Oil on canvas, 36 x 44 in., by Nancy C. Mauck, 2009

Born 1961 in Southampton County, Virginia.

Appointed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine on October 10, 2007 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Elizabeth B. Lacy and began his service the same day. Elected by the General Assembly on February 8, 2008.

Elected chief justice in 2021 to a four-year term beginning January 1, 2022, filling the vacancy created when Donald W. Lemons stepped down.

Education:
Harvard University, A.B., 1983
University of Virginia, J.D., 1986

Other judicial service:
Judge, General District Court, Chesapeake, 1995-1997.
Judge, First Judicial Circuit, 1997-2007.

Professional career:
Private practice of law in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1986-1988.
Private practice of law in Norfolk, Virginia, 1988-1995.
Research Associate Professor of Law, University of Virginia School of Law, 1994-1995.

Sources:
Appointed, Tom Campbell, “Goodwyn Wins Praise, Kaine’s Pick for High Court called ‘Virginia Success Story,’” Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 11, 2007, B1; sworn in, 274 Va., iii; elected by the General Assembly, Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 2008 Regular Session, 612; biography, “Goodwyn Wins Praise,” and transcript of investiture ceremony on October 18, 2007, published in 274 Va., xxiii-xxxix; and biography file, Virginia State Law Library.