Elizabeth Wilson Hanes was confirmed as a United States District Court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia on Aug. 2. She will be based in Norfolk, VA.
Hanes is the daughter of Dr. John R. Wilson and Vicki Wilson of Lewisburg. Judge Hanes attended public school in Greenbrier County and is a 1996 graduate of Greenbrier East High School. Prior to attending law school, Hanes served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer for the Family Refuge Center and the Child & Youth Advocacy Center, both in Lewisburg.
Hanes previously served as a United States magistrate judge, also in the Eastern District of Virginia, since 2020. Prior to becoming a magistrate judge, Hanes was a trial attorney. She served as an assistant federal public defender for over seven years, representing indigent individuals in federal criminal matters. She then went into private practice, handling civil litigation focusing on complex class actions. Hanes received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond in 2000 and her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2007. After graduation, Hanes clerked for Judge Joseph Goodwin on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and then for Judge Robert King on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Following her confirmation, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement: “After recommending Judge Hanes for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, we are pleased that the Senate voted to confirm her today. With her previous experience and commitment to public service, we know she will serve our Commonwealth and country with great distinction.”
