James E Short

A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, James E Short graduated, cum laude, from the University of Richmond in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his law degree in 1986 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary.

After graduating, James Edward Short was admitted to the Virginia State Bar. He started his career as a prosecutor in the role of Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Portsmouth and held that position for four years. He has been in private practice since 1991.

James is admitted to practice before the U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia and is a member of the American Bar Association. He was very active in the Chesapeake Bar Association where he served as President in 2007.

His most coveted professional goal was realized on October 14, 2008 when he was admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. He was sworn-in to practice before the Court by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.

James stays involved in the community. He was the chairman of the Chesapeake Law Library Board in 2011. He previously held the position of Chairman of the Chesapeake Regional Local Human Rights Committee for three years. He is also past president of the Portsmouth Optimist Club and a former board member of Girls Incorporated.

Additionally, he is past president of the Portsmouth Sports Club. Currently, he holds the position of Treasurer of the Portsmouth Sports Club Foundation, whose mission is to provide annual scholarships to deserving local high school student athletes.