Ronald K. Payne**

Attorney Ronald K. Payne joined the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm in 2025. He has practiced law for more than 47 years and has served the people of North Carolina in the role of litigator and judge.

Ron is a Buncombe County native and has spent most of his life in the Asheville area. The youngest of three, he was an involved student who played multiple sports, excelled in his studies, and was active in student government. Ron attended North Carolina State University and graduated with honors with a B.A. in Economics before obtaining his law degree from Wake Forest University.

An ambitious young attorney with an appetite for demanding work, Ron returned to Asheville to practice at the firm he clerked at during law school. After two years, he started his own firm concentrating primarily on civil legal proceedings as a forceful and effective litigator.

On the Bench

In 1995, Ron was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. as Resident Superior Court Judge for the 28th Judicial District of North Carolina. He won election in 1996 and re-election in 2004. During his tenure as a Superior Court Judge, Ron presided over a number of major trials, ranging from medical malpractice to capital murder cases. While on the bench, Ron applied his fairness, intellect, legal knowledge, and work ethic.

In 2002, Ron was named by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers (now known as the North Carolina Advocates for Justice) as “Outstanding Trial Judge.” He also served as Treasurer and as a member of the Executive Committee for the Conference of Superior Court Judges.

Ron retired as a Superior Court Judge in 2008 and returned to the private practice of law, focusing on civil litigation with an emphasis on eminent domain.

Making a Positive Impact for NC Property Owners

In one memorable case, Ron and his law partner successfully increased the City of Statesville’s initial offer of $52,200 to $350,000 for an easement over 11.5 acres of their client’s dairy farm .^1,4

His client was so appreciative that years later, when Ron was serving on the bench, the client suggested that Ron take a two-week vacation from being a judge and help him out on another eminent domain matter (Ron respectfully declined).

As a judge, Ron recognized how perceptive juries can be, and he now uses this knowledge to frame his arguments and build his clients’ cases. Ron also understands that eminent domain cases are often as much about the client as they are about the property. He is driven to seek results that enable his clients to comfortably resume their lives after a government taking.

Throughout the years, Ron’s dedication and integrity were recognized, and he was honored with a “Citizen Lawyer Award” by the North Carolina Bar Association in 2023.

NC Eminent Domain Law firm attorney Kevin Mahoney states that “Ron possesses decades of invaluable experience representing landowners in eminent domain cases, and he also brings a powerful perspective from his years as a Superior Court Judge. Ron is committed to using his knowledge and experience to pursue optimal outcomes for our eminent domain clients.”

Off Duty in Asheville

In his free time, Ron enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren; watching college sports; fishing; and spending time at the beach.

⁴Case handled by attorney prior to working at the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm.

*Denotes former member 

**Of counsel