Rupen R. Shah at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Rupen R. Shah
Judge · Augusta General District Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge of Virginia’s 25th Judicial District Court, elected in 2017 as the state’s first Indian‐American judge
- Also listed as a judge in the Waynesboro General District Court and other courts within the district
- In this capacity, he worked closely with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney on criminal and civil cases
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law — J.D.
Additional information
- Shah was appointed by unanimous vote of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate on January 25, 2017, and began his tenure on February 1, 2017.
- Active in the Virginia State Bar, serving on its Executive Committee and Council, chairing the state bar’s Diversity Conference, and being recognized as a local leader in 2009.
- Before becoming a judge, Shah was Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County, Virginia, a role he held for over 20 years.
- Past president of the Augusta County Bar Association.
- His election marked a historic milestone as the first Indian‐American judge in Virginia.
- 25th Judicial District Court of Virginia, which covers the cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro, plus counties including Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, and Rockbridge.
- Founder of the Valley Children’s Center, a nonprofit supporting law enforcement and Child Protective Services in interviewing abused and neglected 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 ↗