Hannah Lauck will take over as chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Lauck comes to the role after 11 years as a district court judge in the district, known as the “rocket docket” for its high volume of fast-moving cases.

She succeeds Mark S. Davis, who has held the position since 2018.

Under federal law, the chief judgeship is typically granted to the longest-serving active judge from among the judges who are under the age of 64. Chief judges serve a seven-year term, or until they reach the age of 70. Davis, who is 63, reached the end of his term limit this year.

The chief judgeship is largely an administrative title. Chief judges continue to serve on the bench but also take on duties of determining schedules and overseeing court staff.

Lauck was confirmed to the bench in 2014 in a unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate. She was appointed by President Barack Obama.

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/12/06/lauck-appointed-chief-judge/