Brunswick County has a new head legal advisor.
Robert Shaver, Jr. was recently named the county government’s counsel, according to spokeswoman Amanda Hutcheson.
He replaces Huey Marshall, who retired in July, shortly after being cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marshall, who had worked as Brunswick County’s attorney since 1996, was stopped at a driver’s license checkpoint, where law enforcement reportedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle. In searching the vehicle, authorities allegedly found two pipes and less than a half-ounce of marijuana.
A Brunswick County clerk of court said Wednesday those charges were dismissed by the state on Aug. 21 as part of an agreement.
Shaver, attorney for Rockingham County, will begin work in his new role in early January. Prior to his current post, which he has held since 2007, Shaver worked for five years as attorney for Caswell County.
“I am excited to receive this opportunity and look forward to moving to Brunswick County. I intend to provide straightforward advice and guidance to assist the commissioners and county management in meeting their goals to benefit the citizens of Brunswick County,” he said.
Shaver received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Wake Forest University. He has nearly three decades of experience practicing law in North Carolina, including 13 in local government. He served as 2014-15 president of the N.C. Association of County Attorneys.
“We have a great legal team supporting Brunswick County currently,” said Scott Phillips, chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners. “We welcome Mr. Shaver to that team and look forward to engaging his experience and leadership as we move Brunswick County forward.”
Assistant Brunswick County attorney Bryan Batton has been acting county attorney since Marshall’s retirement.
