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Kelly is currently an attorney at Williams Mullen and has experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, family law practitioner, court administrator, and commercial litigator.

Kelly is currently a North Carolina Superior Court Judge.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Licensed in North Carolina and Texas with 35 years of experience spanning prosecution, criminal defense, family law, court administration, and complex commercial litigation.

Served as both Family Court and Trial Court Administrator for the New Hanover and Pender Counties.

- Licensed in North Carolina and Texas with 35 years of experience spanning prosecution, criminal defense, family law, court administration, and complex commercial litigation.
- Served as both Family Court and Trial Court Administrator for the New Hanover and Pender Counties.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Kelly Colquette Hanley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Kelly Colquette Hanley

Linkedin

Kelly is currently an attorney at Williams Mullen.

As of January 5, 2026, Kelly Colquette Hanley did not have a website or any information online.

Who is running for office in Wilmington, NC, in 2026?

Milan Parker

Buket Urgen

G. Frank Jones

- The Superior Court Judge hears both civil and criminal cases. Superior Court Judges try civil cases involving more than $10,000. Superior Court Judge hear appeals of misdemeanors and infraction cases that were first heard in the District Court,
- They make decisions on bail, meaning a Superior Court Judge could keep a non-dangerous person in jail before they are convicted by setting a high bail.
- In each district (except Wake County), the most senior judge in years of service is designated the senior resident superior court judge. They are responsible for various administrative duties, including appointing magistrates and some other court officials, and managing the scheduling of civil cases for trial.
- Superior court judges rotate among the districts within their divisions.  
- The Superior Court Judge is elected for 8-year terms. Elections are partisan.

Trial Judge who hears criminal and civil cases