Wake County Clerk of Superior Court: Claudia Croom

Name: Claudia Croom

Age: 58

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: www.claudiacroom.com

Occupation & employer: Attorney-Wake County Clerk of Superior Court

Years lived in the area: 30 years

1. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be an effective clerk? This might include career or community service; be specific about its relevance to this office.

“I have 29 years of legal experience, including 10 years as a practicing attorney and 17 years as a Civil Magistrate Judge. I sought the services of the Clerk’s Office as a practicing attorney. As a magistrate, I tried thousands of civil cases. These roles equipped me with a unique perspective which has proven to be instrumental in my transition as the Clerk of Superior Court.

My legal training is beneficial as the Clerk of Superior Court. The Clerk is the Judge of Probate and presides over guardianships, adoptions, competency proceedings, and many other civil actions. Clerks make legal decisions based on the law in these matters. Since my appointment to the role of Clerk of Superior Court in January 2025, I have successfully led the Clerk’s Office utilizing my legal experience and judicial temperament.”

2. In your view, what are the three most pressing issues facing the Clerk of Superior Court? If elected, what will you do to address these issues?

“Sufficient personnel. I requested additional clerk positions, and our office was allocated 10 new clerk positions in this year’s budget. This increases the total number of clerks in Wake County to 197. Although a recent workload formula indicated that we need 248 clerks, these additional positions are critical to help us serve over 1 million residents of Wake County.

Recruitment and retention. In order to recruit the best and the brightest, our average salaries start at $48,700 or more depending on education and experience. I advocated for higher starting salaries for the clerks.

Training. I strive to identify my staff’s gifts and talents to maximize their potential in whatever position they hold. On the job training and continuing education through the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the UNC School of Government, ensures that our clerks are equipped with the knowledge necessary to perform their daily duties. Furthermore, I have instituted cross-training in an effort to increase employees’ versatility and efficiency.”

3. If you are challenging an incumbent, in what ways do you believe you could run the clerk’s office more efficiently? If you are an incumbent, what in your record and experience do you believe entitles you to another term?

“I spend time in the various divisions in the Clerk’s Office to identify ways to improve daily workflows. I have pitched in to conduct hearings when we were short-staffed. When issues arise, I empower the department supervisors by fostering innovation and creativity to help them identify possible solutions to these issues. I encourage and appreciate the input of my team leaders to make decisions based on the facts.

I collaborate with stakeholders that constitute our courthouse community in an effort to address issues that involve multiple agencies. I have partnered with county officials to relocate and create more suitable work spaces for the clerks in several divisions. I have made meaningful personnel changes as an opportunity to promote organizational growth. I have updated the employee manual to clearly identify expectations to set up everyone for success. I will continue these efforts into my next term.”

4. How would you assess the eCourts role out in your jurisdiction? What issues remain to be addressed, and how would you address them?

At the time of the eCourts rollout in 2023, I was serving as a Civil Magistrate Judge in Wake County. Wake County was one of the pilot counties to transition to an electronic file and calendar. The AOC staff provided training classes prior to eCourts going live. Also, their staff attended our court sessions for several weeks to answer our questions until we were proficient with the new system. The AOC was responsive and supportive during this transitional period. 

Now as the Clerk, when we experience latency issues or the system is down, we submit help desk tickets to have these issues addressed. Open lines of communication with the AOC has been invaluable for prompt resolution of issues and significant improvements have been made to the system to increase efficiency. The Clerk’s Office has implemented Process Builder to increase productivity by reducing the number of clicks needed for the performance of our duties. 

5. What steps would you take to make the clerk’s office more accessible to the public—for instance, for non-English-speakers or those who work during the day?

To accommodate non-English speakers, I employ bilingual staff who are stationed at the front counters and other high traffic locations throughout the office. For individuals who work during our business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., eCourts Guide & File is a service that allows the public to prepare court documents online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone with internet access can use the service at NCcourts.gov/Services. This system includes electronic filing and online access to court records. The clerks are instructed to direct individuals to the website to help eliminate barriers and simplify the legal process.

6. Identify and explain one principled stand you would be willing to take if elected that you suspect might cost you some points with voters.

I simply stand for everyone who needs the services of the Wake County Clerk’s Office. We will fulfill our constitutional and statutory duties regardless. My promise to the Wake County residents is the faithful and impartial performance of the duties of the Office of Clerk of Superior Court.

7) Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?

My vision is to provide courteous, efficient, and professional customer service and to ensure the accuracy and integrity of court records for the public and legal community. I am a compassionate leader who acts on what I learn and takes meaningful action. Motivating my staff and helping them find meaning and purpose in their work is paramount. Honesty and integrity are emphasized and expected at every level in the Clerk’s Office. I have the courage to do what is right.