In 2002 Sylvia J. Hall received her B.A. magna cum laude from Spelman College where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. In 2005 she received her J.D. from Tulane University Law School. While attending law school she participated in the Tulane University Legal Clinic Program which provides free legal services to the poor. She also volunteered at the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation to help indigent clients facing foreclosure and other debt-related problems. Ms. Hall was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association in 2005. She practiced insurance defense law in the New Orleans area for three years. Ms. Hall was admitted to the practice of law in Washington State in 2007. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the King County Bar Association.

When she is not working, Ms. Hall enjoys reading, watching sports, running, and listening to live music.