Graham Shirley is new Wake Superior Court judge

A. Graham Shirley II of Apex, who has practiced law in Raleigh since 1993, was sworn into office last week as Wake County’s newest Superior Court judge.

Shirley, 52, succeeds Howard E. Manning Jr., who retired in July. He was appointed to the bench by Gov. Pat McCrory and took the oath of office Friday.

He grew up in Virginia, graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and received his law degree from the College of William and Mary.

Judge Don Stephens, Wake’s senior Superior Court judge, praised the governor’s choice.

“He is well regarded, an excellent civil trial lawyer,” Stephens said. “Judge Manning was delighted. Our entire bench was delighted. You’re always happy when the governor appoints an experienced trial lawyer to the trial bench.”

Shirley, a Republican, said he will file as a candidate to retain the seat in the November 2016 election.

“I’m excited by the challenge,” Shirley said Monday.

Manning had served as a Superior Court judge since 1988. He recently suffered a mild stroke and is undergoing rehabilitation, Stephens said.

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 5:13 PM with the headline "Graham Shirley is new Wake Superior Court judge."