Robert G. Macdonald at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Robert G. Macdonald
Judge · Chesapeake Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, appointed by the Virginia General Assembly on February 23, 2021, and serving in Chesapeake
- Notable Duties: Formed and operated the General District Court’s Behavioral Health Docket. held the role of Chief Judge for five years (2015–2020).
- Previous Position: Judge of the 1st Judicial District Court of Virginia (2015–2020), elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2014
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1989)
- in Philosophy, Virginia Wesleyan College — B.A. (1986)
Additional information
- Appointment: By the Virginia General Assembly, effective February 23, 2021
- Before Judicial Service: Attorney at MacDonald, Plumlee & Overton Law, PC in Chesapeake
- handling business transactions, personal injury cases, and serving as Guardian ad Litem and court commissioner.
- MacDonald’s career reflects a blend of judicial leadership, legal practice, and community service.
- His work in the General District Court included significant contributions to behavioral health case management, and his prior legal practice covered a wide range of civil and criminal matters.
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 ↗