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Published on Saturday, February 07, 2009
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=317875

King appointed to Cumberland judge seat

By Drew Brooks
Staff writer

In 2000, Allen Rogers was impressed by a promising young intern, fresh out of law school.

On Friday, that former intern was appointed Cumberland County's next District Court judge by Gov. Bev Perdue.

Toni Sa King's rise to the bench was announced in Cumberland County Superior Court. Rogers and other local lawyers who had gathered in the courtroom to set trial dates showered King with congratulations and good-natured ribbing.

King said the praise meant a lot to her.

"The support has been overwhelming," she said. "I'm at a loss for words."

King, a managing partner of the Miller, King & Clouse law firm in Fayetteville, will replace Cheri Beasley, who left the District Court bench in December after being elected to the N.C. Court of Appeals.

King was one of four candidates whose names were sent to Perdue. The other nominees were Renny Deese, Sanya T. Eller and Lou Olivera.

"Toni King's experience in private practice and her commitment to public service in the Cumberland County community have prepared her well for this seat on the bench," Perdue said in a written statement. "I am confident that she has the qualities and character that will best serve the citizens of Cumberland County."

King is also an adjunct professor at Fayetteville State University.

The Fayetteville native's African-American and Korean heritage reflects the diversity of the county, Rogers said.

King earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University in 1996 and her law degree from the university in 2000.
http://www.nccu.edu/law

She began a law career as an intern at what was then Rogers' firm, Rogers & Miller. She was later named an associate attorney and spent four years at the firm.

Rogers said King was a competent and hard-working lawyer during her time with his firm.

"She brought a lot to the firm," he said. "She was a go-getter, willing to go the extra step."

Rogers said he knew King would be special because she treated the job as more than just business.

"She is a real student of the law," he said.

For her part, King said she is ready to step into her new position.

"I plan to make fair decisions and let people be heard," she said.

The biggest adjustment: getting used to the formality of being called "Your Honor."

"It'll be strange," she said. "I've always been just 'Toni.'"

Staff writer Drew Brooks can be reached at brooksd@fayobserver.com or 486-3567.