Ms. Johnson-Tonkins is a native of Greensboro and was educated in the public schools of Guilford County, graduated from North Carolina A&T University with a BA in Public Relations (1994) and received her law degree from North Carolina Central University (2003). After three years of working in a law firm, she decided to serve the public and accepted a position with the Guilford County District Attorney office. In 2014 she became the Clerk of Superior Court for Guilford County.

Lisa Johnson-Tonkins.pdf

Ms. Johnson-Tonkins currently resides in Greensboro with her husband and three children.

Lisa Y. Johnson-Tonkins is originally from Greensboro. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from North Carolina A&T University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and three children.

The Honorable Lisa Johnson-Tonkins was appointed to the Commission by Chief Justice Cheri Beasley on October 1, 2020, - September 30, 2023, as a clerk of superior court. Ms. Johnson-Tonkins is the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court (December 2014) and served as Assistant District Attorney in Guilford County from 2006-2014.

Lisa Y. Johnson-Tonkins previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Guilford County and at a law firm.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointment: Lisa Johnson-Tonkins to the Superior Court for Judicial District 24A, serving part of Guilford County. Johnson-Tonkins is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Lora Cubbage retired. Johnson-Tonkins most recently served as the elected clerk of the Superior Court of Guilford County.

Governor Stein Announces Superior Court Appointment

Lisa was appointed to the Superior Court for Judicial District 24A, serving part of Guilford County, to fill a vacancy created by Judge Lora Cubbage's retirement. She most recently served as the elected clerk of Superior Court of Guilford County.

Lisa was appointed to the Superior Court for Judicial District 24A, serving part of Guilford County, to fill a vacancy created by Judge Lora Cubbage's retirement. She also served as the clerk of the Superior Court of Guilford County. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Serves as a Superior Court judge in Judicial District 24A, presiding over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issuing rulings and orders.

As superior court judge, oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Served as Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, recording, filing, and maintaining court records and official documents.

Served as an Assistant District Attorney in Guilford County from 2006 to 2014, prosecuting cases under state law for the district attorney's office.

- As superior court judge, oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- Served as Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, recording, filing, and maintaining court records and official documents.
- Served as an Assistant District Attorney in Guilford County from 2006 to 2014, prosecuting cases under state law for the district attorney's office.

Legal Experience

As of August 26, 2026, Lisa Y. Johnson-Tonkins’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Lisa Y. Johnson-Tonkins

- Serves as a Superior Court judge in Judicial District 24A, presiding over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issuing rulings and orders.
- Served as Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, recording, filing, and maintaining court records and official documents.
- Served as an Assistant District Attorney in Guilford County from 2006 to 2014, prosecuting cases under state law for the district attorney's office.

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Buket Urgen

- 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.

Trial Judge who hears criminal and civil cases