Michael A. Gaten at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael A. Gaten
Judge · Hampton Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge on the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving the City of Hampton, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2018
- Clerk’s Office Contact: (757) 727‐6105
- Prior Career: Judicial law clerk to the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Chesapeake, Newport News, and Williamsburg/James City County Associate at Geddy, Harris, Franck & Hickman, Williamsburg, VA
Education
- B.A. in Political Science & Government, College of William & Mary (2001) J.D., William & Mary Law School (2004)
Additional information
- In February 2022, as Chief Judge, Gaten led the decision to recuse all 8th Judicial Circuit judges from hearing the Cory Bigsby case due to potential conflicts and concerns over police handling of the matter.
- Elected: July 1, 2018, by the Virginia General Assembly to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement of Hon. Wilford Taylor.
- This unusual move was praised by legal professionals for preserving judicial integrity and transparency.
- PO Box 40, 237 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669
- Gaten resides in Hampton, Virginia, with his wife Carmen and two children.
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 ↗