Ann Anderson is a North Carolina attorney with extensive experience in zoning and land use, local government law, general civil law, and civil litigation. She has served as a both a professor and practitioner, allowing her to provide clients with a unique perspective on complex legal matters.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning public service and private practice, Ann draws on her diverse legal background to provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to each client’s situation. Prior to joining Morningstar Law Group, she was the Town Attorney for the Town of Chapel Hill, where she advised on a broad range of municipal matters, including zoning and land use. She also served as a tenured professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government, teaching and advising North Carolina judges. Earlier in her career, she practiced civil and land use litigation in Raleigh and Durham with a large North Carolina law firm.

Ann lives in Chapel Hill with her three sons and enjoys books, fitness, travel, spending time outdoors, and being with friends.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Be kind and be curious. All else will follow.

Accolades

Albert & Gladys Hall Coates Distinguished Term Associate Professor of Public Law and Government, (2017-2019)
Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Excellence in Teaching Award: Nominee (2016, 2014, 2012, 2010)

Representative Experience

Served as General Counsel for the Town of Chapel Hill, overseeing all legal affairs, including contract negotiation and litigation defense.
Advised the Town of Chapel Hill on land use, zoning, and real property matters, providing guidance to the Planning Department, Town Council, and Town Manager on regulatory, legislative, and quasi-judicial issues.
Educated and advised North Carolina judges and judicial officials as a tenured Associate Professor at the UNC School of Government, developing guidance on a broad range of civil law topics.
Practiced civil litigation, specializing in business and land use disputes, including state and federal trial work, mediations, arbitrations, and local government board hearings.

Presentations & Publications

RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA CIVIL CASES. UNC School of Government. 2015. 273 pages. ISBN: 978-1-56011-855-8.
Editor and Co-Author, NORTH CAROLINA CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT PROCEDURES MANUAL, UNC School of Government Volume I and II, 2ndedition, 2012. (1650 pages; 60 chapters).
Superior Court Judges’ Bench Book at http://benchbook.sog.unc.edu. (17 civil sections).
Civil Law Blog (“On the Civil Side”; http://civil.sog.unc.edu/) posts on civil procedure and substantive civil law subjects. Jan. 2015–August 2020.
Estates Proceedings in North Carolina, ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE BULLETIN.
Attorney Fee Provisions in North Carolina Contracts, ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE BULLETIN.

Education

University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D. with honors
North Carolina Law Review
University of North Carolina, B.A. with highest distinction
Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

North Carolina State Bar (2001)
S. District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina (2001, 2002)
S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (2022)

Professional

Chief Justice’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure (2017-2021)
North Carolina Pattern Jury Instruction Committee Liaison (2013-2020)
NC Court System COVID-19 Task Force: Staff Member (2020)
North Carolina Advocates for Justice: Consultant (2020)
Administrative Office of the Courts, Civil Forms Committee: Member (2009 – 2020)
Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment: Chair (2010-2013), Member (2005-2013)
NC Association of Municipal Attorneys: Member
International Municipal Lawyers Association: Member
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce: Member

Ann Anderson

Counsel