---
title: "Thomas P. Sotelo | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-p-sotelo-va-fairfax-county-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas P. Sotelo

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District 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

- The Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Fairfax County, Virginia, appointed in December 2008
- Early Career: Law clerk to Hon. Richard J. Jamborsky, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Fairfax County
- Clerk’s Office Contact: Phone: +1 (703) 246‐3367 Address: 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Room 302, Fairfax, VA 22030

### Education

- College of William & Mary School of Law — J.D. (1990)
- George Mason University — B.A. (1987)

### Additional information

- Previous Role: Sole practitioner in family law, criminal, juvenile, traffic, trusts, estates, guardianship, and appellate matters since 1991
- Judge Sotelo has been re‐elected by the Virginia General Assembly for his term, which was set to expire in 2021.
- Appointed: December 2008 to the bench
- Recognized for his work in juvenile and family justice, and his leadership as Chief Judge oversees the court’s operations and case management.
- Notable Service: held the role of Guardian ad Litem in custody, visitation, and abuse/neglect cases
- Court Jurisdiction: Handles juvenile, domestic relations, and related family law matters in Virginia’s 19th Judicial District
- Member of Advisory Committee for Judicial Mentoring Program, Parent Education Advisory Committee, and Judicial Liaison Committee to the Department of Juvenile Justice