NC OAH judge Michael Byrne to seek NC Court of Appeals seat ...

Michael Byrne has a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University and a law degree from Campbell University. Michael and his wife, Brigette, have a son and live in Cary, North Carolina. 

Michael is an administrative law judge with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. He previously worked as a solo practitioner, representing state employees and law enforcement officers in administrative litigation. 

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Michael is an administrative law judge with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. He previously worked as an attorney. 

Michael is currently an administrative law judge with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. He was appointed in June 2020. Before his appointment, he practiced law as a solo practitioner.

This is Michael's first time running for public office. 

As an attorney, Byrne has argued over 20 cases before the Court of Appeals, primarily representing law enforcement and correctional officers in wrongful termination and disciplinary matters.

As an attorney, has argued over 20 cases before the Court of Appeals, primarily defending law enforcement and correctional officers in wrongful termination and disciplinary matters.

As an administrative law judge, has made decisions in almost 400 cases in the past five years.

- As an attorney, has argued over 20 cases before the Court of Appeals, primarily defending law enforcement and correctional officers in wrongful termination and disciplinary matters.
- As an administrative law judge, has made decisions in almost 400 cases in the past five years.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Michael C. Byrne’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes passionately in due process, fairness, and giving all sides a chance to be heard, deciding cases strictly based on the law, without fear or favor.

Believes in "due process, fairness, and giving all sides a chance to be heard, deciding cases strictly based on the law, without fear or favor."

- Believes in "due process, fairness, and giving all sides a chance to be heard, deciding cases strictly based on the law, without fear or favor."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Michael C. Byrne

As a referral attorney for the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association and the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, appeared in over 270 cases before the Office of Administrative Hearings from 2005 to 2020.

- 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.