---
title: "Vernida R. Chaney | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/vernida-r-chaney-va-court-of-appeals-of-virginia"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Vernida R. Chaney

Court of Appeals of Virginia · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals of Virginia
- 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, Virginia Court of Appeals (2021–present)
- Attorney, Chaney Law Firm, PLLC (2015–present)
- Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in August 2021 to an eight‐year term beginning September 1, 2021, and ending August 31, 2029
- Senior Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Fairfax (2013–2015; 2005–2012)
- Assistant Capital Defender, Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office (2012–2013)

### Education

- in Sociology and African American Studies — University of Virginia — B.A.
- M.B.A. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Howard University School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- Elected by the General Assembly during a special session in 2021
- Listed among the current judges of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
- Appointed to fill a seat created by Senate Bill 1261, which expanded the Court of Appeals from 11 to 17 judges.

