Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William T. Newman, Jr. |
| Also Known As | William T. Newman |
| Primary Roles | Retired Chief Judge; Mediator; Stage Actor |
| Notable For | Longtime Chief Judge of Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit (Arlington/Falls Church); acclaimed performances in Washington, D.C.–area theater |
| Education | B.A., Ohio University; J.D., The Catholic University of America |
| Birthplace | Ohio, USA |
| Residence | Arlington, Virginia |
| Spouse | Sheila Johnson (m. 2005 – present) |
| Children | One daughter from a previous marriage (Abigail) |
| Current Affiliation | Mediator/Arbitrator, The McCammon Group |
| Legal Career Highlights | Circuit Court Judge (1993–2023); Chief Judge (2003–2023) |
| Theater Highlights | The Gospel at Colonus (2017–2018); How I Learned What I Learned (2021); Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2017) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Ohio, William T. Newman grew up with a compass set toward public service and the arts. He studied at Ohio University before earning his law degree from The Catholic University of America, a path that would set him on a dual trajectory: a courtroom mainstay by day and a celebrated performer by night. That blend—precise legal reasoning and creative expression—would become his signature, a rare combination in any city, and a point of local pride in Arlington.
Legal Career: Benchmarks and Milestones
Over three decades, Newman built a legal résumé defined by steadiness, fairness, and public trust. He joined the Arlington Circuit Court (17th Judicial Circuit) in 1993 and became Chief Judge in 2003, a role he held for roughly 20 years until his retirement in 2023. His docket spanned the full spectrum—civil and criminal, complex and routine—handled with a reputation for professionalism that won the respect of litigants and lawyers alike.
Before his appointment to the bench, Newman practiced civil litigation throughout the 1980s and early 1990s at Carpenter, Newman, Martin, Berkowitz & Garnes, and served the court as a Commissioner in Chancery. Earlier still, he worked as a trademark attorney at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, adding intellectual property to his tool kit. He also served on the Virginia Medical Malpractice Review Panel, bringing practical insight to medical-legal disputes.
Selected timeline:
- 1980–1993: Civil litigator in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
- Early career: Trademark attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- 1993: Appointed Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit (Arlington/Falls Church)
- 2003–2023: Chief Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit
- 2023–present: Mediator/Arbitrator, The McCammon Group
Notably, Newman presided over high-profile matters from time to time, including a 2007 annulment case that attracted national attention. But his larger legacy rests in the thousands of quieter rulings where consistency and care mattered most.
From the Courtroom to the Spotlight: Theater and Performance
In the Washington, D.C.–area theater community, William T. Newman is known as a commanding presence onstage—magnetic, musical, and grounded. He worked closely with WSC Avant Bard and other regional companies, earning praise for roles that bridged classic text and American storytelling.
Highlights include:
- The Gospel at Colonus (2017–2018): As Preacher Oedipus, Newman led an ensemble in a gospel-infused retelling of Sophocles, delivering a performance that pulsed with music and moral weight.
- How I Learned What I Learned (2021): Returning to live performance after pandemic closures, he embodied August Wilson in a one-man masterclass in narrative intimacy.
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2017): Part of the Wilson canon, this production showcased Newman’s ability to balance humor, history, and heartbreak.
His performances are as precise as a well-drafted opinion and as soulful as a Sunday chorus—proof that art and law, far from opposites, can share the same spine.
Family and Personal Life
William T. Newman married Sheila Johnson in 2005. Johnson is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and philanthropist, co-founder of BET and the force behind Salamander Hotels & Resorts, as well as an investor in professional sports. Their partnership is a study in mutual support: she has stood by him at premieres and performances; he has supported her wide-ranging business and civic endeavors.
Newman has a daughter, Abigail, from a previous marriage. True to his judicial temperament, he keeps his family life largely private. The couple makes their home in Virginia and is active in local philanthropy, especially arts and community initiatives in Arlington.
Recent News and Current Work
In 2023, after 30 years on the bench and two decades as Chief Judge, Newman retired from the judiciary. He soon joined The McCammon Group to focus on mediation and arbitration, leveraging his trial experience in areas like medical malpractice, personal injury, business contracts, and family law. It’s a natural extension of his judicial skill set: listening sharply, narrowing disputes, and guiding parties to resolution.
On the arts front, his 2021 turn in How I Learned What I Learned marked a poignant return to in-person theater, drawing praise for its blend of gravitas and warmth. Community recognition and occasional public appearances continue, but Newman remains characteristically measured—choosing craft over spotlight.
Financial Snapshot
Newman’s personal finances are private, as is common for retired judges. The available indicators point to stability, rooted in a long judicial career, prior legal practice, and ongoing mediation work. His spouse, Sheila Johnson, is widely reported as one of America’s wealthiest self-made business leaders; while her wealth is separate, their shared philanthropy and lifestyle reflect ample resources.
| Category | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Judicial Service | 30 years on the bench; 20 years as Chief Judge |
| Mediation/ADR | Ongoing work with The McCammon Group across civil practice areas |
| Household Context | Spouse is a high-profile entrepreneur and philanthropist |
| Philanthropy | Support for arts and community organizations in Arlington |
Community and Civic Footprint
Calling Arlington home, Newman has long been part of the county’s civic fabric. In court, he cultivated trust; in theater, he built community; in philanthropy, he lent his presence and support. He has been invited to speak at academic and legal gatherings, sharing reflections with aspiring lawyers and new graduates—passing forward the lessons of patience, preparation, and perspective.
Selected Roles and Dates
| Year | Production | Role | Venue/Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom | Ensemble role | 1st Stage |
| 2017–2018 | The Gospel at Colonus | Preacher Oedipus | WSC Avant Bard |
| 2021 | How I Learned What I Learned | August Wilson | WSC Avant Bard |
Career at a Glance
| Period | Position/Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Trademark Attorney, USPTO | Intellectual property focus |
| 1980–1993 | Civil Litigator | Partner-level practice in VA/DC |
| 1993–2023 | Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit | Arlington/Falls Church |
| 2003–2023 | Chief Judge | Administrative leadership and case management |
| 2023–present | Mediator/Arbitrator | The McCammon Group |
FAQ
Who is William T. Newman?
He is a retired Chief Judge of Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit and an accomplished stage actor based in Arlington, Virginia.
What is his connection to Sheila Johnson?
He married Sheila Johnson in 2005; she is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
When did he retire from the bench?
He retired in 2023 after roughly 30 years of judicial service and about 20 years as Chief Judge.
What does he do now?
He serves as a mediator and arbitrator, handling disputes in areas such as medical malpractice, contracts, personal injury, and family law.
What are some notable theater roles?
Highlights include Preacher Oedipus in The Gospel at Colonus and August Wilson in How I Learned What I Learned.
Does he have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Abigail from a previous marriage.
Where did he go to school?
He earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University and his J.D. from The Catholic University of America.
Is he active on social media?
He maintains a low public profile online, consistent with his judicial background and preference for privacy.
