Additional Experience
Guardian ad Litem Attorney in Petitions for Incompetency
In this role, Jay is required to learn his clients’ wishes regarding incompetency and a potential guardian, and present them to the court. He talks with the petitioner, treating physicians, family members, and additional health care providers, and also reviews records. Based on his work, he can make informed recommendations as an unbiased third party, and at the request of the presiding Clerk of Court, about the best interests of his client regarding competency and need for a guardian.
Jay served as a Guardian ad Litem attorney prior to becoming a District Court Judge. Currently he is on court lists for such services in Orange, Durham, Chatham and Alamance Counties. In addition, as a judge, Jay presided over Involuntary Commitment hearings at UNC Hospital.
Coaching in Treatment Courts
Jay also coaches women in recovery at the UNC Horizons Program. He helps them understand what to expect in relation to criminal charges, civil matters, domestic violence, family court, custody, or other issues. He provides information on resources for expungement services and license restoration, and has reviewed cases, files, and documents to help clients understand what they mean. For a detailed view of Jay’s work with individuals, see this Testimonial from a Residential Treatment Facility case manager.
In 2020 Jay and Dr. Hendree Jones, former Executive Director of UNC Treatment Program Horizons, developed a program to offer his assistance as a coach to recovering women, individually as well as in group therapy settings. He helps women prepare for their court hearings through tips developed by Dr. Jones and himself, and also coaches them with pending legal issues: securing custody of their children, license restoration, expungement of criminal charges, pending criminal and traffic charges, child support, evictions, and inadequate attorney representation, among others.
In 2023, Jay was awarded Horizons’ John and Jo Carol Thorp Big Heart Award. This Nomination and Criteria Form describes the significance of the award.
National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)
Jay works as a technical consultant for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). In this role he serves on a team that helps drug treatment courts across the country with their policies, procedures and best practices.
Jay is available for speaking and training opportunities
in his areas of practice
