Judge Michael J. Denning: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Michael J. Denning (Ret.) served as a judge for the Wake County District Court in the 10th Judicial District of North Carolina. Denning was elected to the bench in 2010. He resigned on August 7, 2020, and became of counsel in the mediation and arbitration practice group at Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers.

Denning earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003. He then completed a J.D. at Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, in 2007.

He is a certified family financial mediator through the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission.

After graduating from law school, Denning entered into private practice, working as a litigation associate at the Shanahan Law Group. He held that position until his election to the bench.

His memberships have included the North Carolina Bar Association and the Wake County Bar Association.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Denning served as a marine security guard at embassies in China, Mongolia, Japan, and Indonesia. He and his wife, Jill, have two children.

He is registered as a Republican.