Marcus A. Shields

Marcus A. Shields serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Elon University School of Law, teaching Criminal Pre-Trial Practice since August 2025, while simultaneously operating Shields Law, PLLC as Owner & Managing Attorney in Greensboro, NC. His distinguished legal career includes service as a Guilford County District Court Judge (2018-2022), Assistant Public Defender, and Post-Conviction Attorney with over a decade of courtroom experience across criminal, civil, and juvenile jurisdictions.

His academic credentials include:

• Juris Doctor, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham, NC (2011)
• Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Experimental Psychology, University of South Carolina at Columbia, Columbia, SC (2008)

Shields' professional focus centers on criminal pre-trial strategy, specialized court systems (including juvenile drug treatment and mental health courts), and restorative justice approaches. His courtroom expertise directly informs his teaching methodology, emphasizing practical litigation skills and ethical considerations in high-stakes legal environments.

His professional recognition includes:

• 2022 Black Business Ink '40 Under 40' Most Influential African Americans in the Triad NC
• Nationally Certified Professional in Mediation (2023)
• Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow (2023)

Shields has mentored law students through Elon University's Preceptor Program since 2015 and previously coordinated internship programs for North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services. His leadership extends to diversity initiatives as Co-Chair of Ellis & Winters' DEIB Committee and liaison to corporate clients.

As a former District Court Judge, he presided over specialized courts including the Greensboro Juvenile Drug Treatment Court and Adult Mental Health Court. He currently serves on the Children's Law Center of Central North Carolina Board and Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Board, maintaining active leadership roles in the Greensboro Bar Association (immediate past President) and 24th Judicial District Bar.