---
title: "Brian J. Smalls | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/brian-j-smalls-va-williamsburg-james-city-county-j-and-dr-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Brian J. Smalls

Williamsburg/James City County J&DR Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Williamsburg/James City County J&DR Court
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### cell phones and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

Virginia courts commonly restrict cell phones and other electronic devices in court buildings; counsel and litigants should check the local court policy before arrival.

Evidence excerpt: Most courts in Virginia do not allow you to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the building.

[Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge of the 9th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Virginia, serving since April 1, 2021, when he was elected to the bench by the Virginia General Assembly
- He also held the role of Acting Commonwealth’s Attorney for Surry County (2015) and worked as an assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Newport News office until 2012
- Judge Smalls also serves as adjunct faculty at William & Mary Law School

### Education

- University of Miami School of Law — J.D. (2006)

### Additional information

- Judge Smalls presides over cases in the 9th Judicial District, which includes the cities of Charles City and Williamsburg, and the counties of Gloucester, James City, King William, King and Queen, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, and York.
- His court handles juvenile delinquency, domestic relations, custody, support, and related matters.
- Born and raised in Williamsburg, VA, Smalls attended Lafayette High School and played football at the University of Michigan, earning a walk‐on spot as a defensive back.
- Before his judicial appointment, Smalls was a sole practitioner in Williamsburg, VA
- handling criminal and traffic defense, personal injury, and family law cases.
- He has been active in the York–James City–Williamsburg Branch of the NAACP, served on the board of Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center, and co‐founded Media Mentors.
- He is married to Sonya and has two children.