2026 North Carolina General Election

Ward D. Scott

Buket Urgen

Ward Scott received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has served on the bench in Buncombe County since 2011.

2022 elections: Who's on the ballot in Asheville, Buncombe, WNC?

Chief Justice Paul Newby Makes Judicial Appointments | North ...

Ward is a judge for North Carolina's 40th Judicial District. He has served on the bench in Buncombe County since 2011. Before becoming a judge, he worked at Asheville-based law offices, including the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P. A. He was also a partner at the firm Leake & Scott.

Ward is currently a district court judge for Buncombe County. He was first appointed to the bench in 2011. He was recently appointed as chief district court judge for Buncombe County.

Previously worked at the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P. A. and was a partner at the firm Leake & Scott.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Ward D. Scott’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.