‘Moved beyond words:’ Henrico County courts building to be renamed for longtime Circuit Judge L.A. Harris Jr.

Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Schmitt announced the naming honor on January 23rd at a ceremony celebrating Harris and his 37 years of service as a judge in Henrico. The event, held at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, included tributes from former Virginia Govs. L. Douglas Wilder and James S. Gilmore as well as an unveiling of Harris’ official portrait and a rendering of the L.A. Harris Jr. Courts Building.

“It’s our privilege to announce this court building, in which you wielded the gavel with distinction and dedication for more than a generation, will be getting a new name,” Schmitt said to gasps from the audience. “From now on this building will be known as the L.A. Harris Jr. Courts Building.”

Harris said he was moved beyond words by the honor.

The courts building, at 4309 E. Parham Road, is home to Henrico’s Circuit and General District courts as well as the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Harris has served on Henrico’s Circuit Court, which is Virginia’s 14th Judicial Circuit, since 1990. His service as a judge began in 1988 with Henrico’s General District Court.