---
title: "Donald W. Lemons | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/donald-w-lemons-5937"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# Donald W. Lemons

Supreme Court of Virginia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Virginia
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Professorships: A.L. Philpott Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Law (University of Richmond, 1998–2000) and Distinguished Professor of Judicial Studies (Washington and Lee University School of Law, 2008–present)
- Judge, Supreme Court of Virginia, 2000-present
- Donald Wayne Lemons is a retired judge and the 26th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, serving from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021
- Chief Justice: Elected by his peers in 2014 to replace Cynthia D. Kinser; served two four-year terms (2015–2021)
- Early roles: Lemons began as a probation officer in Fairfax County (1971–1973) and held the role of assistant dean and professor at the University of Virginia School of Law (1976–1978)

### Education

- Donald W. Lemons - | Spouse | Carol Lemons | | Education | University of Virginia (BA, JD) | | | | Biography Lemons was assistant dean and assistant professor of law of the University of Virginia School of Law from 1976 to 1978.
- University of Virginia-Main Campus — B.A.
- University of Virginia-Main Campus — J.D.

### Additional information

- Retired from the Supreme Court in February 2022, leaving a legacy of judicial leadership, innovative sentencing reform, and academic contributions.
- Supreme Court of Virginia: Elected in 2000 to fill the vacancy created by A. Christian Compton’s retirement, serving until his retirement in February 2022.
- Honors: Recipient of the 2021 Harry L. Carrico Outstanding Career Service Award and the American Inns of Court Lewis F. Powell Jr. Award for Professionalism and Ethics.
- Leadership: President of the American Inns of Court (2010–2014).
- Practitioner, 1999-1999
- prof, 1999-1999
- Court of Appeals: Elected in 1998 to an eight-year term on the Virginia Court of Appeals, succeeding Joseph E. Baker.
- Local court service: Appointed in 1995 by Governor George Allen to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, later confirmed by the General Assembly.
- B.A. (1970)
- Born February 22, 1949, Washington, D.C..
- Date of birth: 1949-02-22
- Birth place: Washington, D.C.

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/5937/donald-w-lemons/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/5937/donald-w-lemons/)
- [Supreme Court of Virginia current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/5937/donald-w-lemons/)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/5937/donald-w-lemons/)
- [Donald W. Lemons - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_W._Lemons)
- [Wikidata: Donald W. Lemons](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5295256)

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