NC Candidate Profile: Valerie Zachary (Court of Appeals Judge Seat 14)

Name: Valerie Zachary

Race: North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 14

Party: Republican

Website: https://www.reelectjudgezachary.com/

Biography:

Professional Experience:

• Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals (Raleigh, NC), 2015 – present
• Zachary Law Offices (Yadkinville, NC)
• Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates) (Charlotte, NC)
• Research Assistant, Harvard Law School (Cambridge, MA)

Education:

• Harvard Law School: J.D., cum laude
• Michigan State University: B.A. with honors; Multidisciplinary Program with concentrations in French, Economics, and Political Science

Government & Civic Involvement:

• Vice President, NC Bar Association;
• Commissioner, NC Sentencing Commission (4th term);
• Member, NC Family Courts Advisory Commission;
• Former member, NC Governor’s School Board of Governors;
• NCSI-certified Healthcare Outcomes Resource Judge;
• Certified appellate mediator;
• Member, NC Supreme Court Historical Society;
• Presenter, myriad panels and continuing legal and judicial education programs;
• Former Co-Chair, Judicial Division of the NC Association of Women Attorneys

Why are you running for office?

I am running to retain my seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, on which I have proudly served as a judge since 2015. I was initially drawn to the appellate bench because I value public service, and I want to ensure that all citizens are accorded a fair and impartial tribunal for the resolution of disputes in our State. Moreover, I am well suited to the role of appellate judge. I have enjoyed legal research and writing for many years; indeed, my first job in the legal field was serving as a professor’s research assistant while enrolled at Harvard Law School.

If you are elected, what will be your top priority in office?

My main objective in every case is to provide all parties with a fair and impartial tribunal for the settlement of disputes, in accordance with state and federal law.

What is the top challenge facing North Carolina, and how would you address it?

Public confidence in the courts increases when the courts apply the law fairly to all, and when outcomes are reasonably predictable based on a plain reading of the law. Regardless of party affiliation, the judges on the North Carolina Court of Appeals should work together to fulfill the mission of this error-correcting court—which is to apply the law and not to create law or policy. This is our duty as public servants to the citizens of North Carolina.

What is an issue in North Carolina you feel not enough people are talking about it? How would you use the power and influence you’d have in this position to address it?

During my campaign, I have learned that many North Carolinians—even many lawyers—are unaware of the role of the Court of Appeals as an intermediate appellate court. This is significant because the vast majority of all appeals in North Carolina are resolved at the Court of Appeals. After the election, I plan to organize a group of judges to address this issue across the state.

How do you work with others you don’t agree with?

As in any work environment, professionalism, collegiality, and respect for others are certainly important at the Court. A crucial element to justice is a fair and impartial tribunal that renders timely decisions. To that end, I strive in every case to work with my colleagues—regardless of personal opinion or party affiliation—to timely deliver well-reasoned decisions that are supported by both fact and law.