---
title: "Joshua P. Deford | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joshua-p-deford-va-williamsburg-james-city-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joshua P. Deford

Williamsburg/James City Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Williamsburg/James City 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 Virginia 9th Judicial District Court, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021, and currently serves as Chief Judge of the New Kent Circuit Court
- Before joining the judiciary, DeFord held the role of Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the Williamsburg–James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, a role he assumed in 2012.
- He also worked in private practice in Washington, D.C., as an associate at Howrey LLP and Baker & Hostetler LLP

### Education

- J.D. — William & Mary Law School, 2010 Licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia (2011).
- in Economics and History — College of William & Mary — B.A.

### Additional information

- focusing on complex litigation and antitrust matters.