---
title: "Lavonda N. Graham-Williams | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/lavonda-n-graham-williams-va-portsmouth-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Lavonda N. Graham-Williams

Portsmouth Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Portsmouth 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

- 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.