---
title: "J. Overton Harris | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/j-overton-harris-va-hanover-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# J. Overton Harris

Hanover Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hanover 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

- 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.