Neely won election in November 2018 with 61 percent of the vote in a county immediately to the south of Greensboro. She was raised just outside of Asheboro, North Carolina, before attending the College of Charleston and later practicing family law in a firm she managed with her father.

Building a family legacy from the bench

The Hon. Sarah Neely Lanier L’10 took a ceremonial oath of office on January 2, 2019, before family, friends and members of the Randolph County legal community. Lanier’s husband, Capt. Jeremy Lanier of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, held a Bible in one hand and their son, Alex, in the other.

Sarah Neely Lanier was raised just outside Asheboro, North Carolina. She attended the College of Charleston. She is married to Jeremy Lanier, and they have one son.

Building a family legacy from the bench | Today at Elon | Elon ...

Sarah was raised just outside Asheboro, North Carolina. She attended the College of Charleston. She is married to Jeremy Lanier, and they have one son.

An Elon Law alumna whose career has focused on family law and working with youth offenders will now serve as a North Carolina District Court judge in the county where she was born and raised.

Sarah previously practiced family law at a firm she managed with her father, and her career has also focused on working with youth offenders.

Neely won election in November 2018 with 61 percent of the vote in a county immediately to the south of Greensboro.

NC Superior Court Judge District 37 Seat 1 — James P. (Jimmy) Hill, Asheboro (R).

NC District Court Judge District 37 Seat 1 —Sarah Neely Lanier, Asheboro (R).

NC District Court Judge District 37 Seat 3 — Darren C. Allen, Asheboro (R).

Filings for 2026 North Carolina Primary continue

Sarah currently serves as a North Carolina District Court judge for District 37, Seat 1. She was elected in November 2018.

Sarah  Neely Lanier currently serves as a North Carolina District Court judge for District 37, Seat 1. She was elected in November 2018.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Practiced family law, including work with youth offenders, and managed a law firm with her father.

- Practiced family law, including work with youth offenders, and managed a law firm with her father.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Sarah Neely Lanier did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Elon Law administrators who taught Lanier recalled her passion for serving the law school on the Moot Court Board and in the bond she shared with her father when he volunteered to judge competitions.

- Served on Elon Law’s Moot Court Board.

Community Involvement

Sarah Neely Lanier

As of January 5, 2026, Sarah Neely Lanier’s website did not contain information on this issue.

SARAH NEELY LANIER is a district court judge with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts who was recently elected to the NC District Court Judges Association board of governors. She and her husband reside in Asheboro, N.C., with their son.

College of Charleston Class Notes, Summer 2025

Class Notes

Sarah Neely Lanier is from Asheboro, North Carolina. She has a bachelor 27s degree from the College of Charleston and a law degree from Elon University. She and her husband, Capt. Jeremy Lanier of the Randolph County Sheriff 27s Office, have a son.

Class Notes November 2024

Sarah is a judge on the North Carolina District Court, District 37.

Sarah is currently a district court judge with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. She was elected in 2018 and is currently serving her first term.

Has experience in family law and working with youth offenders.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

- 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. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.