Judge Robert G. MacDonald, J.D.

Bio

Robert G. MacDonald is a judge on the Chesapeake Circuit Court, 1^st Judicial Circuit of Virginia.  He received his law degree from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and his B.A. in Philosophy from Virginia Wesleyan College.

MacDonald has been actively involved in the formation and operation of the Behavioral Health Docket for the Chesapeake General District Court and further serves the community by serving on the Board of Directors for Healthy Chesapeake Inc.. He participates in the Mayor’s Youth Day and volunteers with The Hope Foundation, Roc Solid Inc., and Mercy Chefs.

MacDonald began his judicial commission on January 1, 2015 for the Chesapeake General District Court, serving as Chief Judge from April 2015 to July 2020. He took his oath of office with the Chesapeake Circuit Court on March 10, 2021.

Prior to his judicial commission, MacDonald served the Commonwealth on the court-appointed list for criminal defendants, trying hundreds of criminal cases; as well as representing various business entities in the areas of formation, dissolution, merger, acquisition and contracts; and representing personal injury clients and professional athletes. He handled multiple real-estate, land use, family law and non-profit cases. He represented the local power company and local banking institutions. MacDonald served the Court as a commissioner, guardian ad Litem and provided multiple clients “access to justice” with various pro bono efforts.

MacDonald is the past president of the James Kent Inn of Court and the Chesapeake Bar Association and serves as Faculty for the Virginia State Bar Professionalism Course.