Raleigh, NC – North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Lucy Inman announced today her candidacy for the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2022, following NC Supreme Court Justice Robin Hudson’s announcement that she will not seek re-election.
“I am running to maintain the rule of law and protect the public’s interest in equal justice for all,” Inman said. “Justice Hudson’s record of impartial and thorough scholarship, passion for public service, and mentorship of other judges and attorneys, including me, have set a high standard for all who serve on our state’s highest court.”
Inman was elected statewide to the Court of Appeals in 2014, and has authored more than 500 opinions in a wide variety of cases, including criminal, civil, and constitutional matters. Before her election to the appellate court, Inman served as a special superior court judge for four years, presiding in hearings and jury trials in communities large and small across the state.
“Judges must be guided by honest analysis rather than choosing a result and working backwards. We must keep open minds. And we must remain independent of any political agenda. That’s what free and fair justice requires.” Inman said.
As a candidate for the Supreme Court in 2020, Inman was endorsed by dozens of former appellate and trial judges. She received endorsements from the NC Association of Defense Attorneys, the NC Advocates for Justice, the NC State AFL-CIO, the NC Association of Educators, the NC Police Benevolent Association, and the NC Fraternal Order of Police among many others.
"Judge Inman's decade of fairness presiding in trial and appellate courts and her broad experience representing clients from all walks of life have prepared her well to advance the cause of justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court,” said retired North Carolina Chief Justice Burley Mitchell.
Inman’s first job out of law school was as a law clerk to then North Carolina Chief Justice James G. Exum Jr., who said, "Judge Inman has a strong record of following the law and applying it equally to every party before the court, free of political influence."
Retired Chief Justice Henry Frye has also endorsed Inman. “Judge Inman brings the utmost respect for the law to the bench. I am fully supporting her campaign for election to the North Carolina Supreme Court and I hope you will too.”
Retired Court of Appeals Judge Wanda Bryant, who served with Judge Inman through 2020, said: “Having worked with each of them for several years, I can think of no one better qualified to succeed Justice Hudson than Judge Inman. Her careful consideration of each case, respect for differing viewpoints, and warm collegiality will be an asset to the Supreme Court.”
Inman is a product of North Carolina’s public schools. She earned her law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and earned a degree in English from NC State University, also with honors. Inman practiced law for 18 years before joining the bench. Before attending law school, Inman worked as a newspaper reporter.
Inman is an active member of the Rotary Club of Raleigh and has served in leadership roles with the NC Bar Association, the NC Association of Women Attorneys, Disability Rights North Carolina, the Gregg Museum at NC State University, and the Roanoke Island Historical Association.
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