---
title: "Mary Catherine Gibbs | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mary-catherine-gibbs-va-alexandria-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Mary Catherine Gibbs

Alexandria General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Alexandria General District 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

- 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.