Cleo Powell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cleo Powell
Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia
Incumbent
Assumed office August 1, 2011
Preceded by	Leroy R. Hassell Sr.
Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals
In office August 15, 2008 – August 1, 2011
Appointed by	Tim Kaine
Preceded by	LeRoy F. Millette Jr.
Succeeded by	Glen A. Huff
Personal details
Born	Cleo Elaine Powell (1957-01-12) January 12, 1957 (age 68) Brunswick, Virginia, U.S.
Spouse	Alvin Larnell Dilworth
Education	University of Virginia (BA, JD)

Cleo Elaine Powell was born on January 12, 1957. She is a judge, known as a justice, on the Supreme Court of Virginia in the United States. She made history as the first African-American woman to serve on Virginia's highest court. She is also the fifth woman ever to be a justice on this important court. Justice Powell began her first term in 2011. She was sworn in for her second twelve-year term on October 21, 2023. This means her current term will end on July 31, 2035.

Early Life and Education

Cleo Powell grew up in Brunswick County, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia and earned her first degree in government in 1979. She then continued her studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1982, she received her law degree, which is called a Juris Doctor.

A Career in Law and Justice

After finishing law school, Cleo Powell started her career as a lawyer. From 1982 to 1986, she worked at a law firm called Hunton & Williams. There, she focused on laws related to jobs and workplaces.

Later, she began working for the government in Virginia. She joined the office of the Virginia Attorney General. She became a Senior Assistant, helping with equal employment opportunities. In 1989, she left government work to join Virginia Power, a large energy company. She managed their employee services until 1993.

Becoming a Judge

In 1993, Cleo Powell decided to return to public service. She became a judge, serving at different levels of Virginia's court system. The Virginia General Assembly first chose her to be a General District Court Judge. She served in this role for Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, Virginia until 2000.

She was then elected as a Circuit Court Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit. This meant she handled more serious cases in a higher trial court. She continued in this position until 2008.

Serving on Higher Courts

In 2008, during Governor Tim Kaine's time in office, lawmakers elected her to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. She served on the Court of Appeals until the middle of 2011.

After Justice Leroy R. Hassell Sr. passed away, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell suggested Cleo Powell to fill the open spot. On July 29, 2011, lawmakers elected her to the Supreme Court of Virginia. She officially took her oath of office on August 2, 2011. She was re-elected twelve years later. She took the oath for her current twelve-year term on October 21, 2023.

Awards and Recognition

In 2013, the Library of Virginia honored Justice Powell. She was recognized as one of "Virginia Women in History" for her important contributions. She has also received other awards for her work. Currently, she is a visiting professor of law at the Appalachian School of Law.

See also

In Spanish: Cleo Powell para niños

• List of African-American jurists

External links

• "Cleo Elaine Powell", Virginia Changemakers, accessed July 6, 2025. Powell's biography at the Library of Virginia