Biography

Paul Martin Newby was born in Asheboro, N.C. on May 5, 1955 to Samuel O. and Ruth Parks Newby. He was raised in Jamestown where he graduated from Ragsdale High School. He received his B.A. degree in Public Policy Studies (magna cum laude) from Duke University and law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law.

Justice Newby served as a judicial intern in the United States Supreme Court and interned in the 18th Judicial District Public Defenders Office (Greensboro/High Point). He began his law practice in Asheville with Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes and Davis, P.A. He was Vice President and General Counsel of Cannon Mills Realty and Development Corporation in Kannapolis. In 1985, Justice Newby was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in Raleigh where he served for over 19 years. He taught many courses for the United States Department of Justice and received the Crime Victims Fund Award.

Since beginning his service on the Supreme Court in 2004, Justice Newby has participated as a member of the North Carolina Courts Commission. He has been an instructor for the North Carolina Judicial College and various continuing legal education courses. Justice Newby is an Adjunct Professor at Campbell University School of Law. In recognition of his professional service, Justice Newby received the James Iredell Award and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Southern Wesleyan University

Justice Newby is active with the North Carolina Bar Association, having served as Vice President. Currently he participates on the Litigation Council, Technology Advisory Committee, and Law-Related Education Committee. He has been selected as a delegate for the Bar Association’s Attorney Exchange Program with Turkey. Being a strong proponent of civic education, Justice Newby makes frequent presentations to school groups and civic organizations.

Justice Newby is an Eagle Scout and serves as Scoutmaster Emeritus of Troop 11 and as a board member of Occoneechee Council. He is the recipient of the Heroism Award for rescuing nine people from a riptide and of the God and Service Award. In 2010, Justice Newby was named Scouter of the Year for his coordination of Scouting’s state-wide Report to the State, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Boys Scouts of America.

Justice Newby has been married to Macon Tucker Newby since 1983. They have four children, Samuel, Ruth, Peter and Sarah. He and his family attend Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh where he is an Elder, Sunday School teacher and youth leader.