Education

Cooper received both his undergraduate degree and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Pell Cooper - Ballotpedia

Pell Cooper earned an undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In June 2018, CJ reported that Pell was listed as manager of Will Clark Properties. He refused to speak with CJ about his role with the company. He did contact the Rocky Mount Telegram and said his role was appropriate. “It is a real estate investment that is solely owned by me, and the land is leased to a solar company,” Cooper told the newspaper. “Limited liability companies are common in real estate holdings, and this is in compliance with the North Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct.”

Judge Cooper's Wife Now Listed as Manager of Solar Property Both Own

Pell Cooper owns a real estate investment that includes land leased to a solar company.

Judge Cooper's wife now listed as manager of family's solar property

No candidates, Republican of Democrat, filed their candidacy ahead of the Dec. 19 deadline, to oppose District 8 Seat 1 incumbent Judge Pell Cooper, a Democrat, who is seeking reelection.

Ballots will be filled with judicial candidates seeking office in 2026

Pell Cooper

Pell Cooper is a district court judge for the 7A and the 7BC Judicial Districts, which preside over Nash, Wilson, and Edgecombe counties of North Carolina. He joined the court in 1999. Cooper was re-elected to the 7A and the 7BC Judicial Districts in 2014, winning a term that expired on December 31, 2018.

Pell currently serves as a North Carolina district court judge. He joined the court in 1999 and was reelected in 2014 to a term that expired in 2018.

Ballots will be filled with judicial candidates seeking office in 2026 ...

Pell currently serves as a North Carolina district court judge. He joined the court in 1999 and was reelected in 2014.

2026 North Carolina General Election

The North Carolina Judicial Branch's Nash County directory lists: “Judge District Court Pell Cooper.”

Article

Presides over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issues rulings and orders.

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 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. 

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Pell Cooper did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

On Wednesday, March 28, the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NCSSAR) had the distinct privilege to induct North Carolina Governor Roy Asberry Cooper, III and his brother Judge Pell Carlton Cooper into the Society. The 3:30 PM ceremony was held in the historic House chambers on the second floor of the State Capital in Raleigh.

NC Governor Roy Cooper Inducted into the SAR

Others in attendance included State Sr. Vice President Jim Becker, then Secretary and National Trustee Gary Green, State Historian and the Governor’s Sponsor Joe Sam Queen and Co-Sponsor Glenn Sappie. NC Assistant Secretary for Veterans Affairs James Prosser was also in attendance. Both Governor and Judge Cooper will be members of the Raleigh Chapter.

Joined the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and its Raleigh Chapter.

- Joined the North Carolina Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and its Raleigh Chapter.

Community Involvement

Pell Cooper

Nash | North Carolina Judicial Branch

- Presides over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issues rulings and orders.

As of January 5, 2026, Pell Cooper’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Cooper received both his undergraduate degree and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[6]

See also
Courts in North Carolina
North Carolina District Courts
Judicial selection in North Carolina

# Pell Cooper

Judge District Court

District Court

Pell Cooper | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Pell Cooper is a district court judge for the 7A and the 7BC Judicial Districts, which preside over Nash, Wilson, and Edgecombe counties of North Carolina.[1] He joined the court in 1999.[2] Cooper was re-elected to the 7A and the 7BC Judicial Districts in 2014, winning a term that expired on December 31, 2018.[3][4]

Pell currently serves as a district court judge. He joined the court in 1999 and was re-elected to the 7A and 7BC Judicial Districts in 2014.

As a North Carolina district court judge since 1999, Pell Cooper presides over cases within the court's jurisdiction and issues rulings and orders.

Pell Cooper is from North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree and a law degree from the University of North Carolina. He and his wife, Meredith, live in Rocky Mount. 

Pell is a district court judge for the 7A and 7BC Judicial Districts in North Carolina. He has been on the bench since 1999. He is also the sole manager of Will Clark Properties and York Investment Enterprises LLC. Pell and Roy Cooper are both listed as managers of Sapony Creek Properties LLC. 

Pell is currently a district court judge for the 7A and 7B Judicial Districts. He has served on the court since 1999.

Is listed as a manager of three businesses, which may violate state judicial rules preventing conflicts of interest by judges.

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.