Gov. Mike Easley today announced the appointment of two Special Superior Court judges, Shannon R. Joseph of Raleigh and Bill Pittman of Raleigh.

"These new judges bring dignity and wisdom to the bench. Their vast experience and knowledge of the law will be an asset to our court system," Easley said.

"The governor has chosen experienced, hard-working lawyers," said Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby. "These judges have a great work ethic and a strong sense of public service and bring a wealth of business and legal experience to the Superior Court."

Joseph has been an administrative law judge with the state Office of Administrative Hearings since 2007. Before that she was a partner at Smith Moore law offices in Raleigh. She is a board member of the Wake County Bar Association, the SPCA of Wake County board and currently serves as a member of the N.C. Appellate Rules Committee. Joseph received her undergraduate degree in English from Wofford College in 1991 and her law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1995.

"Shannon Joseph's experience as a private practitioner and an administrative law judge have prepared her to accept the responsibilities of a Special Superior Court Judge," Easley said. "I am confident she will bring the same commitment and dedication she demonstrated in those jobs to this judgeship."

"She will be an excellent Superior Court judge who will be welcomed by the bar and public alike," said former state Court of Appeals Chief Judge Sid Eagles, who worked with Joseph at Smith Moore. "I applaud the governor's judgment in this appointment. She is wise beyond her years and demonstrates her grasp of the facts, the law and the implications of the cases she faces."

Pittman has been in private law practice since 2001, focusing on governmental relations, utility law, administrative law and commercial litigation. From 1997-2001, he was a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Prior to that, he served as associate general counsel to Gov. Jim Hunt and executive director of the Governor's Crime Commission. He has also served as an assistant district attorney in the Wake County District Attorney's Office and as a special assistant in the state Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

Pittman received his undergraduate degree in journalism and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his law degree from N.C. Central University School of Law. He was awarded the Air Medal for his service in the U.S. Air Force. He serves on the board of directors for the YMCA of Garner and is the past president of the Exchange Club of Greater Raleigh.

"For more than 30 years Bill Pittman has distinguished himself as a consummate professional with an unwavering commitment to his community and public service," Easley said. "He will be a great addition to the superior court."