About the Court
The Eastern District of Virginia serves communities across the Commonwealth through four divisions: Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond.
Divisions
Four
Chief Judge
Hon. M. Hannah Lauck
Clerk of Court
Laura G. Griffin
Our Mission
To preserve and enhance the rule of law while providing an impartial and accessible forum for the just, timely, and economical resolution of legal proceedings within the Court's jurisdiction; to protect individual rights and liberties; to promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system; and, to maintain judicial independence.
The Federal Trial Courts
The United States district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system. Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution, the district courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all federal cases, including civil and criminal matters. There are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Bankruptcy Jurisdiction
Bankruptcy courts are separate units of the district courts. Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases, meaning parties cannot file a bankruptcy case in a state court.