DIRECT EXAMINATION: JUDGE BRYAN COLLINS | RESIDENT SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
DIRECT EXAMINATION IS THE FIRST opportunity for the jury to meet a witness. An effective
lawyer will use the opportunity to personalize the witness, making the witness appear both likeable and credible. At the end of the day, the direct examination is a party’s best chance to tell his or her story.
1. When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up? I’m sure at one time I wanted to be an astronaut. I was eight years old when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and thought the whole space program was amazing. 2. What was the most important lesson your parents taught you? My parents were big on leading by example. By watching them I learned that no person is any better or worse than any other person.
8. What has been the most surprising or unexpected development in your career? All of us were caught off guard when the General Assembly decided that Wake County would have a Public Defender. In a matter of just a few months, I sought and received the appointment, shut down a thriving law practice and started the Public Defender’s Office from scratch. I’ve never worked so hard in my life and I’m surprised it all came together so well.
3. Who was your favorite teacher and why? William Clark, who was my high school government teacher. He encouraged us to use our brains and engage in critical thinking. He also let me be the judge in our mock trial, which included wearing a black robe. I was hooked from that day on and set about becoming a lawyer and a judge.
9. What is your favorite book? “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee.
4. Did you love or hate law school?
10. What is your most marked characteristic?
I loved law school. I developed some very close friendships that have lasted to this day.
I hope it’s my quick wit and teddy bear demeanor. I expect some might differ.
5. What was your most embarrassing courtroom experience? I’m sure that in my first few years of practice I did any number of things that should have embarrassed me, but I was too obtuse to realize it. 6. What was your best courtroom experience?
11. What is your hidden talent? I spent two summers as a professional actor, dancer and stunt man. 12. Who are your real life heroes?
My best courtroom experience was during my time as the attorney for the clients in Drug Treatment Court (now known as Recovery Court) when a client would graduate. The folks who came into that program at that time were in very bad shape and had to overcome enormous obstacles to succeed. There is one graduate in particular who still gives me a big hug and thanks me every time she sees me on the street.
My mom and dad. 13. When and where were you happiest? I’ve led a very happy life. I’ve had my share of setbacks and challenges but that’s all part of life. Right here and right now is the happiest time of my life.
7. Why did you become a lawyer? WAKE BAR FLYER
I got a bad speeding ticket when I was 16 years old. The lawyer I hired was very professional and made me feel so much better. When we went to court, I was very impressed with how much respect he was shown by everyone in the system and how he treated everyone in the courtroom. I decided I wanted to be like him. His name was Bill Mitchell in North Wilkesboro.
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SECOND QUARTER 2021
