Former North Carolina Chief District Court Judge Clayton J. Jones Jr. Joins Triangle Divorce Lawyers as Senior Attorney

Press Release

RALEIGH, N.C., August 2026 — Triangle Divorce Lawyers announced that Clayton J. Jones Jr., a former North Carolina District Court Judge and Chief District Court Judge, has joined the firm as a Senior Attorney in its Raleigh office.

Jones brings more than two decades of experience in North Carolina’s legal system. His career has included service as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, District Court Judge, and Chief District Court Judge.

His addition brings a distinctive perspective to Triangle Divorce Lawyers’ family law practice. During his time on the bench, Jones presided over civil and family court proceedings, including matters involving child custody, support, domestic violence, and other issues that can significantly affect North Carolina families.

“Clayton brings a perspective to our team that can only come from years of practicing law and serving on the bench. He understands not only the law, but also how complex family law matters are evaluated in the courtroom. Just as importantly, he understands the responsibility that comes with helping families through decisions that can affect the rest of their lives. His experience, leadership, and commitment to serving people make him an exceptional addition to our team.”

From the Courtroom to Client Advocacy

Jones earned his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2003. He previously spent more than a decade as an Assistant Public Defender and later served in the Durham County District Attorney’s Office before being elected to the North Carolina District Court bench.

His judicial responsibilities included civil court, family court, domestic violence proceedings, juvenile matters, and criminal court. He later served as Chief District Court Judge, adding significant administrative and leadership responsibilities to his judicial role.

Now, Jones is bringing that experience back to private practice, with a focus on helping individuals and families navigate North Carolina family law matters.

“Serving on the bench gave me an opportunity to see family law from a perspective that few attorneys have. I have seen how the decisions made during these cases can affect parents, children, finances, and families well beyond the courtroom. Joining Triangle Divorce Lawyers gives me the opportunity to bring that experience directly to clients, helping them understand the process, prepare thoughtfully, and make informed decisions about what comes next.”

Strengthening Triangle Divorce Lawyers’ Family Law Team

Jones joins Triangle Divorce Lawyers as the firm continues to expand its ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Triangle and surrounding North Carolina communities.

Triangle Divorce Lawyers has 16 attorneys, more than 40 team members, four Triangle-area offices, and more than 350 combined years of experience across its team. The firm focuses exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, spousal support, mediation, domestic violence matters, and related family law issues.

Jones will serve clients from the firm’s Raleigh office at 109 N. Boylan Avenue.

“Continuing to grow is important, but growing with the right people is what matters,” Gurganus added. “Clayton’s experience strengthens the depth of our team and our ability to provide clients with thoughtful, strategic guidance when the stakes are high.”

About Clayton J. Jones Jr.

Clayton J. Jones Jr. is a Senior Attorney with Triangle Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina. Before joining the firm in August 2026, Jones served in the North Carolina court system as a District Court Judge and Chief District Court Judge. His legal career has also included experience as an Assistant Public Defender and Assistant District Attorney.

Jones earned his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law and graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina, where he studied criminal justice with a minor in business administration.

About Triangle Divorce Lawyers

Triangle Divorce Lawyers is a North Carolina family law firm headquartered in Raleigh, with offices serving Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Clayton, and surrounding communities. The firm focuses exclusively on divorce and family law, including child custody, child support, property division, spousal support, mediation, domestic violence matters, separation agreements, and related family law issues.

Led by Founder and CEO Mary Gurganus, Triangle Divorce Lawyers has 16 attorneys, more than 40 team members, four Triangle-area offices, and more than 350 combined years of experience across its team.