Patricia Tolliver Giles: Who is U.S. Judge Patricia Giles?

U.S. Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles: Background and Notable Ruling

Patricia Tolliver Giles, a distinguished United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, recently garnered attention for her ruling regarding Virginia’s voter rolls. Here’s a look at her journey and impactful judicial career:

• Giles, appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, recently ordered the state of Virginia to reinstate voters improperly purged close to the November 2024 election.
• With nearly two decades as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she has built her career on prosecuting major crimes and organized crime cases.
• Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, she filled the seat vacated by Judge Liam O’Grady.
• Known for her legal acumen and commitment to justice, Giles has served on high-profile committees, including the Transnational Organized Crime Task Force MS-13 Subcommittee.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in 1973, Giles grew up in Hampton, Virginia, and attended the University of Virginia, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 1995. She continued her legal education at the University of Virginia School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor in 1998. Soon after, she clerked for Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, gaining invaluable experience in federal court proceedings.

Following her clerkship, Giles joined Cooley Godward LLP, where she worked on cases involving contracts, intellectual property, securities, and employment law. Her dedication and expertise led her to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2003. During her tenure, she served in the Major Crimes Unit and later took on the role of managing assistant U.S. attorney, addressing complex criminal cases.

Appointment to the Bench

In 2021, after Judge Liam O’Grady’s transition to senior status left the seat vacant, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine recommended Giles to President Joe Biden. Biden officially nominated her on June 30, 2021; after Senate confirmation, she assumed her role on November 1, 2021.

A Landmark Ruling on Voter Rights

Judge Giles recently issued a significant ruling, ordering Virginia to restore improperly removed voters from its voter rolls. Her decision emphasized the importance of protecting voters’ rights, especially close to elections.

Through her extensive legal career and commitment to upholding justice, Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles continues to make impactful decisions that shape the judicial landscape in Virginia and beyond.