The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers proudly honors the distinguished service and legacy of Regina Parker, a trailblazing jurist whose career reflects a deep commitment to justice, fairness, and community.
Judge Parker made history as the first African American woman to serve as a judge in North Carolina Judicial District 2, encompassing Beaufort, Martin, Washington, Hyde, and Tyrrell counties. Her appointment to the bench marked a significant milestone for the judiciary and for the communities she has long served.
A graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Judge Parker is a product of one of the state’s most important institutions for educating generations of Black lawyers committed to public service and civil rights. Following law school, she clerked for Clifton Johnson, the first African American district court judge in North Carolina. That formative experience placed her in direct mentorship with a judicial pioneer and helped shape her own path to the bench.
Before ascending to the judiciary, Judge Parker built a respected career as an attorney dedicated to public service and the fair administration of justice. As a district court judge, she has presided over matters affecting families, children, and individuals at critical moments in their lives, bringing diligence, compassion, and sound judgment to every case.
Judge Parker’s service carries particular significance in northeastern North Carolina, a region where Black attorneys and judges were historically excluded from positions of legal authority. Her presence on the bench expanded representation within the judiciary and strengthened public confidence in the courts among communities long denied equal access to justice.
Throughout her career, Judge Parker has been recognized not only for her legal acumen, but also for her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring that the courtroom remains a place of fairness and accountability for all.
Why This Matters
Judge Regina Parker’s legacy matters because representation on the bench is essential to the legitimacy of the judicial system. Her journey from NCCU School of Law, to clerking for a historic judicial trailblazer, to becoming a historic first herself illustrates the power of mentorship, opportunity, and institutional legacy. Her career stands as a reminder that inclusion strengthens the judiciary and that leadership within the courts must reflect the communities they serve.
As members of NCABL, we honor Judge Parker for the history she made, the path she forged, and the standard of excellence she set for future generations of lawyers and judges across North Carolina.
