---
title: "Clifford Lynwood Athey | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/clifford-lynwood-athey-va-court-of-appeals-of-virginia"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Clifford Lynwood Athey

Court of Appeals of Virginia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Virginia
- 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

- Clifford Lynwood “Clay” Athey Jr. is a judge on the Virginia Court of Appeals, appointed by the Virginia General Assembly on February 14, 2019 to succeed Judge Teresa M. Chafin
- 2012–2019: Judge, 26th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, covering Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties, plus Harrisonburg and Winchester

### Education

- University of Dayton School of Law — J.D. (1993)
- in History – Virginia Commonwealth University — B.A. (1990)
- AA in Business Administration – Lord Fairfax Community College (1988)

### Additional information

- 1993–2012: Private practice as an attorney in Front Royal, VA.
- 2002–2011: Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates (18th district, Warren County and parts of Fauquier and Frederick).
- Distinguished Citizen Award – Shenandoah Area Council of Boys Scouts of America (2005)
- Mayor of Front Royal (2000–2002).
- 1996–2000: Front Royal Town Council member
- Born September 1, 1960, Front Royal, Virginia
- Married to Stacey Lynne Knox; two children
- Active in community organizations including the Warren County Bar Association, Front Royal Rotary Club, and Saint Luke’s Community Health Clinic
- Official court information is available via the Virginia Courts website.