Katherine is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and politics and her law degree from Wake Forest University as well as her master's degree in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Katherine lives in Oxford, North Carolina with her husband, Tom, and their 2 children. They attend St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

Prior to becoming a judge, Katherine worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and an assistant district attorney for the 11th prosecutorial district of North Carolina.

Katherine Burnette is currently District Court Judge for Judicial District 11A. She was appointed in 2018 and is serving her first full-term.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As an assistant United States attorney, prosecuted federal criminal cases on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office, mentored and supervised clerical staff and attorneys, advised state and federal law enforcement agents during investigations, and presented cases to grand juries.

As a district court judge, oversees civil cases involving less than $10,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probable cause hearings, and juvenile proceedings.

- As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As an assistant United States attorney, prosecuted federal criminal cases on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office, mentored and supervised clerical staff and attorneys, advised state and federal law enforcement agents during investigations, and presented cases to grand juries.
- As a district court judge, oversees civil cases involving less than $10,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probable cause hearings, and juvenile proceedings.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Katherine Burnette’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Candidate website

Supports community involvement through volunteer work, community service, and participation in local organizations. Believes in addressing issues like mental health and opioid addiction through community engagement.

Volunteers at  J.F. Webb High School in English classes and with Teen Court.

Believes in community involvement through service on local boards and participation in organizations like her church, Granville Little Theatre, and Kerr-Vance Academy.

Previously served on the  North Carolina Board of Elections, North Carolina Board of Ethics, and State Personnel Commission.

- Volunteers at  J.F. Webb High School in English classes and with Teen Court.
- Previously served on the  North Carolina Board of Elections, North Carolina Board of Ethics, and State Personnel Commission.

Community Involvement

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Katherine Burnette

Katherine 'Kat' Burnette is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and has been residing in Oxford, N.C. since 1989 with her husband Tom and their two children. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a BA in English and Politics, and later received her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest School of Law. Katherine also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte.

Katherine Burnette is the incumbent district court judge for the 11A Judicial District of North Carolina. She previously clerked for the Hon. Eugene H. Phillips at the N.C. Court of Appeals and worked for two private practice firms. She was appointed as a district court judge by Governor Roy Cooper in 2018.

Katherine Burnette has been serving as the incumbent district court judge for the 11A Judicial District of North Carolina since her appointment by Governor Roy Cooper in 2018. There is no mention of her serving on any committees or running for office in the past.

Believes legal experience is crucial, having served as a federal prosecutor and assistant DA handling violent crimes and sex crimes against children.

Believes in gaining diverse legal experience through roles in federal civil litigation, bankruptcy, criminal law, and family law. Joined the DA’s office in 2002 to further her legal career.

Believes extensive legal experience in family, criminal, and bankruptcy law, along with civil and commercial litigation, is crucial. As an ADA, prosecuted serious sex offenses against children, demonstrating commitment to justice.

The candidate's website says, "Katherine is the incumbent district court judge (appointed in 2018, re-elected in 2020) for the 11A Judicial District of North Carolina serving Franklin, Vance, Granville, Person, and Warren counties and has practiced law in North Carolina for over 39 years."

Believes legal experience is crucial for effective financial litigation. As an assistant U.S. attorney, received national awards for recovering restitution for crime victims.

Believes legal experience in prosecuting violent crimes and combating the opioid crisis is crucial. As a prosecutor, participated in trials for bank robbery, federal firearms crimes, and controlled substance offenses.

Believes in continuous legal education and specialization in juvenile justice. As a district court judge, obtained Juvenile Certification and engaged in community presentations on juvenile justice.

Believes legal experience is crucial for effective advocacy. As a financial litigation attorney for the USAO-EDNC, was nationally recognized twice for her work litigating for crime victims.

Believes in strong community involvement through volunteer work and service with local organizations. As a former member of the NC Board of Elections and NC Board of Ethics, actively participated in various community committees and currently volunteers at J.F. Webb High School and Teen Court.

Supports community involvement through actions like placing yard signs, hosting events, making phone calls, distributing literature, working polls on election day, and inviting Katherine to speak at events.

Believes community involvement is crucial and is grateful for the support in her election. Plans to continue listening to victims, working hard for communities, and upholding the law.

- 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. 