Merit selection panel seeks comments on judge reappointment

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently seeking comment on the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller, whose term is due to expire on Jan. 31, 2026.

A merit selection panel, convened as required by law, will consider whether to reappoint Miller to a new eight-year term at his post.

Miller has served as a magistrate judge since 2010. Earlier this year, Miller’s duty station was moved from Norfolk to Newport News, giving the Newport News courthouse its own judge for the first time. Miller remains a designated magistrate judge for both the Norfolk and Newport News divisions and performs work for both, though his chambers are in Newport News.

A graduate of James Madison University, Miller earned his master’s degree from Syracuse University before earning his law degree from the College of William & Mary. Following law school, Miller clerked for U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. He later joined Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, where he worked until his elevation to the bench.

Comments on Miller’s reappointment can be sent via email to the Merit Selection Panel c/o Darius K. Davenport at [email protected].

Comments via U.S. Mail can be sent to Crenshaw, Ware & Martin’s office at 150 West Main Street, Suite 1923, Norfolk, Va. 23510. Comments must be addressed to the Merit Selection Panel, c/o Darius K. Davenport, Esquire.

All comments must be received by the merit selection panel by Aug. 4.