---
title: "Helivi L. Holland | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/helivi-l-holland-va-suffolk-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Helivi L. Holland

Suffolk Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Suffolk 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

- 2024–present: Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit Court, Virginia
- 2021–2024: Judge, 5th Judicial District Court, Virginia
- First Black woman to serve as a General District judge in the 5th Judicial District (2021)
- 2010–2012: Director, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice
- 1991–2003: Adjunct professor, Paul D. Camp Community College
- 1992–1997 & 1998–2002: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Portsmouth and Suffolk offices

### Education

- J.D., William & Mary Law School (1990) Licensed to practice law in Virginia since 1991.
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — B.S. (1987)

### Additional information

- Her term runs until September 30, 2032.
- The first woman to serve on Virginia’s 5th Judicial Circuit Court, appointed by the Virginia General Assembly on October 1, 2024, and sworn in on November 15, 2024.
- 2012–2021: City Attorney, City of Suffolk
- 2008–2010: Deputy City Attorney, City of Suffolk
- Also listed among the Suffolk Circuit Court judges.
- First woman on the 5th Judicial Circuit bench
- Holland presides over the 5th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Suffolk, Isle of Wright, and Southampton County.
- Holland has served on boards for the Children’s Center, Suffolk Education Foundation, Genieve Shelter, and the Suffolk chapter of the American Red Cross.
- Recipient of the Victim Assistance Award (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice) and the Lloyd Sealy Award (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives)
- She is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc..
- In her own words, Holland has described her judicial work as “pursuing what I felt was just... and making certain that people are treated fairly, understanding everyone comes from a different background”.