Judge Thomas H. Lock: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Thomas H. Lock is a judge for the Johnston County Superior Court in the 11th Judicial District of the 3rd Division in North Carolina. He was elected to the bench in 2006 and re-elected in 2014 and 2022.

Prior to his election, Lock was the district attorney for the 11th Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, a position to which he was named in 1991.

Lock earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978. He then completed a J.D. at the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1981.

After graduating from law school, Lock began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the 11th Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office. He served in that capacity until 1984, at which time he entered into private practice in Smithfield.

His memberships have included the Johnston County Bar Association. He has also been involved with the Executive Board of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and the Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association.