J. Overton Harris at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
J. Overton Harris
Judge · Hanover Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge of Virginia’s 15th Judicial Circuit Court, serving since 2008, with a career that includes prior district court service and private legal practice
- Before his circuit court appointment, Harris held the role of a judge of the 15th Judicial District Court (2005).
- In interviews, Judge Harris has emphasized civility, professionalism, and adherence to court rules
- His brother, T. Scott Harris, has held the role of Hanover County’s Commissioner of Revenue
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1985)
- in Religious Studies, University of Virginia — B.A. (1979)
Additional information
- He has been on the bench since being elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2008.
- Earlier, he was a sole practitioner in Hanover County from 1998 to 2005, later joining the law firm Herbert & Harris and then Campbell, Campbell, Herbert & Harris, where he handled probate, real estate, corporate, domestic, and criminal defense matters.
- He also held a position as a counselor and case worker for the Virginia Department of Corrections before law school.
- Judge Harris presides over the 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers Fredericksburg and Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties.
- He has advised attorneys to manage case schedules carefully, avoid unnecessary continuances, and use court reports in domestic cases when feasible.
- He has also commented on pandemic-related trial delays and the need for adequate courtroom facilities.
- Born and raised in Hanover County, Harris is a member of a family with eleven generations in the area.
- He resides in Hanover County with his wife, Elizabeth, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and studying Civil War history.
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 ↗