On Monday, March 10, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein appointed former judge William H. Freeman as Chair of the State Ethics Commission. The commission is responsible for providing guidance on the Ethics Act and Lobbying Law, as well as investigating complaints regarding potential violations of these laws.
Freeman, a resident of Forsyth County, brings extensive legal experience to his new role. He served on the North Carolina District Court for four years before becoming a Superior Court Judge, a position he held from 1980 until 2000. During his 24 years on the bench, Freeman presided over more than 1,000 jury trials across various case types, gaining valuable insights into jury dynamics in over half of North Carolina’s counties.
Since retiring from judicial service, Freeman has established a full-time mediation and arbitration practice, mediating and arbitrating more than 2,000 cases in the Piedmont region. His comprehensive experience in Superior Court matters equips him with a unique perspective that he will bring to the State Ethics Commission.
In addition to his legal expertise, Judge Freeman is an avid motorcyclist, having ridden over 100,000 miles, which positions him as an expert in legal cases involving motorcycles.
