Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of former Chief District Court Judge for Judicial District 10 (Wake County), Ned W. Mangum, as a Partner in the firm. With an impressive legal career spanning over two decades, Mangum’s extensive experience and outstanding legal acumen further strengthen Smith Debnam’s commitment to excellence in legal representation. He will focus his practice in Divorce and Family Law, Civil Litigation, and Professional Licensing Representation.
Mangum, a Raleigh native, who had been a Wake County District Court Judge since 2008, received his appointment as Wake Chief District Court Judge in 2021, a decision made by Chief Justice Paul Newby. Preceding his 16 years on the bench, Mangum held the position of Wake County Assistant District Attorney for over eight years before serving as Wake County District Attorney from April 2014 to December 2014.
Commenting on his decision to join Smith Debnam, Mangum stated, “For the past 16 years as a Judge, I have had countless opportunities to observe lawyers from Smith Debnam in all areas of civil and domestic court. Every single time they do a fantastic job in representing their clients. They are organized, ethical, and effective. When the opportunity came along for me to join their team, I just couldn’t pass it up.”
Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers expressed his excitement about Mangum joining the firm, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Ned to our team. His wealth of experience, commitment to excellence, and deep-rooted ties to the Raleigh community align perfectly with our firm’s values and mission. We believe his addition will further strengthen our capabilities and enhance the services we provide to our clients.”
Mangum has served as an adjunct professor at Meredith College since 2006. In addition, he has taught over 100 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for attorneys across North Carolina. Mangum currently serves on the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners. In 2018, Mangum was president of the Wake County Bar Association and earned the Bar’s prestigious President’s Award for Excellence in 2014. In January 2024, Mangum received the Old North State Award for excellence from Governor Cooper.
Mangum holds a B.A. from North Carolina State University and J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
About Smith Debnam
For over five decades, Smith Debnam has been at the forefront of legal excellence, serving as a trusted advisor to institutions and individuals across a wide range of industries. Their team of accomplished legal professionals combines experience, compassion, and a commitment to responsible representation. With headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a regional office in Charleston, South Carolina, Smith Debnam is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the region. Their extensive experience in state and federal courts allows the firm to navigate diverse practice areas, including Litigation, Creditors’ Rights, Transactional and Advisory Services, Divorce and Family Law, and Personal Representation.
