Profile photo of Hon. Allyson K. Duncan (Ret.)

Hon. Allyson K. Duncan (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Neutral Evaluator Special Master
Raleigh, NC, United States

About

Judge Duncan's career spans over a decade as a circuit judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and tenure on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Her background includes significant experience in private practice as a partner at Kilpatrick Stockton and public service as the legal counsel for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She has presided over a vast array of complex federal and state litigations, focusing on appellate review, statutory interpretation, and international judicial cooperation.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Employment & Labor Energy & Environment Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Intellectual Property International & Cross-Border

Professional Experience

Arbitrator
Mediator
and Special Master
JAMS
Circuit Judge
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Partner
2003–2019
Kilpatrick Stockton (now Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton)
Commissioner
1998–2003
North Carolina Utilities Commission
Judge
1991–1998
North Carolina Court of Appeals
1990–1991
Legal Counsel
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
1986–1990
Assistant Professor of Law
North Carolina Central University School of Law
1980–1986
Appellate Attorney
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1976–1980
Law Clerk
Hon. Julia Cooper Mack
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
1975–1976

Publications Leadership

  • Author, 'The Role of the Judiciary in a Modern Democracy,' published in various international legal journals
  • Frequent speaker on appellate advocacy and international law at the American Bar Association and Federal Bar Association
  • Leadership role as President of the Federal Judges Association
  • Contributor to the JAMS ADR Blog on topics including the Federal Arbitration Act and appellate mediation strategies
  • Lecturer on judicial ethics and independence for international judicial exchange programs

Positioning Takeaways

A former federal appellate judge with extensive experience in high-stakes commercial, employment, and international disputes, ideal for neutral evaluation and complex arbitrations.

License & Certifications

  • North Carolina State Bar
  • District of Columbia Bar

Education

J.D.
Duke University School of Law
1975
B.A.
Hampton University
1972

Distinction

First African American woman to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the first to serve as President of the Federal Judges Association.

Reputation

She is highly regarded for her analytical precision, deep understanding of federal jurisdiction, and a balanced approach to complex appellate matters. Peers and practitioners note her ability to navigate sensitive international and civil rights issues with professional composure.