---
title: "Petula C. Metzler | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/petula-c-metzler-va-prince-william-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Petula C. Metzler

Prince William Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Prince William 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

- The Chief Judge of the 31st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, serving Prince William County, and has been on the bench since May 1, 2021
- Previous Judicial Role: Judge, 31st Judicial District Court of Virginia (appointed June 23, 2016)
- Earlier Career: Judicial law clerk to Hon. Lon E. Farris, 31st Judicial Circuit Court (2004–2006) Attorney at Blankingship & Keith, P.C. (2006–2013) Attorney at Compton & Duling, L.C., specializing in land use, zoning, real estate, and eminent domain (2013–2016)
- Clerk’s Office: (703) 792‐6015
- Clerk’s Office hours 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

### Education

- The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law — J.D. (2004)
- in English, George Mason University — B.A. (1994)

### Additional information

- Elected: May 1, 2021 by the Virginia General Assembly
- Former President, Prince William County Bar Association (2012–2013)
- Courtroom: Department Courtroom 1
- Virginia State Bar, Conference of Local Bar Associations
- Active in community service, including Kiwanis Club involvement
- Raised in rural North Carolina