News and Updates   

In Virginia, judges in state courts are elected by the legislature and reappointed for additional terms.

During its 2025 regular session, the General Assembly appointed 39 judges: 16 to circuit courts, 12 to general district courts and 11 to juvenile and domestic relations courts.

The Virginia Bar Association featured two justices of the Supreme Court of Virginia on its 2025 Annual Meeting banquet stage: Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn, who received the VBA’s highest honor, and Justice Teresa M. Chafin, for the unveiling of the VBA-commissioned portrait.

Twelve longtime VBA members, from 10 different business entities, qualified for Life Membership in 2024. They join more than 500 others who, after 40 years of continuously paying dues, reached age 70 and now receive free VBA membership for life.

The VBA Young Lawyers Division recognized the efforts of three members in Williamsburg during The Virginia Bar Association’s Annual Meeting. The award winners are just a few of the many young lawyers throughout the state who voluntarily contribute to the division’s numerous civic and bar projects.

The Virginia Bar Association installed Kimberlee Harris Ramsey as its 2025 president Jan. 25 during its Annual Meeting in Williamsburg. Ramsey is president of FloranceGordonBrown, PC, and leads the Richmond-based firm’s family law practice.

The Supreme Court of Virginia today formally announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn. His retirement Jan. 1, 2026, will coincide with the end of his current term as chief justice and cap 18 years on the court and 30 years on the bench.

The VBA's legislative counsel has provided a fresh update on where the VBA's legislative agenda stands.

New VBA officers and Board of Governors leaders will be elected and installed at the Annual Meeting this month in Williamsburg.

The slate of 2025 officers and their proposed or appointed roles.

For the 2025 General Assembly session, the VBA has a robust agenda of 10 items proposed by its sections and 18 proposals overall in its legislative package. These advance the VBA goals of promoting access to justice and elevating the practice of law in Virginia.

The Virginia Bar Association will bestow its highest honor on Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Goodwyn will receive the Gerald L. Baliles Distinguished Service Award at the VBA’s 135th Annual Meeting in January.