News

Metcalf appointed U.S. magistrate judge

By Bill Moss, Published: November 14, 2018

The Van Winkle Law Firm attorney William Carleton Metcalf, a former senior principal in the firm, has been named United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, the law firm announced.

Metcalf was sworn in by The Honorable Max O. Cogburn Jr., U.S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, and began his new role on Nov. 1.

Prior to his appointment, Judge Metcalf practiced law at The Van Winkle Law Firm for 21 years, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and an officer of the firm. He earned both his bachelor’s degree with honors in history and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While attending the UNC School of Law, Judge Metcalf served as president of his graduating class and was a member of the Holderness Moot Court.

“On behalf of the entire firm, I would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Judge Metcalf on his recent appointment to magistrate judge,” said Steve Grabenstein, president of The Van Winkle Law Firm. “It has been our pleasure to work with him over the last 21 years, and we know he will serve our community well in his new role.”

Active in leadership roles in professional organizations throughout his career, Judge Metcalf served as an officer of the 28th Judicial District Bar in Buncombe County, was the founding president of the Western District of North Carolina Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and served as a past president of the Harry C. Martin Chapter of the American Inns of Court. He has received multiple professional awards and honors, including being named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a recipient of the 28th Judicial District Bar’s Professionalism Award. He is also active in the community, working with organizations such as Pisgah Legal Services and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and volunteering time with various local athletic associations.