Janet I. Pueschel, M.S., J.D

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Former Elected Judge of Probate
  • Former Elected Clerk of Superior Court
  • Fifteen Years Experience as an Attorney
  • Twenty-three Years in Criminal Justice
  • 2007 American Business Woman Association Most Outstanding Woman of the Triangle
  • 2006 National Organization of Victim Assistance - Allied Professional Award
  • N.C. Victim Assistance Network Leadership Award
Pueschel Law Firm

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HOLLOWELL LAW OFFICES, P.A

Attorney (February to December 2007)

Concentrating in the area of estate planning, wills and trust development, business law, and employment law concentrating in defense of claims, human resources development, investigation of discrimination, and consulting for non-profit corporations.


WAKE COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT

Clerk of Superior Court/Judge of Probate (2002 - 2006)

As a judicial officer of the NC Superior Court Division, exercised the judicial power of the State in the probate of wills, administration of estates and the handling of special proceedings, such as adoptions and foreclosures. Served as official custodian of all records of the courts, responsible for receiving, investing, and disbursing all funds paid into or through the courts. Handled $244 million per year in receipts and disbursements and supervised 117 assistant and deputy clerks.


PUESCHEL LAW FIRM

Sole Practitioner

Concentrating in the areas of State and Federal criminal offenses, jail and prison litigation, labor and employment law. Consulting for non-profit corporations and estate planning.


NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Governor's Drug Cabinet - Executive Director (1991-1993)

Responsible for the coordination of the drug and alcohol programs and funding in all state agencies. Developed cooperative, multi-agency efforts to reduce abuse and trafficking while implementing the Governor's Statewide Drug Plan. Wrote Federal grant and was accountable for Federal budgets, legislative efforts, and multi-agency lobbying.


Staff and Assistant Director (1989 - 1991)

Developed statewide drug plan, wrote 20 bills, authored reports to the Governor, developed prevention and education programs.


NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Morrison Youth Institution (1987 - 1989)

Responsible for all programmatic functions of 400 bed male facility. Managed inmate disciplinary/grievance process, computer security and staff training. Assisted in custody functions and escapes.


Office of the Director - Special Assistant (1985 - 1987)

Responsible for weapons standardization plan, youth command programming development of Governor's 10-year prison plan. Researched modular housing units and other special projects.


Polk Youth Institution - Assistant Superintendent/Programs (1983 - 1985)

Responsible for all programmatic functions of 700 bed male facility. Same duties as Morrison Youth Institution.


LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

N.C. General Assembly - House Select Committee on Personnel Review (1987-1999)

Legal counsel to 9 Representatives and legislative staff during investigative hearings of state government personnel abuse. Focus on Algie Toomer Settlement.

Governor's Drug Cabinet - Lobbyist (1990-1993)

Assited in the drafting and revision of 29 drug and alcohol bills. Found sponsors for the bills, attended legislative committee and study commission meetings, responded to legislators' inquiries and worked with legislative research to modify the bills. Assisted in passage of the 1990 Omnibus Drug Act.


ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Harvard University Kennedy School of Government (1990 - 1993)

Accepted invitation to participate in a 4-year study of State Drug Control executives to determine executive process and strategies in drug policy in the U.S.

Assistant Professor & Instructor (1974 - 1986)

Various colleges and training academies (Part-time)


APPOINTMENTS

National Organization of Victim Assistance Board Award

American Business Women's Association, Heart of Carolina Chapter 2007 Most Outstanding Woman in the Triangle Award

N.C. Housing Partnership, NC House of Representatives Appointment

N.C. Bar Association - Prison Issues Committee

Mediation Services of Wake County - Certified Mediator, Past Chairperson of The Board of Directors

National Institute of Health, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention - Technical Expert in Special Programs

Wake County Criminal Justice Partnership Board (County Commission Appointment) - Member

Wake County Commission on Women (County Commission Appointment) - Member

N.C. Bar Association - Quality of Life Committee

American Association of University Boards and Commission Task Force

NC Federation of Republican Women - Legislative and Research Chair

Wake County Board of Election Voter Registration Committee

Wake County Republican Party Vice Chairman


MEMBERSHIPS

American Correctional Association

N.C. Correctional Association

American Bar Association

N.C. Bar Association

Wake County Bar Association

N.C. Mediation Network

Raleigh Women's Club

Wake County Estate Planning Council

International Affairs Council


EDUCATION

J.D.

Law 1992

North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC

North Carolina Bar Admission - August 1992

Am Jur Award - Criminal Procedure - 1990


M.S.

Administration of Justice

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL


B.S.

Social Work and Correctional Services

East Carolina University, Greenville, NC