Metzler to be next Prince William General District Court Judge

Petula Metzler is expected to be appointed the next General District Court Judge in Prince William County.

The Virginia House of Delegates Judge Selection Subcommittee is expetced to convene Monday to interview new judges. Metzler is expected to be confirmed as early as Thursday next week.

“The General District Court is most the most prominent face of the judicial system that most citizens in Prince William will see,” said Delegate Jackson Miller (R-Manassas), who sits on the House Courts Committee and will participate in Monday’s interview process. “Metzler has the right background, and demeanor, and will make a great judge.”

Metzler was unable to be reached for comment for this story. She has worked for the past three years as a civil litigation and land use attorney for the Woodbridge law firm Compton and Duling, L.C. She worked at Manassas law firm Blakenship and Keith, P.C. between 2006 and 2013.

Before her work in private firms, Metzler served as Clerk to Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Lon. E. Ferris A more detailed resume is available on her LinkedIn page.

Metzler will hold a newly created judgeship in Prince William County. The job comes after Miller backed a study of courthouses across the commonwealth and found Prince William’s to be backlogged with cases. The addition of Metzler should relieve some pressure on the local judicial system, added Miller.

The decision to select Metzler was made quickly. The General Assembly must approve all new judges, and there’s about week and a half left before session ends.

Miller’s credentials, to include serving a former President of the Prince William Bar Association, made her an easy choice, said officials.

Democrats told Potomac Local Metzler has the backing of the Prince William County General Assembly Delegation.

States Sen. Scott Surrovell via email:

“I am pleased to see that both Chambers have included funding in their budget to fund the vacant General District Court position in Prince William County. This will improve Prince Williams citizens’ access to justice and save both times wasted in court and help cases to be heard more promptly in a growing county. I am especially excited to see that the delegation has agreed to nominate Petula Metzler to the bench. Ms. Metzler has logged hundreds of volunteer hours to the Prince William Bar Association, is widely respected attorney, a U.S. Army veteran and will bring a unique perspective as the first African-American elected to the General District Court of Prince William County.”

States Sen. Jeremy McPike via email:

I’m pleased to see her selected as a jurist. She brings a strong background in service to the community, as an Army veteran, past President of Prince William Bar Association and has excellent credentials and experience as an attorney.