---
title: "Daniel E. Ortiz | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/daniel-e-ortiz-va-court-of-appeals-of-virginia"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Daniel E. Ortiz

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

- Nonpartisan judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals, appointed in 2021 and serving until 2029, with a career that includes Fairfax County Circuit Court, private litigation practice, and leadership roles in legal services
- Judge Ortiz has participated in public discussions on Virginia appellate law, including a 2026 Just Virginia podcast interview and a Virginia CLE program on recent Supreme Court civil decisions.
- Substitute judge: General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Fairfax County, 2010–2014
- Private practice: Partner at Blankingship & Keith, P.C. (2004–2014)
- Law clerk: Hon. M. Langhorne Keith, Fairfax County Circuit Court, 2002–2004
- Commission service: Virginia Access to Justice Commission; faculty, Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course

### Education

- George Washington University School of Law — J.D. (2002)
- in Government: University of Virginia — B.A. (1999)

### Additional information

- Tenure: September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2029
- Appointment: Elected by the Virginia General Assembly on August 10, 2021, to fill a seat created by Senate Bill 1261, which expanded the court from 11 to 17 judges.
- 19th Judicial Circuit, Virginia Circuit Court: 2015–2021
- Leadership roles: Chairman and President, Legal Services of Northern Virginia (2011–2012).
- focusing on civil and commercial litigation.
- Base salary: $231,889.
- Ortiz’s authored opinions score 88% PASS overall, reflecting high fidelity to statutory text and legal reasoning in cases ranging from criminal to civil disputes.
- Bar associations: Board of Governors, Virginia Bar Association
- Board of Directors, Fairfax Bar Association.