Education
1972-1976 Dickinson College Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Majors: Philosophy and Economics
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, May 1976
Cum Laude
1976-1979 Wake Forest School of Law Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Degree: Jurist Doctorate, May 1979
Experience
2003- Present Assistant District Attorney, 24th Prosecutorial District
Prosecutorial Experience: 2003 to 2008 Lead Prosecutor for Madison and Yancey Counties. Duties included prosecution of misdemeanor and infractions in District Court and Prosecution of all Felonies in both counties. Responsible for review and screening of all Felony cases, preparation of all Indictments, all plea transcripts and the presiding prosecutor for all Superior Court administrative and trial sessions in both Counties. Trial of all Superior Court cases in these counties.
2008 to Present: Lead Prosecutor for Madison and Mitchell Counties. Duties include prosecution of misdemeanor and infractions in District Court and Prosecution of all Felony cases in both counties. Responsible for review and screening of all Felony cases, preparation of all Indictments, all plea transcripts and the presiding prosecutor for all Superior County Administrative and trial sessions in both Counties. Trial of all Superior Cases in these counties.
The only prosecutor in the 24th Prosecutorial District assigned to
and responsible for Superior Court in two counties.
1985 to 2002 Partner - Hemphill & Gavenus Attorneys at Law
Newland, North Carolina
General Practice of Law: Civil and Criminal Litigation; Trials in District and Superior Courts; State and Local Government Law; Juvenile Law; Child Support Law; Education Law; Real Estate Law; Construction and Contract Law; Domestic Relations; Estates/Trusts/Wills.
Representative Clients: Town of Banner Elk, Avery Health Care System, Inc. (formerly Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital, Inc.) Avery County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) Avery County Department of Social Services; IV D Child Support Enforcement attorney for Avery and Mitchell Counties; Mayland Community College.
1982-1985 Partner - Wright & Gavenus Attorneys at Law
Banner Elk, North Carolina
General Practice of Law: Civil and Criminal Litigation- handled all civil and criminal trials for the firm in both District and Superior Courts; State and Local Government Law; Juvenile Law- handled all juvenile law matters for the firm; Real Estate Law; Construction and Contract Law; Domestic Relations; Estate/Trusts/Wills.
Representative Clients: Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital, Inc. Town of Banner Elk, Town of Newland.
1982 Associate - Robert M. Brady Attorney at Law
Lenoir, North Carolina
General Practice of Law: Civil and Criminal Litigation – as the associate for the firm I handled all criminal trials in district court for the firm, and handled civil and criminal litigation in both District and Superior Court; State and Local Government Law- as associate counsel I advised Caldwell County and handled all collections on behalf of the County; Juvenile Law; Real Estate Law; Domestic Relations.
1981 Associate Attorney General - North Carolina Department of Justice
DHR Eastern Regional Office
Greenville, North Carolina
Legal Advisor and liaison to thirty-three County Department of Social Services
As Associate Attorney General I advised thirty-three (33) County Departments of Social Services for the Eastern District of North Carolina on legal issues concerning abused, neglected and dependent children. I submitted oral and written opinions on individual cases, held workshops and lectures and was the liaison between the Departments and the Attorney General’s Office.
Professional Licenses and Associations
- North Carolina State Bar
- North Carolina Bar Association
- North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys
- Member of 24th Judicial District Bar Association
- Pennsylvania State Bar
- Former Charter Member and President of Rotary Club of Avery County
- Former Cub Master Pack 825 Newland North Carolina
- Boy Scouts of America Volunteer
- Former Board Member and Volunteer Avery County Little League
- Community Child Protection Team Member
- Child Fatality Prevention Team Member
- Criminal Justice Partnership Member
- 24th District Steering Committee Juvenile Justice Treatment Continuum Member
Website Paid for by The Committee to Elect Gary Gavenus | 
Beyond my experience, I have the temperament and attributes necessary for the important position of Superior Court Judge. Throughout my career as a prosecutor and private attorney I have always strived to be honest, forthright, fair and courteous with all those I come in contact with, from the public to the judiciary and members of the bar. I assure you that I will bring each of these qualities to the bench. All judgments I render will be well reasoned, impartial, just and fair to all concerned.
-- Gary Gavenus