Paul Martin Newby was born in Asheboro, N.C. on May 5, 1955 to Samuel O. and Ruth Parks Newby. He was raised in Jamestown where he graduated from Ragsdale High School. He received his B.A. degree in Public Policy Studies (Magna Cum Laude) from Duke University and law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law.

Justice Newby served as a judicial intern in the United States Supreme Court and interned in the 18th Judicial District Public Defenders Office (Greensboro/High Point). He began his law practice in Asheville with Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes and Davis, P.A. He was Vice President and General Counsel of Cannon Mills Realty and Development Corporation in Kannapolis. In 1985, Justice Newby was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in Raleigh where he served for over 19 years. He taught many courses for the United States Department of Justice and received the Crime Victims Fund Award. Justice Newby is an Adjunct Professor at the Campbell University School of Law. He serves as Vice President of the North Carolina Bar Association. Justice Newby is the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Southern Wesleyan University.

Justice Newby is an Eagle Scout and serves as Scoutmaster Emeritus of Troop 11. He is the recipient of the Heroism Award for rescuing nine people from a riptide and of the God and Service Award.

Justice Newby has been married to Macon Tucker Newby since 1983. They have four children, Samuel, Ruth, Peter and Sarah. He and his family attend Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh where he is an Elder, Sunday School teacher and youth leader.