---
title: "Kelley Cole | KnowJudges"
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updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Kelley Cole

North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- North Dakota District Court Judge appointed in August 2026 to the Northeast Judicial District, previously serving as Walsh County State’s Attorney since 2017
- Cole’s appointment followed the resignation of Judge Barbara Whelan, who had served since 2017 and was also a former Walsh County State’s Attorney
- She held the role of a Walsh County assistant state’s attorney from 2007 to 2017, became state’s attorney in October 2017, and was reelected in 2018 and 2022
- 2004–2007: Deputy County Attorney, Yuma County, AZ
- Her early career encompassed public and private practice in Minnesota and service as a Yuma County deputy county attorney in Arizona from 2004 to 2007

### Education

- William Mitchell College of Law degree in 2000.

### Additional information

- Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Kelley Cole to fill the vacancy created by Judge Barbara Whelan’s April 30, 2026 resignation.
- Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed her to the Northeast Judicial District in July 2026, effective August 17, 2026, succeeding Barbara Whelan.
- One of two finalists for the judgeship, with the position being a full-time role in Grafton
- Professional activities include the Walsh County Bar Association presidency and a domestic-violence organization’s board.
- In her first week on the job, Cole expressed being “deeply honored” by the appointment, per Governor Armstrong’s direct call
- Her chambers are in Grafton.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota Administrative Rule 52 permits reliable electronic-means proceedings in district and municipal courts on the court's or a party's motion; a party seeking the proceeding must give notice and obtain court approval.

Evidence excerpt: Parties seeking to hold an electronic means proceeding must provide notice to the other parties and obtain approval from the court.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota's official Rule 52 guidance states that in civil actions a court may conduct a hearing, conference, other proceeding, or take testimony by reliable electronic means.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding, or take testimony, by reliable electronic means.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/armstrong-appoints-walsh-county-state-s-attorney-kelley-cole-to-northeast-judicial-district-judgeship)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/armstrong-appoints-walsh-county-state-s-attorney-kelley-cole-to-northeast-judicial-district-judgeship)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/armstrong-appoints-walsh-county-state-s-attorney-kelley-cole-to-northeast-judicial-district-judgeship)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/district-courts/judges/armstrong-appoints-walsh-county-state-s-attorney-kelley-cole-to-northeast-judicial-district-judgeship)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)

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