She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, her Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law.

Governor Cooper Appoints Superior Court Judge for Mecklenburg County | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Kimberly Y. Best earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a law degree from Indiana University School of Law.

Governor Cooper Announces Four Judicial Appointments - NC Courts

Kimberly earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a law degree from Indiana University School of Law.

Kimberly Best has served as a district court judge in Mecklenburg County since 2009. Previously, she was in private practice. She has also served as a magistrate in Mecklenburg County and a Spanish teacher at JT Williams Middle School. She is the N.C. State Chair for the National Association of Women Judges.

Kimberly previously worked in private practice and as a Spanish teacher at JT Williams Middle School.

Kimberly Y. Best previously worked in private practice and as a Spanish teacher at JT Williams Middle School.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Serves as a Mecklenburg County district court judge and has held the role since 2009.

Previously worked in private legal practice.

Previously served as a Mecklenburg County magistrate.

- Serves as a Mecklenburg County district court judge and has held the role since 2009.
- Previously worked in private legal practice.
- Previously served as a Mecklenburg County magistrate.

Legal Experience

The current state of NC bail law is different than policies we have implemented in Mecklenburg County. We have been proactive in assessing our compliance with the law as written in NC. Release is presumed unless it can be shown that the offender is a flight risk or presents a danger to the community. Thus, I have justly and fairly applied this standard based on facts presented to me. Defendants who are incarcerated are not to be detained because they suffer from a substance use disorder, mental illness or a lack of financial resources.

North Carolina Judges | WFAE

Release is presumed unless it can be shown that the offender is a flight risk or presents a danger to the community. Thus, I have justly and fairly applied this standard based on facts presented to me. Defendants who are incarcerated are not to be detained because they suffer from a substance use disorder, mental illness or a lack of financial resources. Our current bail policy, structured with the assistance of Harvard University, provides an matrix for Judges to truly assess risk level of flight and safety to the community.

Defendants who are incarcerated are not to be detained because they suffer from a substance use disorder, mental illness or a lack of financial resources. Our current bail policy, structured with the assistance of Harvard University, provides an matrix for Judges to truly assess risk level of flight and safety to the community. I have complied with this new policy and believe it offers a fair assessment of defendants who appear before me.

Applied North Carolina's presumption that people should be released before trial unless facts show they pose a flight risk or danger to the community, and said detention should not be based on inability to pay.

- Applied North Carolina's presumption that people should be released before trial unless facts show they pose a flight risk or danger to the community, and said detention should not be based on inability to pay.

Judicial Administration

I believe in putting actions behind my words. I understand that Justice is not One Size fits all and that each person who appears before me has a unique history and deserves to be heard and relief granted specific to their standing. I am humbled to have served.

I previously served for over fourteen years as a Magistrate, District and Superior Court Judge and presided in every courtroom. I understand courtroom procedure, evidentiary standards, respect for litigants and most importantly, the need to make fair and impartial decisions that comply with the law. My judicial philosophy is and has always been, "Justice is not one size fits all".

Kimberly Best | Mecklenburg County Bar

Said that each person appearing before the court deserves to be heard and receive relief specific to their circumstances.

Said that judicial decisions should be fair, impartial, and comply with the law.

- Said that each person appearing before the court deserves to be heard and receive relief specific to their circumstances.
- Said that judicial decisions should be fair, impartial, and comply with the law.

Judicial Philosophy

As of September 2, 2026, Kimberly Y. Best did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Kimberly Y. Best

As of September 2, 2026, Kimberly Y. Best’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

- 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.