Phyllis Gorham

Professional career

• Phyllis M. Gorham was a senior resident superior court judge for the 5th Judicial District, serving New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina, until her retirement on January 1, 2024 after more than 18 years on the bench
• Before becoming a superior court judge, she held the role of District Court Judge for the 5th Judicial District (2005–2007)
• Assistant District Attorney in the 6th Prosecutorial District (New Hanover and Pender counties) (1995–2005)
• Earlier, she was an interim assistant police attorney for the Durham Police Department, a staff attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina in Durham, and an associate attorney in private practice in Goldsboro

Education

Additional information

• Gorham held the role of Chair of the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (2019–2025) and was a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Rural Courts Commission, and North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission.
• In October 2023, Gorham announced her retirement, effective January 1, 2024, in a letter to Governor Roy Cooper, calling it “the right decision” after a career of over 30 years in legal service.
• Appointed by former Governor Michael Easley on May 17, 2007 to the New Hanover County Superior Court, 2nd Division, 5th Judicial District.
• She was a recipient of the North Carolina Women of Achievement Award and a graduate of the National Judicial College