Born in Truro, N.S., in 1949, Justice Douglas Campbell graduated from West Colchester High School. Shortly after, he earned his B.B.A. at Acadia University in 1971, followed by his L.L.B. from Dalhousie Law School in 1974. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar in November of the same year.

As a lawer, Justice Campbell practiced in Halifax at Cox Hansen O'Reilly Matheson, formerly known as Cox Downie. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in April of 1991.

Throughout his legal career Justice Campbell was always active in Canadian Legal Education programs, particularly Family Law. He prepared and presented papers on Family Law to the Canadian Bar Association and was a frequent guest lecturer at the Dalhousie Law School.

Justice Campbell married his wife, Donna, in 1971 and together they have three adult children, Lisa, Geoffrey and Alyson. In his personal life, Justice Campbell is an active member of the United Church of Canada. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf and listening to music - both of which he plans to devote more time to now that he is retired.