Melody Hairston

Melody Hairston began her career in state government in 2006 in the Tort Claims Section of the North Carolina Department of Justice, where she litigated a wide array of cases, including complex roadway engineering, wrongful death, and medical malpractice claims on behalf of state agencies. Melody also handled numerous criminal and civil appellate matters, and she has argued before both the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.

In 2017, Melody became the supervisor for the Tort Claims Section. In that role, she led a team of almost 30 administrative assistants, paralegals, investigators, and attorneys. As a mentor and supervisor, Melody further developed her leadership skills and experience in personnel management. Melody joined OSHR in March 2025 in the role of Special Counsel and became General Counsel in February 2026.

Melody holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wake Forest University and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

She is a proud native of Stokes County, a “dog mom” to her beloved Cockapoo Sage, and an avid traveler who is always looking forward to her next adventure with family and friends.