---
title: "James Clayton Lewis | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-clayton-lewis-va-virginia-beach-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# James Clayton Lewis

Virginia Beach Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Virginia Beach 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

- Before joining the judiciary, James C. Lewis was a partner at Shapiro, Lewis, Appleton & Duffan, P.C. in Virginia Beach since 2000.

### Education

- College of William & Mary Law School — J.D. (1979)
- University of Virginia — B.A. (1976)

### Additional information

- Selection: Elected by the Virginia General Assembly on November 10, 2014, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Edward W. Hanson, Jr.
- Truck wreck injury law