Orlin David Hall

Current office and 2026 campaign

Orlin David Hall, known as Dave Hall, is a District Court Judge for Judicial District 16, Seat 1, serving Durham County, North Carolina. He was elected to the bench in November 2018, defeating incumbent Fred Battaglia. He is a Democrat and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026, general election.

Background and education

Hall earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. He then attended North Carolina Central University, earning both a Juris Doctorate from the NCCU School of Law (2008) and a Master of Business Administration from the NCCU School of Business Administration.

Career

After graduating law school in 2008, Hall founded his own practice as an indigent defense attorney. He worked across the full range of district court matters in Durham, including criminal, juvenile, and abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. He also worked with nonprofit organizations including SEEDS and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice before his election to the bench. Earlier in his career he was an Equal Justice Works Fellow, providing direct reentry legal services and support to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

As a judge, Hall presides over Recovery Court, family court, traffic court, domestic violence court, criminal court, and civil and civil jury courts in Durham.

Hall mentors students through The Men of Color Scholar's Institute at Durham Tech.

Family

Hall has been married for over thirty-five years and has three adult children. He is a survivor of gun violence.

Sources