Supreme Court of Virginia certifies judicial vacancies

The Supreme Court of Virginia has certified eight judicial vacancies across the commonwealth, stating the positions “should be filled in the manner prescribed by law.”

All eight judgeships are either vacant or due to become vacant because of retirement.

The vacancies, shared in a letter provided to Virginia Lawyers Weekly on Feb. 23, are:

• Second Judicial Circuit (Judge Leslie L. Lilley retired Jan. 31)
• Third Judicial Circuit (Judge Joel P. Crowe to retire Dec. 31)
• Fourth Judicial Circuit (Judge Michelle J. Atkins to retire June 30)
• 13th Judicial Circuit (Judge D. Eugene Cheek to retire July 31)
• 17th Judicial Circuit (Judge William T. Newman Jr. to retire June 30)
• 24th Judicial Circuit (Judge Michael T. Garrett to retire June 30)
• 25th Judicial Circuit (Judge W. Chapman Goodwin to retire July 1)
• 28th Judicial Circuit (Judge C. Randall Lowe to retire June 30)

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of Virginia certified a vacancy in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, created by the retirement of Hampton Circuit Court Judge Christopher W. Hutton on Jan. 31.