---
title: "James F. Watson | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-f-watson-va-lynchburg-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# James F. Watson

Lynchburg Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Lynchburg 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 the 24th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving since 2019, with a long career in civil litigation and public service
- Joined the bench in 2019 after 21 years in private practice at Caskie & Frost in Lynchburg
- Listed as a Presiding Judge for the Lynchburg Circuit Court
- Before becoming a judge, he held the role of a substitute judge for the 24th Judicial District and as a clerk in the Office of the Chief Staff Attorney with the Supreme Court of Virginia.

### Education

- University of Richmond School of Law in — J.D. (1996)

### Additional information

- focusing on civil litigation in state and federal courts.
- James F. Watson presides over the 24th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Lynchburg and Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, and Nelson Counties.
- His office can be reached at (434) 455‐2600.
- In addition to his judicial work, Watson has lectured on civil liability of law enforcement officers and estate planning for the Virginia Retirement System.
- He received the Pro Bono Award from the Virginia Legal Aid Society and the Lynchburg Bar Association.
- A veteran of the United States Army Military Police Corps, Watson’s service experience is part of his professional background.