Judge Gray’s Background

Photo of Judge Jane Gray dancing with her son Matthew at his wedding.

Judge Jane Gray dances with her son Matthew at his wedding to Lauren.

Jane Gray grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia with one sister and two brothers. Her mother was a homemaker and her father owned a lumber business and then went into banking after he sold the business. Her parents established a strong work ethic in all their children and Jane has worked since the age of 14 in one capacity or another. Her parents did not believe in things coming easy—if the children wanted “extras,” they were expected to work for them. This is the work ethic she carries with her to this day.

She received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Florida, and her J.D. from Campbell University School of Law. She also graduated from the Governor’s Executive Management Program.

There were no lawyers in her family; her inspiration to pursue a career in law came from her husband, Frank. She always knew she wanted to help people and help solve problems and since that’s what attorneys do, the choice was obvious.

Judge Gray lives with her husband Frank in Raleigh. Her son Matthew recently expanded their family with the addition of his new bride, Lauren.

Achievements & Organizations

Ongoing
Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Courts, and all levels of state court
2007–present
North Carolina Courts Commission; Appointee of Chief Justice Parker
2007-08
North Carolina Bar Association, Vice President
2005–present
North Carolina Bar Association, Bench Bar Committee
2004–07
State Drug Treatment Court Advisory Council; NC Criminal Justice Information Network Board
2000–2008
State Judicial Council; Appointee of Chief Justices Frye, Lake and Parker
2000-2001
Wake County Bar Association, President-Elect and President
1999–2005
State Drug Treatment Court Advisory Council
1998–99
Wake County Bar Association, Board of Directors
1996–2003
North Carolina State Bar; Board of Continuing Legal Education

Career Highlights

November 2008
Re-elected to 4-year term as Wake County District Court Judge
2005
Certified Juvenile Court Judge via training at the UNC School of Government
November 2004
Elected to 4-year term as Wake County District Court Judge
2002
Appointed as Wake County District Court Judge
1999–2001
General Counsel, Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
1991–98
Special Deputy for Policy and Planning, North Carolina Department of Justice
 
1980–91
Associate, Assistant and Special Deputy Attorney General, North Carolina Department of Justice, Motor Vehicles Section