Valerie lives in Yadkin County, with her husband. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in multidisciplinary studies, concentrating in French, Economics, and Political Science, at Michigan State University. She then earned her law degree from Harvard Law School. She is an active member of the United Methodist Church. Valerie has three adult daughters and two grandchildren.

Prior to her judgeship, Valerie practiced law with the litigation team of Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates). In 1989, she joined her husband's general practice firm-Zachary Law Offices-and practiced there for 26 years.

Valerie was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2015 by Governor Pat McCrory and subsequently elected to a full eight-year term in 2016.

- Prior to her judgeship, Valerie practiced law with the litigation team of Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates). In 1989, she joined her husband's general practice firm-Zachary Law Offices-and practiced there for 26 years.
- Valerie was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2015 by Governor Pat McCrory and subsequently elected to a full eight-year term in 2016.

Legal Experience

As of January 31, 2024, Valerie Zachary’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Her website says "During her time on the court, Judge Zachary has proven to be a conservative judge committed to upholding North Carolina's Constitution."

- Her website says "During her time on the court, Judge Zachary has proven to be a conservative judge committed to upholding North Carolina's Constitution."

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

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Valerie Zachary

- The candidate's website says, "Upon graduating from law school in 1987, Judge Zachary joined the litigation team of the Charlotte firm Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman... In 1989, Judge Zachary... to join his general practice firm."
- Believes in upholding North Carolina's Constitution, Judge Zachary served as a partner at Zachary Law Offices for 26 years before her appointment to the Court of Appeals in 2015 and election in 2016.
- The candidate's website says, "While at Harvard Law School, Judge Zachary was employed as a research assistant by Professor Laurence H. Tribe... She also critiqued briefs for the Ames Moot Court Competition and served as a member of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau..."
- Prior to her judgeship, Valerie practiced law with the litigation team of Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates). In 1989, she joined her husband's general practice firm-Zachary Law Offices-and practiced there for 26 years.
- Valerie was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2015 by Governor Pat McCrory and subsequently elected to a full eight-year term in 2016.

Judge Valerie J. Zachary resides in Yadkin County, North Carolina, with her husband, Lee Zachary. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts and earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Harvard Law School. She is an active member of the United Methodist Church. Judge Zachary has three adult daughters and two grandchildren.

Judge Valerie Zachary currently serves on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, a position she has held since her appointment in 2015 and subsequent election to a full eight-year term in 2016. Prior to her judgeship, she practiced law, although specific details about her previous legal roles are not provided.

Judge Valerie Zachary was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2015 by Governor Pat McCrory and subsequently elected to a full eight-year term in 2016. She has announced her candidacy for reelection. Specific committees served on are not mentioned, nor are any other political offices held prior to her judgeship.

- The Court of Appeals reviews proceedings that occurred in trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure. They decide if the trial court correctly applied the law to the case.
- There are currently 15 judges who sit in panels of three judges to hear cases. 
- They are the only intermediate appellate court in the state, meaning they are the only court that sits between lower courts and the state Supreme Court.
- Judges on the Court of Appeals are elected for eight-year terms in partisan elections.

North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge, Republican Primary

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