---
title: "James E. Plowman | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-e-plowman-va-loudoun-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# James E. Plowman

Loudoun Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Loudoun 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

- James E. Plowman, Jr. is a judge of Virginia’s 20th Judicial Circuit Court, serving Fauquier, Loudoun, and Rappahannock Counties since 2019, with a career that includes 16 years as Loudoun County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney
- In his 2019 letter to the General Assembly, Plowman described the judicial role as a “duty” and emphasized ensuring equal access to the court system and fair administration of justice
- Before becoming a judge, Plowman held the role of Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County from 2004 until his election to the bench.
- Earlier in his career, he was an assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County (1996–2001) and a trial attorney for Allstate Insurance in Falls Church, VA
- The Loudoun County Clerk’s Office lists him among the circuit court judges, with the Clerk’s Office at 18 E. Market St., Leesburg, VA
- During his tenure as Loudoun County prosecutor, the county’s population grew from ~225,000 to over 400,000, and he credited cooperative law enforcement for maintaining the county’s safety

### Education

- J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 1996 Licensed to practice in Virginia (1996) and the District of Columbia (2002).
- in Economics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — B.A. (1989)

### Additional information

- Plowman has been involved in high-profile decisions, including a 2022 ruling removing the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office from a burglary case after he found the plea agreement’s facts “misleading and inaccurate”.
- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly on February 14, 2019 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey W. Parker.
- The case, involving defendant Kevin Enrique Valle, was reassigned to a new prosecution office
- Plowman’s decision drew media attention and ethical discussions.
- He presides over cases in the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock Counties.