---
title: "Robert G. Macdonald | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/robert-g-macdonald-va-chesapeake-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Robert G. Macdonald

Chesapeake Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Chesapeake 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

- 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.