The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of Carolyn Thompson as the new County Attorney for Guilford County Government, effective Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.
With more than twenty-seven years of legal and judicial experience, Attorney Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and public-sector expertise to the County Attorney’s Office. Her career reflects a strong commitment to public service, local governance, and the delivery of sound legal counsel in support of county operations.
“I am honored to join the Guilford County leadership team and contribute to the advancement of the ‘One Guilford’ initiative for the benefit of all residents,” said Attorney Thompson.
Throughout her legal and judicial career, Thompson has held a variety of roles that expanded her expertise across multiple areas of law. She previously served as a District Court Judge and Resident Superior Court Judge for North Carolina’s 9th Judicial District, as well as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Before this appointment, Thompson served in a quasi-judicial position as a Deputy Commissioner for the North Carolina Industrial Commission, where she presided over workers’ compensation cases.
For over 10 years, she managed her own private practice while serving as County Attorney for the Department of Social Services in both Vance and Warren counties, overseeing legal matters for agencies including Child Welfare and Child Support Enforcement. Her public-sector service also includes time as in-house counsel for Warren County, where she advised the Board of Commissioners on complex legal matters, including employment law, risk management, and county governance.
Chairman Alston praised the appointment, stating, “Attorney Thompson brings exceptional legal expertise, integrity, and public-service experience to this role. We are confident that her leadership will strengthen our organization and support the Board and County staff in advancing our goals.”
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Hampton University in Virginia and earned her Juris Doctor from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Upon her appointment, Attorney Thompson will serve as chief legal counsel to the Board of Commissioners and Department Director for the County Attorney’s Office, which provides comprehensive legal support to all County departments and entities. This includes managing all civil matters involving the County, such as contracts, property transactions, public records, local ordinances, employment, and litigation, and ensuring the County’s operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. The County Attorney oversees a highly skilled legal team that includes Deputy and Assistant County Attorneys who specialize in areas such as child welfare, social services, employment, land use, and general government law. The position also provides direct supervision and leadership to the Deputy County Attorneys and administrative staff, guiding case management, courtroom preparation, and professional development across the department.
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners looks forward to working with Attorney Thompson and welcomes her to the county’s leadership team.