Greensboro’s new top attorney is no stranger to the courtroom – or to public service.
On Tuesday, July 8, the Greensboro City Council voted unanimously to appoint Deputy City Attorney Lora Cubbage as the next city attorney.
Cubbage, who joined the City Attorney’s Office only four months ago, will now take the reins as the head of the legal department, bringing with her a lengthy resume that includes a wide range of legal experience: She’s had stints as a prosecutor, judge, and assistant attorney general.
“I am honored to have the confidence of the City Council and I’m ready to serve in this new leadership role,” Cubbage said after the vote. “I’m committed to fostering transparency, integrity and accountability in city governance and municipal law, while supporting my team and senior leadership.”
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan praised the appointment and said the city is in good legal hands.
“Ms. Cubbage has an impressive track record as an attorney and former superior court judge,” Vaughan said. “She exhibits the leadership skills required to manage the City Attorney’s Office and the community will benefit from her legal acumen and commitment to public service.”
Before working for the City of Greensboro, Cubbage served as an assistant district attorney in Guilford County and as an assistant attorney general for the North Carolina Department of Justice.
She was later appointed to the bench – first as a district court judge, and, in 2018, as a North Carolina Superior Court judge by then-Governor Roy Cooper.
Most recently, in April of this year, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein honored her with The Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian award.
Cubbage is a graduate of the UNC School of Law and North Carolina A&T State University.
As deputy city attorney, she handled legal matters for the city’s public safety departments and led lobbying efforts on behalf of Greensboro.
Now she’ll lead the city’s entire legal department.
She is taking the place of former Greensboro City Attorney Chuck Watts who retired suddenly just over a week ago.
At that time, Vaughan said in a prepared statement: “During his tenure, Mr. Watts was instrumental in leading the city through a number of significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and times of civil unrest. Chuck also restructured the legal office to modernize operations. We acknowledge his years of service and wish him well in his retirement.”
Watts stated at the time of his retirement, “I appreciate my years with the city and am proud of the contributions I have made during my time here. I’m confident the current legal staff will continue to function at the highest level in support of the city.”
Cubbage is hoping to see the department functioning at a high level under her watch.
No surprises here.
Regarding the new Greensboro attorney, SO WHAT??
How does she benefit the citizens. This seems more like a political endorsement than a statement of benefits.
Keeping such a key role ‘in the family’ doesn’t seem wise given the abrupt resignation of the two lost senior people leading the county for assumably nefarious reasons.
Good Lord, Fox 8 beat you to SBI investigating Matheny and now Watts?? Bought and paid for.
I just want to take a moment to recognize and honor Lora Cubbage a powerful, intelligent, and beautiful woman of color who is making history and breaking barriers. Seeing her in this position fills me with so much pride. She is not only a shining example of grace and professionalism, but also a reflection of strength, perseverance, and excellence.
It means so much to witness a woman of color rise with dignity and purpose in spaces where we have long been underrepresented. Lora Cubbage stands as a role model not just because of her title, but because of the way she carries herself with integrity, confidence, and a deep sense of justice.
I am proud. I am inspired. And I celebrate her.
Anita Washington