Kirkman was born in Surry County, grew up in Dobson and graduated from Surry Central High School. She holds degrees from Surry Community College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Wake Forest University School of Law.

Surry County native tapped for judgeship

Kirkman said she and her husband, Treva Kirkman, are registered Republicans and live in Mount Airy with their two children, Lily and Rose Kirkman.

Kirkman seeks election to judgeship

Gretchen Hollar Kirkman was born in Surry County and grew up in Dobson. She holds degrees from Surry Community College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Wake Forest University School of Law. She lives in Mount Airy with her husband, Treva Kirkman, and their two children.

Surry County native tapped for judgeship | Local News | mtairynews ...

Facebook

Gretchen previously worked at the Law Office of Gretchen Hollar Kirkman, PLLC. 

Gretchen currently serves as a District Court Judge. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Kirkman has worked as an attorney in private practice since 2004, specializing in family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense. She has managed various cases before District and Superior Courts in Surry and Stokes over the past 16 years.

Prior to becoming a District Court Judge, Kirkman practiced in all of the courts serving Surry and Stokes counties. She has 16 years of experience in criminal court, juvenile court, civil court, child support enforcement court, domestic violence court, juvenile abuse, neglect and dependency court and termination of parental rights court.

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As a private-practice attorney since 2004, she represented clients in family, juvenile, and criminal defense cases.

As a private-practice attorney since 2004, represented clients in family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense.

- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As a private-practice attorney since 2004, represented clients in family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense.

Legal Experience

“As a district court judge for Surry and Stokes counties I have a record for being strict, strong, fighting the drug epidemic and protecting our communities’ children. I work tirelessly in my pursuit to protect our children and communities.

“I invite all citizens of our communities to visit the courts over which I preside. I would like the general public to see first hand my dedication to serve Surry and Stokes counties.”

Kirkman was appointed to the post by Gov. Roy Cooper to fill the vacancy created when Judge Charles M. Neaves Jr. retired from the post.

Invites residents to observe the courts over which she presides.

Supports inviting residents to observe the courts over which she presides.

- Supports inviting residents to observe the courts over which she presides.

Judicial Administration

The Dobson native said that while she’s been in office for less than a year, she’s established a record of fairness while upholding the law.

“Case by case, I am strict but fair. I make decisions based on what is morally right and guided by the Constitution,” she said in announcing her candidacy. “As a district court judge for Surry and Stokes counties I have a record for being strict, strong, fighting the drug epidemic and protecting our communities’ children. I work tirelessly in my pursuit to protect our children and communities.

“I invite all citizens of our communities to visit the courts over which I preside. I would like the general public to see first hand my dedication to serve Surry and Stokes counties.”

Said judicial decisions are made case by case, guided by the Constitution and what is “morally right.”

- Said judicial decisions are made case by case, guided by the Constitution and what is “morally right.”

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Gretchen Hollar Kirkman did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Gretchen Hollar Kirkman

- As a private-practice attorney since 2004, she represented clients in family, juvenile, and criminal defense cases.

As of January 5, 2026, Gretchen Hollar Kirkman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Gretchen is an attorney. She works at the Law Office of Gretchen Hollar Kirkman, PLLC, where she has been since 2004 and handles family law, juvenile law and criminal defense cases. She previously worked at the Law Office of Sarah Stevens from 2002 to 2004 and at the Law Office of David Dorfman from 2000 to 2002, and she served as a District Court Judge for District 17B in North Carolina.

Governor Cooper Announces Four Judicial Appointments | NC ...

Gretchen Hollar Kirkman | BallotReady

Judge Gretchen Hollar Kirkman files for District Court Judge | News ...

As a District Court Judge, served on the criminal, juvenile, civil, child support enforcement, domestic violence, juvenile abuse, neglect and dependency, and parental rights termination courts.

Supports community involvement through volunteer work and local organizations.

Gretchen Hollar Kirkman is from Dobson, North Carolina. She has a bachelor 27s degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from Wake Forest University. She and her husband, Treva, live in Mount Airy with their two children.

Gretchen is a district court judge for North Carolina's District 23. She previously served as a district court judge for District 17B and worked as an attorney at the Law Office of Sarah Stevens. She is currently the sole practitioner at the Law Office of Gretchen Hollar Kirkman, PLLC.

Gretchen is currently a district court judge for Surry and Stokes counties. She was appointed to the bench in June 2022.

As a District Court Judge, oversaw cases in criminal, juvenile, and civil court, as well as child support enforcement, domestic violence, juvenile abuse, neglect and dependency, and parental rights termination court.

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

- 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.