Former Fairfax County Chief Judge Penney Azcarate Joins Scalia Law Faculty

Scalia Law is pleased to announce that Judge Penney Azcarate, former Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court, will join the faculty as an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Externship Program following her retirement from the bench in July 2026.

Judge Azcarate brings nearly two decades of judicial leadership and public service to Scalia Law. She served for 18 years as a judge at both the Circuit Court and General District Court levels, including as Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court—the first woman to hold that position. As Chief Judge, she oversaw court operations and led a team of 14 judges in advancing initiatives to improve access to justice, including the implementation of paperless systems, remote court access, diversity and inclusion training, enhanced interpreter services, and expanded community outreach.

During her tenure, Judge Azcarate was recognized for her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to equity in the legal system. She spearheaded key specialty court programs, including the establishment of the Fairfax County Drug Court in 2018 and the Veteran Treatment Docket in 2015. The latter was the first stand-alone docket of its kind in Virginia, providing critical support to combat veterans facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Judge Azcarate also presided over a number of high-profile cases, including Depp v. Heard in 2022 and Commonwealth v. Banfield in 2026, further underscoring her significant impact on the judiciary.

Beyond the courtroom, she has played an influential role at the state level. Judge Azcarate served as chair of the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Veteran Specialty Docket Council, helping to guide the approval and development of veteran-focused dockets throughout the Commonwealth. She also served on the Judicial Council of Virginia, which advises on improvements to the organization and procedures of the state’s judicial system.

Her contributions to the legal profession have been widely recognized. Judge Azcarate was named a Leader in Law (2017) and an Influential Woman in Law (2022) by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. She received the Fairfax Bar Association’s President’s Award in 2020 and was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from Old Dominion University in 2022. A frequent speaker, she has presented to numerous legal, academic, and governmental organizations nationwide.

Learn more about Judge Azcarate on her biographical sketch.