Lavonda N. Graham-Williams at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Lavonda N. Graham-Williams
Judge · Portsmouth Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Lavonda N. Graham‐Williams is a Presiding Judge of the Portsmouth Circuit Court in Virginia, appointed in 2026, and is among the first Black women to permanently serve in that role
- Lavonda N. Graham‐Williams was sworn in as a Presiding Judge of the Portsmouth Circuit Court in December 2025, with her term beginning in January 2026
- Graham‐Williams has emphasized access to justice, public safety, and community wellbeing, and has contributed to legal education and mentoring
- Committed to strengthening institutions, promoting fairness, and building public trust in the justice system
- Earlier roles as a criminal litigator, prosecutor, and defense attorney in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., plus founding a law firm focused on special needs legal services
- In summary: Lavonda N. Graham‐Williams is a trailblazing Virginia judge with a distinguished legal career in public service, now serving as a Presiding Judge in Portsmouth’s Circuit Court, continuing her commitment to justice and community leadership
Education
- A Portsmouth native, she earned her undergraduate degree at George Washington University and her jurisprudence degree from The College of William & Mary.
Additional information
- Before becoming a judge, Graham‐Williams held the role of City Attorney for Portsmouth, Virginia from 2022 to 2025.
- The first Black woman to permanently hold that post.
- Leading Portsmouth through high‐profile litigation, including cases from former City Manager Angel Jones and former City Assessor Patrick Dorris.
- Overseeing the acquisition and conversion of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail into a city jail.
- Advocating for preservation of historically Black neighborhoods such as Sugar Hill in Pinners Point.
- Serving as Chief Legal Counsel for the City, supported by assistant attorneys and staff.
- One of the first Black women to permanently hold this position in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- The Portsmouth Circuit Court is part of the Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia.
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 ↗