---
title: "Christopher B. Russell | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christopher-b-russell-va-rockbridge-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Christopher B. Russell

Rockbridge Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Rockbridge Circuit 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

- Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Lexington and Rockbridge County (2001–2004)
- Law Clerk at Chesterfield County Circuit Court (1995)
- Listed as the Presiding Judge for the Rockbridge Circuit Court
- Judge of the 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, presiding over cases in Rockbridge, Botetourt, Highland, Craig, Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, and other counties, and is also the presiding judge for the Maury River Recovery Court
- He also held the role of an adjunct professor of law at Washington and Lee University School of Law

### Education

- University of Notre Dame Law School — J.D. (1995)
- Dartmouth College (pre-law school) — B.A.

### Additional information

- In addition, he oversees the Maury River Recovery Court, a drug rehabilitation program launched in June 2026, where he meets weekly with participants and coordinates with treatment and probation services.
- Commonwealth’s Attorney for Buena Vista (2004–2020)
- Staff Attorney at the Legal Aid Society in Lexington
- As judge, Russell has handled a wide range of criminal and civil cases, including the Natural Bridge Zoo case.
- 25th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro, plus counties including Rockbridge, Botetourt, Highland, Craig, Alleghany, Augusta, and Bath.
- He has also been involved in expanding access to rehabilitation programs, such as the Maury River Recovery Court, which currently has nine participants and shows early success.