---
title: "Stephen C. Shannon | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/stephen-c-shannon-va-fairfax-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Stephen C. Shannon

Fairfax Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fairfax 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

- 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.