Mary Catherine Gibbs at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Mary Catherine Gibbs
Biography
Professional career
- Longtime Alexandria land use attorney now serving as a judge in the 18th Judicial District of the Virginia General District Court, sworn in on June 25, 2026 for a six‐year term
- Officially sworn in on the night of June 25, 2026 by retired Circuit Court Judge Nolan B. Dawkins, with her commission presented by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins from Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger
- Earlier, she was a partner at Hart, Calley, Gibbs & Karp, P.C. (2001–2018)
- Most recently a partner at Wire Gill, LLP
Education
- in History — James Madison University — B.A.
Additional information
- She succeeds Judge Sonya L. Sacks, who retired at the end of 2025.
- Scott Surovell (D‐34).
- Before becoming a judge, Gibbs had a 25‐year career in land use law in Alexandria.
- representing clients such as HRP Group in the Potomac River Generating Station redevelopment.
- handling complex land use, eminent domain, juvenile crime, and domestic abuse cases.
- Her appointment was recommended through a state bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Sen.
- She also chaired the City of Alexandria’s Commission for Women and held the role of Vice‐Chair of the Alexandria Community Services Board.
- In summary: Mary Catherine Gibbs brings decades of legal expertise in land use and related areas to the judicial bench, marking a transition from private practice to public service in Virginia’s court system.
- She has been recognized with the Champion of Justice Award for her volunteerism and advocacy.
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 ↗