---
title: "John C. Kilgore | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-c-kilgore-va-scott-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# John C. Kilgore

Scott Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Scott 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

- In 2018, Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine recommended Judge Kilgore for a federal judgeship in the Western District of Virginia (Roanoke division) following a vacancy, citing his “great distinction” and the strong endorsements from an independent panel of attorneys and bar associations
- Listed among the judges for the Lee Circuit Court, alongside Chief Judge Ronald K. Elkins
- held the role of a prosecutor for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, covering Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties, with a background in private practice and as a Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutor

### Education


### Additional information

- Contact for Scott County: +1 (276) 386‐3801.
- Kilgore’s work includes handling a range of cases in the circuit court, and he is recognized in Virginia legal publications.
- 30th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, which includes Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties.
- While the recommendation did not result in a federal appointment, it reflects his standing in the legal community.