Judgeships in Virginia are allocated by the General Assembly based on recommendations from studies of judicial workload.
The number of positions is determined by analysis of case filings and workload in each judicial circuit and district which is then reviewed and approved by either the Judicial Council (for circuit courts) or the Committee on District Courts. These judicial policymaking bodies then make recommendations to the General Assembly to change judgeship allocations. The House Appropriations Committee must reflect these approved changes in the budget by adding resources for the courts.
Note: The information on this page is focused on the process and budget impacts of amending the number of statewide judgeship allocations. For information about the appointment/election of specific judges, click here.
Budget Overview
Judgeships in Virginia are supported by state general fund dollars. Upon approval by the General Assembly of an additional position, funding is provided to the appropriate court to support costs associated with the judgeship.
The cost of an additional judgeship is updated on an annual basis to reflect the latest salary and benefit costs; during the 2025 Session, costs for an additional judgeship for the circuit and district courts were estimated at $312,000 and $339,000, respectively (this includes salary and benefits, a small budget for substitute judge responsibilities, and one-time equipment charges).
Program / Policy Highlights
- Recent Changes in Judgeship Allocations
During the 2025 General Assembly Session, three additional judgeships were added in accordance with Chapters 575 and 582 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly: 2 additional GDC judges, 1 each for the 9th and 31st judicial districts and 1 additional JDR judge for the 2nd judicial district. These additional judgeships correspond to recommendations made by the Judicial Council and Committee on District Courts.
- Judicial Council and Committee on District Courts
The Judicial Council and Committee on District Courts are charged by the Code of Virginia (§ 17.1-507 and § 16.1-69.10, respectively), with recommending to the General Assembly the number of district and circuit court judges needed and the circuits/districts for which they should be authorized. Recommendations are based on an analysis of case filings and workload in each judicial circuit and district and recommendations from the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, as well as a 2024 comprehensive statewide study conducted by the National Center for State Courts.
- Process to Change Judgeship Allocations
Changes to judgeship allocations by circuit/district are done via legislation to amend the corresponding table in the Code of Virginia (for Circuit Courts and District Courts). Because additional judgeships result in a general fund cost, there must be a corresponding budget amendment to accompany changes. In the event of a decreased judgeship allocation, funding is removed when a vacancy occurs.
Reports and Presentations
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
