Leslie Davis, who has been the only Director of Staff Counsel and who has served in that role at the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 1989, is retiring at the end of August. A retirement reception was held in her honor on Friday, August 10 at the Court of Appeals in Raleigh. The reception was officiated by Court of Appeals Chief Judge Linda McGee. Chief Justice Mark Martin presented Ms. Davis with The Friend of the Court Award. She also received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine which was presented to her by Court of Appeals Judge John Arrowood.  Chief Judge McGee also presented Ms. Davis with a photo of the Court of Appeals courthouse signed by all the Court of Appeals judges and former Chief Judges.  

"Leslie, for these many, many services, it is my pleasure on behalf of the Court to say thank you for your service," said Chief Judge Linda McGee in her opening remarks. 

It's been a great honor and a pleasure to work for the court. It's been wonderful to have had a small role in seeing that the administration of justice is carried out.

Davis, a Charlotte native, received her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1982.  During her tenure with the Court of Appeals, Davis directed, taught, and led an average of 8 staff attorney most years. This equates to serving as a managing partner for an 8 person law firm. Davis indicated some of her favorite roles were writing the opinions, screening cases, and seeing things from the judicial perspective. "We've seen a lot of challenges and changes, but it's been a fascinating experience," said Davis. 

The Court has selected Jaye Bingham-Hinch as Davis' successor. “The Court is fortunate to have Jaye Bingham-Hinch join our Court family in this important leadership role,” Chief Judge McGee stated.  “She has served as head of the appellate section of a major law firm for 19 years, providing outstanding experience for her new role at our appellate court.”