Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Paul C. Ridgeway ‘86
Paul C. Ridgeway ‘86 is a Senior Resident Superior Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District of Wake County. A native of Raleigh, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1982. He also earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from NCSU and studied International Law of the European Community at the University of Amsterdam in 1987. He has served as an adjunct professor at Campbell Law for 35 years and is currently teaching seminars in international commercial litigation and public policy.
Current Role: Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, 10th Judicial District (Wake County)
Why Campbell Law?
When Ridgeway thinks back on his decision to attend Campbell Law, he speaks of the Raleigh lawyers he knew that gave high praise to the “upstart law school” in Buies Creek, led by highly respected then Dean Leary Davis. He felt he would thrive being part of a small student body and having close contact with faculty members. He states that after his on-campus admission interview with Professor John Broderick, he knew Campbell was the place for him. “I didn’t apply anywhere else.”
On practice
Ridgeway has been a Superior Court Judge for the past 20 years. He was called to this position as an opportunity to serve his community and as an opportunity to continuously challenge himself professionally.
A lesson that stuck
In Ridgeway’s experience, Campbell placed emphasis on professional and ethical leadership, which has led to a career that continues to represent those same principles. ”I’ve come to realize that a career that remains true to those values is rewarding in and of itself, regardless of any other measures of success.”
People who shaped you
His writing requirement advisor, Professor Rick Lord, taught him the lesson of quality work when he told Ridgeway that he would not graduate without rewriting his final paper. Lord felt that Ridgeway could do better, and Ridgeway expresses that he started over and wrote a paper he was proud of. While he hated this lesson at the time, he felt it was one he needed before stepping into “the real world.”
Advice to current students
“You’re entering a great profession, with a wide variety of opportunities. Find your passion, maybe even a nontraditional path, and serve with honor. Keep your family, friends, faith and health foremost so you can enjoy life to the fullest.”
The next 50 years
Campbell Law, as North Carolina’s flagship law school, should “continue to excel in training lawyers who model professional values and who serve and lead North Carolina with distinction and excellence.”
Sidebar
Currently reading: “JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956,” by Fredrik Logeval.
Most adventurous thing: Running for office — way outside of my comfort zone!
Favorite Raleigh spot: The Players Retreat
Proudest moment: Being a dad.