Council Names Nick Yates as Town Attorney

Published on January 21, 2026

At their regular meeting on January 21, 2026, the Chapel Hill Town Council appointed Nicholas Yates (Nick) as Chapel Hill’s next town attorney. Yates will start in his new role on January 22.

“We are very pleased to have Nick joining us in Chapel Hill,” said Mayor Jess Anderson.  “He rose above a competitive field of candidates. Throughout the recruitment process, the Council was impressed by his experience, knowledge, and legal perspective.”

Yates has extensive experience in local and state government. Since 2021, he’s served the Town of Cary as Deputy Town Attorney and Senior Assistant Town Attorney. Prior to that, he spent four years as an Assistant Attorney General with the North Carolina Department of Justice. Before joining the state, he worked as Assistant District Attorney for both Durham County and Wake County.  

“I’m excited to get to know the Town team and the Chapel Hill community.” said Yates. “The Town Attorney’s office supports the work of the Council and all Town departments, so the organizational mission of learning, serving, and working together really resonates with me.”

Yates earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Police and Sheriff’s Attorneys.

The Town Council conducted a national search to fill the position, which became vacant when previous Town Attorney Ann Anderson resigned in October 2025. Deputy Town Attorney James Baker has served as interim Town Attorney during the search process.

Mayor Anderson thanked Baker on behalf on the Council, saying “We want to share our deep appreciation to James Baker for serving in the interim. We are grateful for the leadership and guidance he has provided during this time of transition.”