Lawyer hopes third time's charm for N.C. court seat

SOUTHERN SHORES, N.C.

Southern Shores attorney Robert Trivette is making a third attempt at clinching a District Court seat, and this time he's got the overwhelming backing of his peers.

Trivette was the top vote-getter of three candidates chosen by the 1st Judicial District Bar to fill the District Court seat vacated by Judge J.C. Cole.

At a recent bar meeting, Trivette received 94 votes, Elizabeth City attorney Mark Maland got 26 votes and Kill Devil Hills attorney Angelia Norcross received 10.

Gov. Beverly Perdue will interview two or three of the candidates early next month and make the appointment, said Will Polk, the governor's deputy general counsel. The preference of the local bar does not necessarily have to be that of the governor.

"It's a factor that she takes into consideration," Polk said, "but it doesn't control her decision."

Polk said the governor will also weigh the candidates' judicial temperament, their approach to the law, legal skills, character and whatever public input is received.

Trivette, 53, worked as an assistant district attorney in Dare County from 1991 until 2003, when he resigned to become a private attorney at Vandeventer Black firm in Southern Shores.

In early 2000, Trivette challenged incumbent 1st Judicial District Court Judge Edgar Barnes for his seat. Although Trivette prevailed by about 70 votes in Dare County, he was defeated by Barnes, a Manteo resident, by about 1,300 votes.

The district also includes Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.

Barnes subsequently complimented Trivette for a well-organized, strong race.

Later in 2000, Trivette threw his hat into the ring for a new District Court seat created by the General Assembly to alleviate the district's overburdened court system.

Two other assistant district attorneys, Nancy Lamb and Amber Davis, and Edenton attorney Samuel Dixon, were also vying for the seat. In December 2000, Gov. Jim Hunt appointed Davis, who had worked alongside Trivette in Dare County for five years.

Although Trivette said he was "overwhelmed and humbled" by the recent support of the local bar, he is not assuming the vote made him a shoo-in for his latest try for the bench.

"I think it's a good endorsement and could send a clear message," he said.

Cole was appointed to the 1st Judicial District Superior Court on Sept. 21. A Hertford attorney, Cole had served on the District Court bench since 1994. He replaced Superior Court Judge Richard Parker, who retired Sept. 30.

Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711, cate.kozak@pilotonline.com