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Cheryl Andrews McDonald earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a law degree from Wake Forest University.

Cheryl is an attorney. She works at her solo law practice in Winston-Salem, where she focuses on civil and criminal litigation. She previously worked at a private law firm in Winston-Salem, which she joined in 2011, and before that spent several years as a criminal defense attorney with the Forsyth County Public Defender’s office.

Cheryl previously worked as an attorney at the Holton Law Firm and as an attorney with the Forsyth County Public Defender's Office.

Cheryl currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina Judicial District 31. She was first appointed in 2025, and is serving her first term.

As an attorney at the Law Office of Cheryl McDonald, specializes in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

As an attorney, Cheryl specialized in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

- As an attorney, Cheryl specialized in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Cheryl Andrews McDonald’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteers with local organizations that support families in need and advocates for children's rights.

- Volunteers with local organizations that support families in need and advocates for children's rights.

Community Involvement

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Cheryl Andrews McDonald

Cheryl Andrews - Winston-Salem

Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointment | NC Governor

As an attorney at the Holton Law Firm, expanded legal practice beyond criminal cases to civil litigation in state and federal courts, handling business disputes, domestic cases, personal injury, wrongful death, estate disputes, federal qui tam actions, and all variety of criminal cases, and also handled appeals in North Carolina and argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

- 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. 