Testimonials

We Support Buncombe District Court Judge Candidate Robin Merrell!

Robin Merrell is a Democratic candidate for Buncombe County District Court Judge! Robin Merrell has support from all communities in our county. Read testimonials from people who have worked with Robin throughout her 23+ years with Pisgah Legal Services and her service to our county.


Robin has taken lead roles in serving veterans, reducing homelessness, advocating for affordable housing, and increasing safety and fairness.

Colleagues in Law and Public Service Endorse Robin for Judge

The Honorable Terry Van Duyn, former N.C. State Senator

For the almost 20 years I’ve known Robin she has been a fierce advocate for justice for the people of western North Carolina and that’s why I know she will be an excellent and very fair judge.

Rylee Roquemore and Kevin Rumley – Veterans Services, Social Work, Recovery

Robin is a tireless advocate for the veteran community.  She places the dignity of experience first, in all of her work with clients.  Not only do I trust her, but she is my friend!

Alex Gomes
Alex Gomes – Attorney, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law

I worked with Robin for over 5 years. I attest, firsthand, to her unparalleled commitment to public service, her bright legal mind, and the diligence with which she approaches any case or project.

Anna Hamrick – Attorney, Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law

Robin’s hard work at Pisgah Legal Services is a great testament to her dedication to seeking justice for those experiencing hardship due to financial difficulties. She would be a wonderful asset to our bench.



K. Dean Shatley II – Attorney and Former School Teacher

Robin is a fair-minded and authentic servant leader. She has dedicated her career to the pursuit of the truth. Robin’s wide breadth of knowledge and experience make her an ideal candidate for the bench.

David Gantt, former Buncombe County Commission Chair

I have known Robin since she graduated from Wake Forest undergrad and UNC Law School to return home to practice law. I have personally observed and been impressed with her honest, ethical, and professional behavior in our courtroom dealings with each other through the years.

Kristy and Carey – Mountain Values

Robin embodies the mountain values we hold dear. Her 20+ years at PLS shows us she is not afraid of working hard for our neighbors. We value that Robin has integrity, is smart, fair, level headed, and above all, is caring and kind.

ZaKiya Bell-Rogers – Community Development Specialist in Communications and Public Engagement

If you want compassion, understanding, and fairness, Robin is a perfect person with all those qualities. She has been a dear colleague, community member, and friend of mine for years. She is what Buncombe County needs and what we have been asking for.

Adrianna – Attorney, Combat Veteran, Mom

Robin will be a judge for all the people of Buncombe County.

Shelley and Kirk Brown

I’ve known Robin for almost 20 years first as a colleague and then as a friend.  Her commitment to service is strong and I know she will be a great judge.

Julie Mayfield, N.C. State Senator, attorney, community advocate

I have known and worked with Robin for years. She is smart, strategic, thoughtful, and she cares deeply about her clients who face challenges many of us can’t begin to appreciate. It is important for judges to understand the variety of circumstances that bring people in front of them, and I know that Robin will do that in a way no one else can. 

Celeste Collins, retired non-profit executive (30+ years in Buncombe)

I’ve known Robin for more than two decades and continue to be inspired by her steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, equity, and access. She is a brilliant, collaborative problem-solver who is passionate about serving the community. Her wisdom is needed as District Court Judge!

Amanda and Derek Edwards – Education and Public Safety

A-B Tech Foundation Director and County Commissioner Amanda Edwards. Public High School Principal Derek Edwards. Their son Wade is a Senior at Asheville HIgh.

Kerry Friedman – Attorney. Business, Commercial and Health Care Law

Robin Merrell’s even temperament, quick mind, legal and life experience, and passion for fair administration of justice  all qualify Robin for this important position.

family of four
April – Victim Advocate

Robin has spent a long career advocating for the rights of those the system often leaves behind. She cares about families and works hard to make our community a better place for all.



Robin was born in Buncombe, and raised in Buncombe and Madison counties. She lives in northern Buncombe County and volunteers countywide.

Diverse Community Members Endorse Robin for Judge

Robin is the Managing Attorney at Pisgah Legal Services. She represents veterans, children, families, elders, and people who face violence and discrimination.
Trina Goodman – Business Owner and Community Advocate

I believe Robin has blossomed into a wonderful candidate for Judge and will do an outstanding job because she cares. I say congratulations to you in advance Robin Merrell because you deserve it. — Trina Goodman Owner of Travl’N With Trina LLC, past Board Member, Pisgah Legal Services, past liaison for the residents of the Asheville Housing Authority.

The Shawamreh Family

The Shawamreh family loves Robin!

Brian and Lisa McClean (with grandson Liam) – Community Members

Robin is a great neighbor and friend.  We are so excited for her to be our next judge.

Brad and Malissa

We trust Robin to be our next District Court Judge.

Redora Vance

Robin Merrell has been a part of my life throughout all stages of my life (teenage, young adult, and now adult). She has always made herself available for me and has followed through with any and every commitment she made to me. I am thankful for her hard work and dedication to serving the community and I fully support her running for District Court Judge.




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