Name as it appears on the ballot: A. Graham Shirley

Age: 61

Party affiliation: Republican

Campaign website: grahamshirley.org

Occupation & employer: Superior Court Judge, State of North Carolina

  1. Please tell us what in your record as a public official or private citizen demonstrates your ability to be effective, fair, and impartial on the bench? Please be specific. What do you believe qualifies you to serve as a Superior Court Judge?

For the past nine years I have had the honor and privilege of serving as a Superior Court Judge.  Prior to becoming a Superior Court Judge, I practiced law primarily in Wake County Superior Court for 22 years.   I have been assigned by the last three Chief Justices of the North Carolina Supreme Court to preside over complex civil matters and constitutional matters. I have broad bipartisan support in the legal community which is a direct result of being effective, fair and impartial.   I am often sought out by both plaintiff and defense attorneys to agree to be appointed to handle their cases. 

2) How do you define yourself politically? How does that impact your judicial approach?

I am moderate as to most issues. My judicial approach is not impacted by how I define myself politically.   My political beliefs should not, and do not,  guide how I analyze a case.  I am sworn to uphold the law and administer justice without favor or bias.

3) What do you believe are the three most important qualities a judge must have to be an effective jurist? Which judges, past or present, do you most admire? Why?

a. A deep commitment to the law and belief in the judicial system.

b. A  willingness and ability to follow the law as it is written. 

c. The ability to listen, reflect and discern.

Two judges that come to mind are Judge Osmond Smith and Judge Don Stephens.   They both cared deeply about the judicial system and worked hard to ensure all were treated fairly.

(4) In a sentence, how would you define your judicial philosophy? 

Justice starts with applying the law equally to everyone who appears before me, as it is written and has been construed by the appellate courts.  

5) Do you favor or oppose public financing of judicial elections? What changes to North Carolina’s system of judicial elections do you believe are necessary, if any?

I have no opposition to public financing.  I believe that at least with respect to trial court races they should be non-partisan.

6) In many cases, voters know very little about the judges they are electing. Tell us something about yourself that our readers may be surprised to learn. 

While I had a very successful private practice I work harder as a judge than I did as an attorney. I do this for judicial efficiency so that I am fully prepared for whatever comes before me. Judges in North Carolina are seldom assigned to a specific case from its inception, and we typically do not know what case or cases we will hear until the week prior to a hearing or trial.  Before going into Court I make sure I have read the motions to be heard several times, read the briefs and conducted my own legal research on the issues.  That way I am prepared to ask the questions necessary to reach an informed decision.  In addition, Superior Courts Judges are responsible for reviewing and issuing search warrants both before, during, and after working hours. I make myself available 24 hours a day to assist law enforcement in these matters.   

7) If you are in a competitive race, what sets you apart from the other candidate(s)? 

My extensive background in both civil and criminal law stems from my 22 years of experience practicing as an attorney in Wake County Superior Court, as well as nine years of experience as a Superior Court Judge in Wake County. This unparalleled experience, balanced perspective, and a deep understanding of the law and its impact on our community sets me apart from the other candidate in my race.