Dorothy Hairston Mitchell

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- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

North Carolina

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Court Judge

Buket Urgen

Dorothy is from Lawton, Oklahoma. She attended North Carolina Central University. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from North Carolina Central University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She attends NOW Church.

Dorothy Hairston Mitchell - Ballotpedia

Dorothy is a judge. She works at the North Carolina 16th Judicial District Court, where she has been since December 2021. She previously worked in private legal practice for ten years focusing on juvenile law, at the Durham County Public Defender’s Office beginning in 2013, as a defense attorney with the Durham County Adult Drug Treatment Court for nine years, and as a law instructor at North Carolina Central University School of Law for over seven years, where she also directed the School of Law Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute and served as legal director of the Center for Child & Family Health.

Dorothy Hairston Mitchell is currently a judge for Seat 4 of the North Carolina 16th Judicial District. She was appointed to the court by Governor Roy Cooper on December 3, 2021, to replace Brian C. Wilks.

Who's Running For Durham County District Attorney and Sheriff?

As an attorney, primarily focused her legal work in juvenile and criminal law, with a passion for working with children and families.

As of January 5, 2026, Dorothy Hairston Mitchell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Serves as Vice President of the George H. White Bar Association, Chair of the NC Indigent Defense Services Commission, and Vice-Chair of the Global Scholars Academy Board of Directors. Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Volunteered as a judge with the Durham County Teen Court for over 18 years.