Mediator Resume

Began legal career in August 1971 as a law clerk for John D. Larkins Jr., United States District Judge, EDNC. On January 1, 1973, established solo law practice in New Bern, NC. Appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge in August 1979. Trial judge in many complex federal civil cases. On ground floor in development of alternative dispute resolution in the EDNC. Returned to private trial practice in 1995. Awarded Chief Justice’s Professionalism Award, North Carolina Chief Justice, Paul Newby, May 18, 2023.

Charles K. McCotter Jr. - Sole Practice and Owner

Attorney at Law

Owner, Charles K. McCotter Jr. Attorney at Law, 2015-Present, 1995-1997, 1973-1974; Of Counsel, Zaytoun Law Firm PLLC, 2017-2025; Partner, McCotter Ashton PA, 2012-2014; Partner, McCotter Ashton & Smith PA, 2003-2012; Partner, McCotter McAfee and Ashton PLLC, 1998-2002; US Magistrate Judge, United States Courts, Eastern District of North Carolina, 1979-1995; Partner, McCotter & Mayo, 1974-1979; Law Clerk, John D. Larkins, Jr. - United States District Judge, 1971-1972.

General practice with emphasis on civil litigation, arbitration and mediation. Served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge with full range of duties, including trials, jury and non-jury, in federal civil litigation. Thorough knowledge and experience in application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, and principles of federal jurisdiction. Litigation in North Carolina Federal and State Courts; admiralty and maritime, construction, commercial, personal injury, medical, civil rights, business, property, land condemnation, and other civil cases. Have handled complex federal and state cases. Expertise in admiralty and maritime cases including boat collisions, Jones Act, unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure and comparative negligence claims.

Mediated over 2,000 cases.

Boat and auto accidents and collision, cargo, Jones Act, seaman status, in service of vessel, general maritime law, unseaworthiness, negligence, personal injury, wrongful death, causation, foreseeability, experts, damages, attorney fees, construction, wills, estates, real property, breach of contract, business, just compensation, civil rights, jurisdiction; comparative negligence, and scope of employment.

Facilitative

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, GotoMeetings, and Free Conference Call. Successfully completed Clearbrief Academy, June 2025.

University of North Carolina (JD-1971); University of North Carolina (BS, Business Administration-1968).

Admitted to the Bar: North Carolina (1971); US District Court: Eastern (1971), Middle and Western District of North Carolina; US Court of Appeals: 4th Circuit; US Supreme Court (1998).

Member of NC Senior Lawyers; Craven County Bar Association; North Carolina State Bar; North Carolina Bar Association (Dispute Resolution Section); Maritime Law Association of the United States (Proctor in Admiralty); Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI); Federal Magistrate Judges Association; Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference; Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court.

Have published articles on North Carolina History and made speaking engagements on Eastern North Carolina local history. Have made presentations on recreational boating.

Within 60 miles of New Bern, North Carolina

Hourly Rate: $400.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $400.00/hr Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: No travel charged within a 60 mile radius.

English

United States of America

New Bern, North Carolina