---
title: "John A. Kassabian | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-a-kassabian-va-fairfax-county-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# John A. Kassabian

Fairfax County General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fairfax County General District 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 19th Judicial District Court of Virginia, serving since 2023, with a long career in prosecution, private practice, and judicial service in Fairfax County
- Joined the bench in 2023 and has also held the role of a substitute judge for the General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Fairfax County since 2007
- Judicial Service: Substitute judge in General District Court and Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court since 2007
- Private Practice: Began in 1996; later partner at Kassabian & Kassabian, PLLC (2002–present)
- A 2022 Fairfax General District Court judicial screening praised his calm, thoughtful, and respectful demeanor, his commitment to equal access to justice, and his ability to treat “the last case on his docket the same as the first”.
- Prosecution: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County (1997–2002) and Fairfax County (1997–2002)

### Education

- University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law — J.D. (1993)
- Old Dominion University — B.A. (1988)

### Additional information

- Fairfax City Prosecutor from 2007 onward.
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of Virginia in 1995.
- The committee noted his breadth in both civil and criminal matters and his professionalism and integrity.
- Appointed to the 19th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County.