In this episode of Just Virginia, CEO Alison Martin welcomes recently retired Judge Penney S. Azcarate, whose 18 years on the bench culminated in her service as chief judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Chief Judge Azcarate reflects on the experiences that shaped her path—from her service as a U.S. Marine Corps officer during Operation Desert Storm to her transition into law, trial practice, and judicial leadership. Their warm and wide-ranging conversation explores public trust in the judiciary, representation on the bench, the growing role of specialty dockets and recovery court, even wellness and triathlons! Join us as this extraordinary thought leader and mentor shares lessons from a distinguished career. Beyond the Episode Get to know the Hon. Penney S. Azcarate.* Read the Virginia State Legislature’s Senate Joint Resolution No. 90 Commending the Honorable Penney S. Azcarate. Join Chief Judge Azcarate, the Honorable Mary Grace O’Brien, Court of Appeals of Virginia, and Bryan L. Porter for CLE August 6 in Charlottesville or via webcast. Register here for Litigating High-Profile Cases. Feeling inspired by the Chief Judge's wellness routine? Check out USA Triathlon's How Do I Get Started? guide. * Chief Judge Penny S. Azcarate retired in July 2026 after serving as Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court, becoming the first woman to hold that role. Over the course of 18 years on the bench, she served at both the circuit court and general district court levels. During her tenure, Judge Azcarate established the Fairfax County Drug Court in 2018 and launched the Veteran Treatment Docket in 2015, the first stand-alone docket of its kind in Virginia, providing critical support to combat veterans facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. She also led efforts to expand access to justice, strengthen interpreter services, promote racial equity initiatives, and develop community outreach programs. Judge Azcarate held key leadership roles within the judiciary, serving as Chair of both the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Veteran Specialty Docket Council and its Judicial Administration Committee. Her contributions have been widely recognized: she was named a Leader in the Law (2017) and an Influential Woman in Law (2022) by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, received the President’s Award from the Fairfax Bar Association in 2020, and was honored with Old Dominion University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022. A graduate of Old Dominion University, where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice on a military scholarship, Judge Azcarate was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps and served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Following her military service, she earned her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. Before joining the bench, Judge Azcarate practiced in Fairfax County as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and civil litigator. The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not reflect the views of the Virginia Law Foundation, its Board of Directors, or its leadership and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Listeners should not act or refrain from acting based on any information presented without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of any information shared. This podcast may include references to laws and regulations that are subject to change. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation.
