North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) Director Judge Marion R. Warren was presented the Friend of the Court award on Thursday, February 28, for a career of dedicated service to the Judicial Branch. Chief Justice Mark Martin presented the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s highest award in a ceremony honoring Judge Warren for his dedication and leadership over his 26-year career. Judge Warren retired as NCAOC director on February 28, 2019.

“As NCAOC director, Judge Warren has made great strides forward in transformative change and modernization to the technology that supports North Carolina’s unified court system and the people served by the courts,” said Chief Justice Martin. “Therefore, it is with sincere appreciation and deep gratitude that I present the Friend of the Court award to Judge Warren.”

Before becoming NCAOC director in 2015, Judge Warren served as a district court judge in Judicial District 13 (Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties) since 2000, and as an assistant district attorney in Judicial District 13 from 1993 to 2000. Judge Warren earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Campbell University School of Law in 1991, after also receiving his undergraduate degree from Campbell University. Judge Warren leaves his current position to become senior associate dean of Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Va.