experience

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

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to improve court efficiency and avoid unnecessary delays.

- Wants to improve court efficiency and avoid unnecessary delays.

Judicial Administration

Believes representation in leadership roles inspires young people and promotes diversity. Said, "Young girls should see women in their community in positions of leadership" and "African Americans should see people who look like them in positions of leadership."

Supports uplifting underrepresented groups in professional fields.  

- Supports uplifting underrepresented groups in professional fields.  

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Ericka James

Ballotpedia, Billy Strickland

Billy attended Wayne Community College and holds a bachelor's degree from Campbell University and a law degree from Regent University. He lives in Goldsboro with his wife, Jennifer, and their 4 children. He is Baptist. Their family attends Freedom Baptist Church.

Billy currently works as a senior partner at the Strickland Agner Pittman law firm and as a managing partner for his own law firm, Strickland Law Firm PLLC. He previously worked as a mechanic and a rancher. He served in the U.S. National Guard for 5 years. 

Billy Strickland II ran for U.S. House to represent District 1 in North Carolina in 2022, but he did not win. He also ran for state senator in District 7 in 2020, but he did not win that race either. He previously served as chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party. 

As a managing partner at  Strickland Law Firm PLLC, Strickland oversees finances and budgeting, shapes and enforces firm culture, helps attract new clients, manages and mentors legal associates, and guides growth in the firm’s legal practice areas.

As a partner at  Strickland Agner Pittman law firm, Strickland manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel on behalf of clients.

Provides pro bono legal services for juveniles with an unanticipated legal dispute.

- As a managing partner at  Strickland Law Firm PLLC, Strickland oversees finances and budgeting, shapes and enforces firm culture, helps attract new clients, manages and mentors legal associates, and guides growth in the firm’s legal practice areas.
- As a partner at  Strickland Agner Pittman law firm, Strickland manages key client relationships, pursues new clients, mentors junior lawyers, oversees certain areas of legal practice, and provides legal counsel on behalf of clients.
- Provides pro bono legal services for juveniles with an unanticipated legal dispute.

As of June 14, 2024, Billy Strickland II’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Lifetime National Rifle Association (NRA) member.

- Lifetime National Rifle Association (NRA) member.

Billy Strickland II

- 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.