Jones grew up in Sylva and received his bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University and his law degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Governor appoints new WNC judge

William (Bill) Jones grew up in Sylva. He earned a bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

William grew up in Sylva. He earned a bachelor's degree from Western Carolina University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Bill Jones most recently served as a solo practitioner for over two decades, specializing in domestic and criminal law. He also served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 30th Judicial District from 1998 to 2003.

Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointment

William (Bill) Jones most recently served as a solo practitioner specializing in domestic and criminal law. He previously served as an assistant district attorney for the 30th Judicial District.

Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointment | NC Governor

William most recently served as a solo practitioner specializing in domestic and criminal law. He previously served as an assistant district attorney for the 30th Judicial District.

RALEIGH, NC Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment of William “Bill” Jones to the District Court for Judicial District 43, serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties. Jones is filling the vacancy created after Judge Roy Wijewickrama was appointed to the Superior Court in November 2024.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment of William “Bill” Jones to the District Court for Judicial District 43, serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties. Jones is filling the vacancy created after Judge Roy Wijewickrama was appointed to the Superior Court in November 2024.

Bill was appointed to the District Court for Judicial District 43, serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties, to fill a vacancy.

William (Bill) Jones was appointed to the District Court for Judicial District 43, serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties, to fill a vacancy.

2026 North Carolina General Election

After Hipps’ death in 2003, Jones decided to go into private practice. In the more than 20 years since then, Jones has handled numerous criminal and domestic cases. “I felt like I had something to offer to the legal community,” Jones said. “I’ve done as many domestic cases as anyone and half as many criminal as anyone.”

New district court judge has more than two decades of Haywood ties

Worked as a solo practitioner for more than two decades, specializing in domestic and criminal law.

Served as an assistant district attorney for the 30th Judicial District from 1998 to 2003.

- Worked as a solo practitioner for more than two decades, specializing in domestic and criminal law.
- Served as an assistant district attorney for the 30th Judicial District from 1998 to 2003.

Legal Experience

Jones brings a wealth of legal knowledge to the bench, as well as the perspective of having handled cases on both sides of the aisle. “Honestly, I feel like I can be an asset and try to move cases through fairly and equitably like the people who came before me in this court system,” Jones said. “I’ve seen all sides of it. Seeing it from all sides will be a big benefit.”

Said he will try to help move cases through the court fairly and equitably.

- Said he will try to help move cases through the court fairly and equitably.

Judicial Administration

Jones said that’s a legacy he hopes to uphold. “Western North Carolina has been known for having one of the best District Court benches in the state,” he said. “I’ve been doing this 20-some years, and I’ve worked hard and diligently. It means a lot to me to uphold this legacy and continue that mentorship and do a good job for the people of this district.”

Said he hopes to uphold Western North Carolina's district court legacy and continue mentoring attorneys.

- Said he hopes to uphold Western North Carolina's district court legacy and continue mentoring attorneys.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, William (Bill) Jones did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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William (Bill) Jones

As of January 5, 2026, William (Bill) Jones’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jones takes over the seat left vacant when Judge Roy Wijewickrama was appointed to a judge’s seat in Superior Court.

“I’m just a local kid,” Jones said. “I’m very proud of my appointment, but I’ve worked damn hard to get it, as well.”

The new judge grew up one county over in Sylva, but had ties to Haywood County, as his dad worked at Dayco. Jones moved to Waynesville after getting married and quickly built connections in his new home.

“I’ve always been incredibly tied to our community and wanted to be here,” he said.

Jones most recently served as a solo practitioner for over two decades, and previously served as an assistant district attorney in District 30 from 1998 to 2003. Jones received his B.A. from Western Carolina University and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Governor Stein Appoints District Court Judge for District 43

New district court judge has more than two decades of Haywood ties ...

Governor Stein Appoints District Court Judge for District 43 | North ...

William (Bill) Jones most recently served as a solo attorney. He previously served as an assistant district attorney in District 30.

Governor Josh Stein has appointed William "Bill" Jones to serve as district court judge in Judicial District 43 (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties). Jones will fill the vacancy created by Judge Roy Wijewickrama being appointed to superior court in November 2024.

February 20, 2025

Served as a solo attorney for over two decades, providing legal advice and representation to clients.

- :null
- Served as a solo attorney for over two decades, providing legal advice and representation to clients.
- :null

Said he will try to move cases forward fairly and equitably.

William (Bill) is a District Court Judge for Judicial District 43 in North Carolina. He works at the North Carolina District Court, where he has been since his appointment by Governor Josh Stein in February 2025. He previously worked as a solo practitioner for more than 20 years, handling domestic and criminal cases, and as an assistant district attorney.

William Jones (North Carolina) - Ballotpedia

William (Bill) Jones previously ran for the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners in 2009 but did not win. He was a Democratic candidate for District 40 of the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012 but did not win. He was appointed as a District Court Judge for North Carolina’s District 43 in 2025 to fill the vacancy created after Judge Roy Wijewickrama was appointed to the Superior Court in November 2024.

Received a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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.