Judge Ward Scott has been appointed to serve as chief district court judge for Buncombe County (Judicial District 40). He was first appointed to the bench in 2011. Judge 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. Prior to his appointment, he worked at the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P.A. and was a partner with the firm Leake & Scott. Judge Scott will replace Chief District Court Judge James Hill, who is retiring.

Chief Justice Paul Newby makes judicial appointments

Ward D. Scott earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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

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

Ward was first appointed to the bench in 2011.

Ward currently serves as chief district court judge for North Carolina Judicial District 40. He was first appointed to the bench in 2011.

2026 North Carolina General Election

The following chief district court judge appointments are effective January 1, 2025.
...
Judge Ward Scott has been appointed to serve as chief district court judge for Buncombe County (Judicial District 40). He was first appointed to the bench in 2011. Judge 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. Prior to his appointment, he worked at the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P.A. and was a partner with the firm Leake & Scott. Judge Scott will replace Chief District Court Judge James Hill, who is retiring.

Serves as chief district court judge for Buncombe County in Judicial District 40.

Has served on the district court bench since first being appointed in 2011.

Worked at the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P.A. before appointment to the bench.

- Serves as chief district court judge for Buncombe County in Judicial District 40.
- Has served on the district court bench since first being appointed in 2011.
- Served as a partner at Leake & Scott.
- Worked at the law office of Frank J. Contrivo, P.A. before appointment to the bench.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Ward D. Scott did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Ward D. Scott

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

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?

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.

Pavel Tantchev

Buket Urgen

- 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.