James Whalen is from Charlotte. He earned bachelor's degrees in math and philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. James lives in Raleigh with his wife, Anna, and has one child.

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James W. Whalen

James currently works as an attorney at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP, where he practices election, criminal, business, and environmental law.

James Weldon Whalen's campaign for North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge in the Democratic primary is his first entry into politics.

James Whalen - Ballotpedia

James' campaign for North Carolina Court of Appeals judge is his first run for public office.

As an attorney, represented clients in election matters, including post-election litigation, voting rights, and gerrymandering.

As an attorney litigated cases opposed to gerrymandering, the practice of drawing voting districts in a way that gives one political party or candidate an advantage over others, and protecting voter rights.

- As an attorney litigated cases opposed to gerrymandering, the practice of drawing voting districts in a way that gives one political party or candidate an advantage over others, and protecting voter rights.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, James Weldon Whalen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes a "judge must be a deep thinker and clear writer who is both willing and able to defend our fundamental rights."

Said "I’m running... to stop the abuses of power, uphold our rights, and build a brighter future for our state."

Believes judges should uphold "laws [that] give us a roadmap to fully funded public schools, strong personal freedoms, and elections where voters pick their officials."

Believes in being "fair and impartial to every party [and] boldly and unapologetically defend[ing] our rights and the rule of law."

- Believes a "judge must be a deep thinker and clear writer who is both willing and able to defend our fundamental rights."
- Said "I’m running... to stop the abuses of power, uphold our rights, and build a brighter future for our state."
- Believes judges should uphold "laws [that] give us a roadmap to fully funded public schools, strong personal freedoms, and elections where voters pick their officials."
- Believes in being "fair and impartial to every party [and] boldly and unapologetically defend[ing] our rights and the rule of law."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Advises nonprofit organizations on tax-exempt status and regulatory requirements.

- Advises nonprofit organizations on tax-exempt status and regulatory requirements.

Community Involvement

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James Weldon Whalen

James Whalen is from North Carolina. He is married and has a son. 

James is an attorney at Brooks Pierce. He previously worked for the North Carolina Department of Justice under Attorney General Josh Stein and in the Office of the North Carolina Solicitor General. Before that, he was a federal law clerk for a U.S. District Court judge. 

As an attorney, represents clients in election matters, including post-election litigation, voting rights, and gerrymandering.

As an attorney, has argued cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

- As an attorney, represents clients in election matters, including post-election litigation, voting rights, and gerrymandering.
- As an attorney, has argued cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Opposes defunding public schools, gerrymandering, and intruding on the executive power's of the governor.

- Opposes defunding public schools, gerrymandering, and intruding on the executive power's of the governor.

James is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville and the University of North Carolina School of Law. He has a bachelor's degree in mathematics and philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He lives with his wife, Anna, and their son, Cab, in Raleigh.

As an attorney, represented clients in election matters, including post-election litigation, voter rights, and gerrymandering.

As an appellate advocate, argued cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals, specializing in criminal appeals, voting rights, election law, environmental law, and business disputes.

Served as student body president at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

James is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He has a juris doctor in law from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He lives with his wife, Anna, and their son, Cab, in Raleigh.

James is an appellate attorney. He works at a private practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he focuses his work on appellate cases and democratic causes. He previously worked at the North Carolina Department of Justice under Attorney General Josh Stein and served as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Copeland Biggs and for U.S. Appeals Court Judge James Wynn Jr.

James Weldon Whalen's campaign for North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge is his first entry into politics.

Ballots will be filled with judicial candidates seeking office in 2026 ...

As an attorney, helps businesses of all sizes navigate legal issues and complex business litigation, and regularly practices in North Carolina’s Business Courts, as well as federal and state trial and appellate courts.

As an appellate advocate, has argued cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and has litigated criminal appeals for the State and for indigent defendants, and civil cases involving voting rights and election law, environmental law, and business disputes.

James Weldon Whalen's campaign for North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 3 is his first entry into politics.

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As an attorney, Whalen has worked on both state and federal cases.

- The Court of Appeals reviews proceedings that occurred in trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure. They decide if the trial court correctly applied the law to the case.
- There are currently 15 judges who sit in panels of three judges to hear cases. 
- They are the only intermediate appellate court in the state, meaning they are the only court that sits between lower courts and the state Supreme Court.
- Judges on the Court of Appeals are elected for eight-year terms in partisan elections.