Cleo Powell elected as Virginia’s top judge
Cleo E. Powell, a 1982 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, has been unanimously elected chief justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The court announced the decision on Tuesday. She will begin her four-year term on January 1, 2026.
Powell is the first Black woman ever to serve as chief justice of Virginia’s highest court. She will succeed fellow UVA Law alumnus, Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn, who praised her leadership qualities and judicial record.
“Chief Justice-elect Powell is a dedicated jurist who exemplifies integrity, civility, and professionalism,” Goodwyn said. “I am confident that she will serve the Court with the highest distinction.”
A trailblazing judicial career
Powell first joined the Virginia Supreme Court in 2011 after being elected by the state’s General Assembly. At that time, she became the first Black woman justice on the court. In 2023, she was re-elected to another term.
Her judicial career is unmatched in Virginia. She is the only justice to have served at every level of the state’s court system. Her path included service as a judge on the Court of Appeals, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, and the Chesterfield General District Court.
Before her work as a judge, Powell gained experience as corporate counsel for Virginia Power and as an assistant attorney general. Her broad background has given her a strong foundation in both private and public legal service.
Connection to the University of Virginia
Powell’s ties to UVA run deep. She graduated with distinction in 1979 with a degree in government before attending UVA Law. Over the decades, she has remained closely connected to the institution.
In 2021, she delivered the commencement address for UVA Law graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her career, she encouraged graduates to see themselves as trailblazers.
“We can all through a million little ways make a path easier, more illuminated, less treacherous for others who will come after,” Powell told them.
Her impact was also recognized by the UVA Black Law Students Association, which honored her in 2023 with the A. Donald McEachin Spotlight Award.
A legacy of service and leadership
Powell’s election as chief justice marks the latest achievement in a career defined by service and groundbreaking milestones. For more than four decades, she has shown a commitment to fairness, justice, and mentorship.
Her story reflects the values instilled by the University of Virginia School of Law, which has long emphasized leadership and public service. As she steps into her new role, Powell’s leadership is expected to influence not just the judiciary but also the next generation of lawyers and public servants.
