The youngest Supreme Court Justice in North Carolina history. The youngest Court of Appeals judge. The youngest Superior Court judge since the colonial era. Now building a new law school of distinction as Founding Dean of the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law at High Point University.
About
The youngest Supreme Court Justice in North Carolina history. The youngest Court of Appeals judge. The youngest Superior Court judge since the colonial era. Mark Martin has devoted more than three decades to the law, serving as a transformational leader at every level of the North Carolina court system.
As the 28th Chief Justice of North Carolina, Martin accelerated efforts to strengthen the courts. He convened the North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice and served on the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices. US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed him to the U.S. Judicial Conference Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction.
Today, Martin serves as Founding Dean of the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law at High Point University, where he is building a law school from the ground up devoted to mastery of legal principles, excellence in advocacy, and professional service. The school welcomed its inaugural class in August 2024 and received ABA provisional approval in February 2026. His distinctive focus on character formation alongside excellence in legal education produces focused leaders ready to make an immediate impact in their communities.
Career
From the courtroom to the classroom, building institutions and reforming systems.
Elected to the Supreme Court at age 35. Also the youngest Court of Appeals judge and youngest Superior Court judge since the colonial era.
Taught law students in various capacities at Duke, UNC, NC Central, Regent, and High Point University. Co-taught with Justice Alito for three consecutive years.
77,500 sq. ft. facility dedicated September 2025. 72 inaugural students, 100% internship placement, ABA provisionally approved.
"I've always been a builder."Chief Justice Mark D. Martin, Attorney at Law Magazine
Press & Writing
Selected articles, features, and public writing.
Op-ed on constitutional first principles and the amendment process
Op-EdOp-ed on preserving jury trials as a cornerstone of democratic governance
Op-EdBuilding dedication, student outcomes, and NCBA collaboration
FeatureComprehensive profile on building a law school from the ground up
FeatureVideo interview on legal education, judicial reform, and HPU Law's vision
Feature on the career and vision behind HPU Law
FeatureContact
For speaking engagements, media inquiries, or professional correspondence.