Nancy Black Norelli is a former District Court Judge who brings over 30 years of legal experience - including dozens of jury trials - to her work. In addition, she has been a visiting lecturer at Davidson College, UNC-Charlotte and the Charlotte School of Law. She is a frequent speaker before professional groups on topics of estate planning, estate administration, tax, and ethics. Nancy is also heavily involved in the community through volunteerism and pro bono work, is a founding member of Good Friends and on the boards of a number of local charities, including the American Cancer Society where she is a breast cancer survivor speaker. In addition, Nancy shares her legal knowledge through the mentoring of young lawyers.
Career Highlights
- Emergency District Court Judge - held court in 15 counties; sought after to handle difficult cases
- District Court Judge - served 8 years (appointed and then elected twice without opposition)
- Presided over 60 civil jury trials; 1,000 Family Court matters, including equitable distribution, divorce, alimony, child custody and support; 300 juvenile cases; 7,000 DWI cases.
- Nancy Black Norelli, PLLC - AV rated firm, which was acquired by McGuireWoods when Judge Norelli took office
- Norelli & Company - Family Business Advisor
- Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman - Partner in charge of Estate Planning and Administration
Professional Recognition
- 2018 Inductee of the NCBA's Hall of Fame
- Lawyers Weekly's 2018 Inaugural Hall of Fame
- Preeminent Women Lawyers in America
- AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- 2016 Citizen Lawyer by the North Carolina Bar Association
- The Mecklenburg Times' "Most Influential Women of 2014"
- "Outstanding Firm Service Award" at 2014 Pro Bono Awards ceremony
- Honoree of the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's 2012 Women of Justice Awards
- 2012 North Carolina's Top Rated Lawyers
- North Carolina Lawyers Weekly's "2011 Leaders in the Law" - Leaders in the Law recognizes 25 distinguished lawyers who are working to better the legal profession through mentoring and involvement within their community.
- Speaker at national, state, and local continuing legal education programs
Education
- Wellesley College, B.A. with Honors
- Northeastern University School of Law, J.D., Graduation Speaker
Certifications
- Federal Mediator
- Superior Court Mediator
- Family Financial Mediator
- Estates and Guardianship Mediator
- Juvenile Court Judge
Professional Leadership
- NC State Bar Council, regulatory arm of the NC State Bar
- Ethics Committee, NC State Bar
- Greivance Committee Chair, NC State Bar - Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee
- Board of Governors, NCBA
- President, Mecklenburg County Bar
- Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section of the NCBA
- Estate Planning Council Section of the NCBA
- Editor, The Peacemaker, NCBA publication
- Chief Justice's Access to Justice Commission
- Chair, Publications Advisory Board, NC State Bar
Community Involvement
- Access to Justice Campaign - Chair, 2015 - 2016
- Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont - Director, 2010 - 2017; Vice Chair, 2016 - 2017
- Carolina Breast Friends Advisory Board and "Star" for Fundraiser
- Charlotte Merchants Foundation - Director, 2000 – 2017; Board Chair, 2009 – 2011
- American Cancer Society “Making Strides against Breast Cancer” - Honorary Chair, 2003
- American Cancer Society Advisory Board - Member, 2003 – 2009
- Good Friends - Director/Executive Committee/Founder, 1987 – 2012; Trustee, 2012 - Present
- Boy Scouts of America, Mecklenburg County Council, Inc. - Executive Committee, 1995 –1998
- Hospice at Charlotte, Inc. - Director, 1988 – 1990
- First Presbyterian Church - Elder; Deacon; Sunday School Teacher
Articles
- Legal History Class Has Its Day in Court
- NCBA Tweaks New Judge Survey to Guard Against Hidden Prejudices & Stereotypes
- Nancy Black Norelli Elected Treasurer of NCBA Dispute Resolution Section
- Moving Judicial Voting from the Bottom of the Ballot to the Top
- Women Making Strides
- Proud to Be a Lawyer
- Working with a Pro Se Claimant: Making Mediation Productive and Peaceful
- Walking in the Shoes of Clients
