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As a lifelong resident of southeastern North Carolina, Woody has a deep understanding of its people and culture. He has been practicing law for over 25 years focusing on criminal and civil litigation in both state and federal court. Woody has continued to distinguish himself among his colleagues. He has earned a stand-out rating from Martindale-Hubbell, who issue attorney ratings based on objective peer review and is also a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law. He is known by his fellow attorneys, as well as the judges before whom he practices, as a fair, prepared, deliberate and thoughtful practitioner of the law. Woody brings successful experience, deep knowledge and untiring commitment to every case he handles. He has freely given his time and talents to represent both the indigent and less fortunate.
Woody completed undergraduate studies at Southern College in Tennessee and received his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1994. Between 1990 and 1991, he served as Student Body President at Southern College. Woody has been admitted to the bars of every North Carolina Court, the Federal District Court, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia and the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. He was introduced to the bar at the United States Supreme Court by Federal Judge Marian Horn, and administered the oath by the Clerk and Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
Woody has performed public service in political office in the North Carolina Senate, as well as public service on local boards including as trustee on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Hospital Board, Coastal Horizons Treatment Center, and Lower Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. His calm manner and consistent adherence to the principles of conservative government has helped Woody work with elected leaders on the many challenges facing southeastern North Carolina.
Twice recognized as an award winner in Criminal Law, Business North Carolina Magazine Legal Elite 2007 and 2010. As voted on by peer review. Woody was recognized as a Super Lawyer in 2012 and in 2017-2022.
In 2012, Woody was elected to a 4 year term to the New Hanover County Commission, receiving over 52,000 votes, and placing 1st in a field of 10 candidates. He served as chairman of the board from 2012-2014, being elected unanimously by his fellow commissioners. In 2016, Woody was re-elected to a second 4 year term, again garnering the most votes in a 6 candidate race in November. Woody’s term as County Commissioner ended in 2020.
North Carolina, 1994
U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, 1997
U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 2000
U.S. Supreme Court, 2003
North Carolina State Bar, 1994 (Member)
North Carolina Bar Association (Member)
New Hanover County Bar Association (Member)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, 1997 - 1998 (Legislative Affairs Committee)
Criminal Justice Act, 1998 - 2013 (Panel Attorney)
United States Navel Academy, 1987 (Nominee)
North Carolina Advocates for Justice, 2008 - Present
Criminal Justice Act, 1998 - Present (Panel Attorney)
New Hanover County Commissioner, 2012 - 2020 (Chairman, 2012-2014)
NC State, 2004 - Present (Senator)
St. Andrew Covenant Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, NC (Member)
St. John's Episcopal Church (Youth Basketball Coach)
Winter Park Optimist (T-Ball and Little League Coach)
New Hanover Regional Medical Center, 1999 - 2002 (Trustee)
Lower Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, 2006 - 2008 (Trustee)
Hanover Regional Medical Center, 2001 - 2002 (Chairman, Finance Committee)
North Carolina Republican Party, 2002 - 2004 (Chief Legal Counsel)
New Hanover County Republican Party, 1997 - 2001 (Chairman)
Coastal Horizons, 2003 - 2005 (Board Member)
North Carolina Hospital Association PAC, 1999 - 2002 (Board Member)
Rotary International, Wilmington South, 1996 - 2013 (Member)
Rotary International, Wilmington South, 1998 - Present (President)
Dick Cheney Event Coordinator, 2002 - Present (Vice President)
Republican National Convention, 2004 - Present (Delegate)
Republican National Convention, 2000 - Present (Delegate)
Republican National Convention, 1988 - Present (Alternate Delegate)
United States Association of Triathlons
United States Tennis Association
Habitat for Humanity, 2006 - 2007 (Board Member)
UNCW Board of Trustees (UNCW Board of Trustees member 2018 through 2021)
Southern College, Chattanooga, Tennessee B.S.
Honors: Student Body President, Major: History
University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1994 J.D.