---
title: "William C. Mims | KnowJudges"
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updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# William C. Mims

Supreme Court of Virginia · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Virginia
- State: Virginia
- Role: Justice
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Since 2022, Mims has been Senior Justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia and Director of the Pre‐Law Program at Christopher Newport University, where he teaches courses on the U.S. Constitution and American law.
- Judge, Supreme Court of Virginia, 2010-present
- Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, having served on the court from April 1, 2010, until March 31, 2022, when he assumed senior status
- Attorney General of Virginia (2009–2010)
- He also held the role of Chief Deputy Attorney General (2006–2009) and as chief of staff to Congressman Frank R. Wolf (1985–1987) and deputy legislative director to U.S. Senator Paul S. Trible Jr. (1983–1985)
- He also continues to mentor students and has taught as an adjunct professor at two Virginia law schools

### Education

- Georgetown University School of Law — LL.M. (1986)
- College of William and Mary — B.A.
- George Washington University — J.D.

### Additional information

- Elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2010 to a 12‐year term, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Barbara Milano Keenan.
- Com. (701 S.E.2d 58, 2010), one of the most cited cases in his tenure.
- Practitioner, 2009-2009
- legis, 2009-2009
- Born June 20, 1957, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
- Date of birth: 1957-06-20
- He authored multiple precedential opinions, including McGhee v.
- His judicial record includes 27 published opinions, 4 dissents, and 1 concurrence.
- Created the Virginia Higher Education Tuition Trust Fund (now Virginia 529) during his time in the General Assembly.

## 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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/5941/william-c-mims/)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/5941/william-c-mims/)

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