---
title: "Leisa K. Ciaffone | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/leisa-k-ciaffone-va-roanoke-city-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Leisa K. Ciaffone

Roanoke City Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Roanoke 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

- Before joining the bench, Ciaffone practiced family law privately since 2001, after serving as an associate at Gentry, Locke, Rakes & Moore (1987–2001).
- Judge of the 23rd Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court of Virginia and also serves on the Roanoke City Circuit Court

### Education

- Hollins College — B.A.
- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- Elected to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations bench by the Virginia General Assembly in 2013, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. John B. Ferguson.
- 23rd Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court — covers Roanoke City, Salem, and Roanoke County.
- Roanoke City Circuit Court — part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit, alongside other judges including Hon. James R. Swanson (Chief Judge) and Hon. David B. Carson.