Henry Willis Appointed As Replacement For Former Judge James Ethridge

Governor Mike Easley has appointed attorney Henry Willis to fill out the term of former Judge James Ethridge who was disbarred and recently resigned. Willis lost in the 2004 elections to Ethridge, but was the top vote getter when the 11th District Bar Association nominated a replacement for Ethridge on the bench earlier this year. In a press release, Gov. Easley said Willis’ experience, legal knowledge and training earned him the seat. Willis has over 27 years experience as a trial lawyer. Willis said he plans to do the best job he can. Wilis will meet with Chief District Court Judge Andy Corbett to determine when he will begin work on the bench. Former Judge James Ethridge was disbarred last fall by the NC State Bar for his handling of an elderly client’s money when he was an attorney. Ethridge continued to draw his salary until he was pressured to resign earlier this year. Photo by The Daily Record