James R. McGarry at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Court
- Henry Circuit Court
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
James R. McGarry
Judge · Henry Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving the City of Martinsville, Henry, and Patrick Counties, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2022
- Appointed to the circuit bench in May 2022 by the Virginia General Assembly to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Williams
- Before this, he held the role of a judge in the 21st Judicial District Court in Virginia starting in 2019.
- Earlier in his career, he was a partner at Young, Haskins, Mann, Gregory & Wall, P.C. in Martinsville
- One of three judges on the circuit, alongside Chief Judge Marcus A. Brinks and Presiding Judge Stephanie B. Vipperman
- At his swearing-in, retired Circuit Court Judge Martin Clark praised McGarry’s “skill, experience, and talents” and noted his track record in “big civil cases, big criminal cases”
Education
- Washington and Lee University School of Law — J.D. (1993)
- Louisiana State University Raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana — B.A.
Additional information
- Retired Judge David Williams expressed pride in McGarry taking over his long-standing role.
- McGarry presides over the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Martinsville and Henry and Patrick Counties.
- The court handles both civil and criminal cases, with terms beginning in January, April, July, and October.
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 ↗