ISLE OF WIGHT
Attorney Stan D. Clark, a former Isle of Wight County supervisor, has been named as a judge for Juvenile and Domestic Relations in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court; that territory includes Southampton and Isle of Wight counties and the city of Suffolk. The appointment was announced by Del. Rick Morris (R-64) on Friday, the day after the votes passed unanimously by the House in Clark’s favor. Morris added that the Senate also voted for the candidate.

All that’s left is for Gov. Terry McAuliffe to sign approval.

“I don’t foresee any issue with that,” said Morris, who serves on the Courts of Justice Committee.

He explained that Clark was one of three people who put forth their names for consideration. In addition to submitting an application, resume’ and questionnaire, the candidate also undergoes interviews with the Courts committees.

“I think he’ll be an outstanding judge … an extremely fair one,” Morris said.

Michelle Jones, director of the Voices for Kids CASA in Isle of Wight, said Clark “would definitely be an advocate for children. He’s a wonderful choice — an excellent choice.”

She also praised retired J&D Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris, who was “definitely a champion for children. She treated every child as if they were her own.”

Jones explained that her organization is a voice for abused and neglected children, and serves as the eyes and ears for judges. She added that the organization also works alongside guardian ad litems.

Clark remembered that when he was a supervisor, Jones and other people approached him about establishing CASA in Isle of Wight.

“I pushed and got funding and served on the board when it first started,” said Clark.

An attorney with Clark, Thompson and Pope in Portsmouth, the future judge — who would take office on July 1 — has experience in law enforcement and judicial matters, having served as a police officer and prosecutor before going into private practice.

For approximately 10 years, he’s served as a guardian ad litem, which is a person is appointed by a court, such as J&D, to look out for a child’s best interests.

“I’ve worked with children all my life,” said Clark, mentioning that he teaches Royal Ambassadors each Wednesday at his church. “I think I have a good rapport with children.”

“Juvenile and domestic relations is one of the hardest-working courts,” he continued. “I have the disposition [to be such a judge] and apparently my peers thought so, too.”

He said that all three bar associations supported him with nominations. Fellow candidates Bobby Jones and Steve Edwards had been endorsed by the IOW and Southampton groups.