The Virginia Bar Association and eight other statewide bar associations have been asked to vet candidates for four new Virginia Court of Appeals positions created during the 2026 General Assembly session.

In a letter to the bars, Sen. Scott Surovell, (D-Fairfax), and Del. Patrick A. Hope (D-Arlington), the chairs of the Assembly’s two Courts of Justice committees, established a timetable for filling the seats.

The legislators asked interested candidates to send applications to all the bars by July 31. The bars will provide their recommendations by Aug. 31.

Anyone interested in being considered by the VBA’s Committee on Nominations to Virginia Commissions and Appellate Courts should send the following materials to Executive Director Paul Fletcher by July 31:

1. A letter or email requesting the VBA’s recommendation.
2. A copy of his/her completed Virginia State Bar judicial questionnaire.
3. A personal resume.
4. One or more writing samples of previous judicial opinions, legal briefs or law review articles written by the candidate that the candidate believes will assist the Committee.
5. Any other written materials the candidate believes will assist the Committee.