Hon. Avelina S. Jacob (Ret.)

Avelina Jacob retired as a Judge of the Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court of the 20 th Judicial District on December 31, 2023. Judge Jacob served on Juvenile Court bench for 23 years and was Chief Judge from 2003 through 2016. During her years on the bench, Judge Jacob took numerous mediation courses through the National Judicial College and used her mediation skills in court on a weekly basis. Judge Jacob was appointed by the Supreme Court to the Mediator Complaint Hearing Committee and was recently reappointed in 2024.

In 2022, Judge Jacob received the Lelia Baum Hopper Service Award from the Virginia Council of Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges due to her leadership in advocating for the creation of domestic violence coordinated community response programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This award is given to persons who devote a significant part of their career to children and families and are making positive contributions inside and outside of the courtroom. In addition, Judge Jacob was appointed by Chief Justice Hassell to the Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence issues in Virginia and chaired this committee from 2011-2016.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Judge Jacob has been a presenter at the mandatory Judicial Conference, Voluntary JDR Conference, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia Criminal Justice Association, and the National District Attorneys Association.

Judge Jacob has participated in creating multiple training programs for the local bar association on issues of child dependency and domestic violence. Recognized throughout the Commonwealth for her ability to mentor new judges has been and continues to serve as a leader and a mentor.

Judge Jacob is past president of the Loudoun County Bar Association and has served on the board for many years prior to serving on the bench.