Vernon E. Cardwell is a lifelong resident of Rockingham County. Following graduation from high school, Mr. Cardwell proudly served in the United States Air Force. He is a graduate of High Point University and received his Law Degree from Wake Forest School of Law in 1969. Upon receiving his degree, he eagerly returned to his hometown of Madison, North Carolina in 1970 and has served its residents continuously since that time. In 1971, he was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. In 1980, his work expanded to cases within the United States Supreme Court.

With over 55 years of practice, Mr. Cardwell has established one of the most prestigious general law firms, with an added emphasis on criminal defense, personal injury cases, and estates. Mr. Cardwell is known as one of the most reliable, trusted, and experienced attorneys in the Rockingham County Court System.

He has held the highest rating for professionalism and ethics (AV) awarded by Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years. He previously served as President of the Rockingham County Judicial Bar and is an active member of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association.