Stephen C. Shannon at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Stephen C. Shannon
Judge · Fairfax Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Chief Judge, Fairfax County Circuit Court (2026–present) Assumed the role after the retirement of Chief Judge Penney Azcarate.
- 2009 Democratic Nominee for Virginia Attorney General Lost to Republican Ken Cuccinelli
- Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Fairfax County (2000–2003) Prosecuted major felony cases including assault, child molestation, rape, and embezzlement.
- Stephen Charles “Steve” Shannon is an American attorney, former Virginia state legislator, and current Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court
Education
- University of Virginia School of Law Member of Virginia Law Review — J.D. (1999)
Additional information
- Judge, 19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia (2015–present) Presides over civil, criminal, family, and appellate matters.
- Bench since his election by the Virginia General Assembly on February 25, 2015.
- Virginia House of Delegates (2004–2009) Represented the 35th District as a Democrat.
- Oversees administration of Virginia’s largest trial court.
- Editor-in-Chief of Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law
- John M. Olin Scholar.
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 ↗