After decades of public service both on and off the bench, Judge Randall D. Smith announces his retirement from the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Judge Smith first started his career as a Deputy Sheriff for the City of Chesapeake, serving as a bailiff in the same court he'd later preside over. While a Deputy Sheriff, he completed his Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science at Old Dominion University.
After completing law school at Campbell University, Judge Smith practiced criminal law, domestic relations, and eminent domain. During his time in private practice, he represented client's charged with capital murder and argued cases before the Virginia Supreme Court and Virginia Court of Appeals. He also served as local counsel for the Department of Transportation, Chairman of the Chesapeake Board of Zoning Appeals, and Divorce Commissioner until he was elected to be Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Chesapeake.
During his tenure as Commonwealth's Attorney, Judge Smith continued his career of public service as an instructor with the Chesapeake Police Academy and prosecuting several major cases. Judge Smith was then appointed to the Chesapeake Circuit Court in 2005.
The Chesapeake Bar Association thanks Judge Smith for his service to our community, and wishes him the best on his retirement!