Gov. Cooper Appoints Three New Judges | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced today three judicial appointments to District and Superior Courts.

    "These judges bring to the bench years of service and experience and a deep commitment to justice," said Governor Cooper. "I appreciate their willingness to serve their communities and our state."

    Gov. Cooper appointed District Court Judge Lora Cubbage as Superior Court Judge in Judicial District 18 serving Guilford County. Cubbage will fill the vacancy created by Superior Court Judge Patrice Hinnant who retired on August 31, 2018. Cubbage has held multiple legal roles including district court judge for Guilford County, assistant attorney general for the North Carolina Department of Justice, and assistant district attorney for Guilford County. Cubbage has also served in the North Carolina Bar Association, the Greensboro Bar Association, the NC Association of Black Lawyers, and the Junior League of Greensboro. Cubbage received her Juris Doctor from UNC Chapel Hill School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina A&T State University.

    Gov. Cooper appointed C.W. "Mack" McKeller as District Court Judge in Judicial District 29B serving Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. McKeller will fill the vacancy created by Chief District Court Judge Athena Fox Brooks. Judge Brooks was appointed as a Special Superior Court Judge earlier this year. McKeller served in the U. S. Navy for 13 years as a Lieutenant Commander and Commanding Officer. He is also the founding member of McKeller Law Firm, P.C., representing clients in civil and criminal matters at the trial and appellate level. McKeller received his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University.

    Gov. Cooper appointed Annette Turik as District Court Judge in Judicial District 8 serving Wayne, Lenior and Greene counties. Turik will fill the vacancy created when Chief District Court R. Les Turner passed away earlier this year. For more than 33 years, Turik has served in various legal roles including as a paralegal, attorney, and previously as a district court judge. She has trial experience in criminal and civil court. Turik has also served on various boards in the community including the Community Council for the Arts, Criminal Justice Partnership Program, and the Lenoir County Bar Association. Turik received her Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov