Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Judge Tyyawdi M. Hands is a diligent, dedicated and knowledgeable judge. A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, she has lived in North Carolina for more than seventeen years. She was the first in her family to attend college and understands hard work, perseverance and accountability. Judge Hands paid her way through college -- often working multiple jobs.

She graduated magna cum laude from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. After law school, she clerked for Chief Justice Henry Frye on the North Carolina Supreme Court and Justice Nancy Becker on the Nevada Supreme Court.

After her clerkships, Judge Hands practiced law ranging from complex commercial litigation to criminal and family law. She then built a thriving law practice, where she appeared in Mecklenburg County District Court almost daily representing a wide variety of clients including victims of domestic violence, small business owners, and clients dealing with family issues.

Judge Hands' peers have recognized her as a leader by awarding her the Student Defense Project Scales of Justice Award for law firm of the year and the Mecklenburg County Bar Association's Small Firm Pro Bono Award.

Judge Hands speaks fluent Spanish as a result of her academic studies and work abroad in Costa Rica. She has served on a number of community boards including the International House, Mecklenburg County Bar Board of Directors and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Advisory Board.

Judge Tyyawdi M. Hands balances daily her commitment to her family, her career and her community. She is married to David W. Hands of Hands Law Office and they are proud parents of David Hands Jr. The Hands family attends St. Paul Baptist Church.

Judge Tyyawdi M. Hands was appointed to the district court by Governor Bev Perdue. Her legal experience, community experience and life experiences make her the clear choice for your vote on November 2. Since being appointed to the bench, Judge Hands has presided over thousands of district court cases, including domestic violence, criminal and civil. Before becoming a judge, she practiced law in every area of district court and represented a wide variety of clients from domestic violence victims to criminal defendants. This breadth of experience allows Judge Hands to make knowledgeable decisions in accordance with the law.

She also maintains a commitment to her community by devoting countless volunteer hours to numerous organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mecklenburg County Bar Lunch with a Lawyer program and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee.

Judge Hands mentors law students, young attorneys and high school students across a variety of economic and social boundaries. Finally, Judge Hands' life experiences make her uniquely qualified to serve on the district court bench. The first in her working-class family to go to college, she understands the wide range of personalities and perspectives that appear in the district court. She takes the time to listen to the facts, think critically and follow the law that governs her decisions. Her extensive legal experience, stellar commitment to the community and unique life experiences make Judge Hands the right choice.

Please Keep Justice in the Right Hands by voting for Judge Tyyawdi M. Hands on November 2.