This is a list of the first women lawyer(s) and judge(s) in Virginia. It includes the year in which the women were admitted to practice law (in parentheses). Also included are women who achieved other distinctions such becoming the first in their state to graduate from law school or become a political figure.
First African American female: Gammiel Poindexter in 1975 [37]
The number of women in the United States judiciary has increased as more women have entered law school, but women still face significant barriers in pursuing legal careers.
Cleo Elaine Powell is a justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. She was sworn in on October 21, 2011, for a term ending on July 31, 2023. Justice Powell is the first African-American female to serve on Virginia's highest Court and the fifth woman to serve on the Court.
Rossie David Alston Jr. is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019.