Fairfax Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court Judge Gayl Carr Retires

On July 30, 2024, current and past judges from the Fairfax Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court, employees of the Court, attorneys, members of Fairfax County Government, representatives of the nonprofit and faith-based community, as well as the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office came together to celebrate Judge Gayl Carr, who retired from the bench after 30 years of distinguished service.

During the celebration, many current and former colleagues spoke about Judge Carr and her dedication to the children and families of Fairfax County, as well as her desire to improve the child welfare system, and push those in it to do better. Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran spoke of the hard work and achievements of Judge Carr, highlighting her dedication, fairness, and the profound impact she made on the Fairfax community throughout her three decades of service.

In honor of Judge Carr’s retirement, Delegate Tran stated , “Congratulations to Judge Carr upon her retirement from the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. For the last 30 years, Judge Carr served our community with distinction. As the first Black woman to be appointed to the bench in Fairfax County, Judge Carr made history with her election and also paved the way for other women of color to serve. She approached her service with empathy and integrity, mentored aspiring and new judges, and was recognized by her peers as a national leader. Our community is strengthened because of the immeasurable ways that Judge Carr has touched families, children, survivors, people who have rehabilitated, lawyers, courtroom professionals, and jurists throughout her career.”

Judge Carr studied social work and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She served as a Child Welfare Worker with the Virginia Department of Social Services before receiving her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. At the start of her career, Judge Carr served as Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Assistant County Attorney for the county of Fairfax.

Judge Carr began serving as Judge of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1994. She was elected Chief Judge in 2004. As Judge, she served as a mentor to recently elected Virginia judges. She was also Chair of the Education Committee of the Judicial Conference for District Court Judges and Chair of the Support Liaison Committee of the Virginia Council of Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges. Most recently, Judge Carr was indicted into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame and named President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the oldest judicial membership organization in the country.

Executive Director Darcy Hubbard expressed the deep sense of loss felt by the community as they bid farewell to Judge Gayl Carr, saying, “We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to Judge Carr. She has been a fierce advocate for children and families during her career, and we have been so fortunate to have her serve our court. She always pushed the adults in our cases to think outside the box and to do what was right, not what was easiest, when it came to our kids. I am so grateful that I was able to learn from her, and work with her, during my time here at CASA.”

Thank you to Judge Carr for her unwavering commitment to justice and profound impact on the Fairfax County community. Her legacy will leave a lasting effect on Fairfax CASA, those she mentored, and the children and families we serve.