By Stephen H. Cowles

Special to the News-Herald

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 District, which includes Suffolk, Franklin, Southampton and Isle of Wight.

The House of Delegates unanimously voted to approve Clark’s nomination on Thursday, and the Senate has concurred.

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

“I don’t foresee any issue with that,” said Delegate Rick Morris (R-64th), who serves on the Courts of Justice Committee.

He explained that Clark was one of three people whose names were submitted 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 juvenile and domestic relations Judge Alfreda Talton-Harris, who she said 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 guardians ad litem.

Clark recalled 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,” he said.

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 to look out for a child’s best interests.

“I’ve worked with children all my life,” said Clark, noting 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 added. “I have the disposition [to be such a judge] and apparently my peers thought so, too.”