---
title: "Victoria A.B. Willis | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/victoria-a-b-willis-va-hanover-circuit-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Victoria A.B. Willis

Hanover Circuit Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hanover 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

- Willis has been appointed Circuit Court Judge since December 2014, initially serving as presiding judge in Stafford Circuit Court
- In July 2024, she was elevated to Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial Circuit, the largest judicial region in Virginia, encompassing 11 counties including Caroline, Hanover, Fredericksburg, and Richmond.
- Law Clerk to Chief Justice Harry L. Carrico, Supreme Court of Virginia (1986–1988)
- Presiding judge in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, currently serving as Chief Judge of that circuit and presiding in Caroline and Hanover Counties
- Her practice areas included healthcare law, corporate governance, compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters
- In summary: Judge Willis is a highly experienced jurist with a background in both public service and private legal practice, now leading the 15th Judicial Circuit and contributing to Virginia’s judicial leadership and policy work

### Education

- Certificate in Leadership and Management, University of Mary Washington (2000).
- University of Richmond School of Law — J.D. (1986)
- (Magna Cum Laude) in History and Philosophy, Vanderbilt University — B.A. (1983)

### Additional information

- Partner/Director at DurretteCrump, P.L.C. (2002–2014).
- In-house legal counsel for a local hospital and later General Counsel for MediCorp Health System (1992–2001).
- Private Practice in Fredericksburg, VA (1988–1990).
- She also presides in Caroline and Hanover Counties.
- Willis was born in Washington, D.C., raised in Arlington, VA, and is married to Gordon F. Willis, also a Circuit Court Judge.
- They have four children.