Doris Henderson Causey at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Doris Henderson Causey
Judge · Court of Appeals of Virginia
Biography
Professional career
- American jurist and judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia, elected in 2021 and serving since September 1, 2021, with a term ending in 2029
- Her mother, Dorothy B. Henderson, became the first African-American professor of education at the University of Mississippi
Education
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University — J.D. (2002)
- M.Ed., Tennessee State University (1999)
- in mathematics and political science, University of Mississippi — B.A. (1993)
Additional information
- She assumed office September 1, 2021 and serves an eight-year term until August 31, 2029.
- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly on August 10, 2021, Causey was appointed to fill one of six vacancies created by Senate Bill 1261, which expanded the Court of Appeals from 11 to 17 judges.
- From 2008 to 2021, she held the role of Staff Attorney and Managing Attorney at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
- received the Hill-Tucker Public Service Award in 2019 for her legal aid work.
- In 2017, she made history as the first African-American, first African-American woman, and first legal aid attorney to serve as President of the Virginia State Bar (2017–2018).
- Began her legal career as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Richmond, then practiced privately (2003–2008).
- Born February 21, 1970 in Oxford, Mississippi, Causey grew up in a family deeply rooted in education and public service.
- representing low-income clients in civil matters such as domestic violence protective orders, landlord–tenant disputes, and family law.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Cell Phones And Electronic Devices
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.
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 ↗
Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster ↗Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy ↗