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Background
A lifelong Tar Heel basketball fan, Martin moved to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Throughout his undergraduate years, he cultivated his interest in law, public service, and policy and graduated with a double major in Political Science and Philosophy.
While attending the UNC School of Law, he served as Managing Editor of the First Amendment Law Review and volunteered as a student practitioner with UNC Civil Legal Assistance Clinic, focusing on civil rights cases. Martin developed his interest in appellate and criminal advocacy through serving as a Case Manager for the UNC Law chapter of The Innocence Project and volunteer for the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence. Focused on gaining practical experience, Martin spent his summers clerking with the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, and received distinction for significant pro bono service while in law school.
Martin began his career as a defense attorney, gaining invaluable trial experience in both bench and jury trials. He went on to work at one of Asheville's largest law firms, working on complex commercial matters, white collar crimes, property disputes, and employment matters in both federal and state courts.
Martin's experience with civil, appellate, and criminal matters makes him an effective advocate both in and outside of the courtroom. Whether facing charges as a wrongfully accused defendant or seeking justice as a victim of crime, Martin believes that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and their constitutional protections and will fight for just outcomes for every client.
Outside of the courtroom, Martin volunteers with local non-profit organizations, enjoys traveling, live music, and remains an avid Tar Heel sports fan. He also serves as a County Commissioner in Buncombe County.
Bar Admissions and Certifications
- All North Carolina State and Appellate Courts
- U.S. District Courts - Western District, Middle District, Eastern District
- Mediator Certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission
Education
University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D.
- Managing Editor, First Amendment Law Review
- Case Manager, The Innocence Project
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A.
- Staff Writer, The Daily Tar Heel
- Team A, Ethics Bowl National Debate Competition
- Double Major: Political Science and Philosophy
Community Involvement
- OpenDoors of Asheville - Board Chair
- Campaign for Southern Equality - Co-Chair of the Board of Directors
- Justice Resource Advisory Council, Buncombe County - Member
- Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - Board Chair (June 2021 - June 2022)
- Leadership Asheville, Class 39
- Judge, Buncombe County Teen Court
Awards and Recognitions
- 2023 The National Trial Lawyers' Top 40 Under 40 - Criminal Defense
- 2024 The Best Lawyers in America – “Ones to Watch” Honoree
- 2023 The Best Lawyers in America – “Ones to Watch” Honoree
- 2022 The Best Lawyers in America – “Ones to Watch” Honoree
- 2021 The Best Lawyers in America – “Ones to Watch” Honoree
- 2016 Laureate of the Year – OpenDoors of Asheville
Professional Affiliations
- Member, North Carolina Bar Association
- Member, North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- Member, American Inns of Court
- Member, Buncombe County Criminal Defense Bar
2023 Recognitions
