From 1935 to 1948, he was trial judge in Henrico County and, in 1948, was appointed judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Judge Snead remained at the circuit court until he was elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia on January 14, 1957. With the retirement of Chief Justice Eggleston and Justice Buchanan on September 30, 1969, Justice Snead became Chief Justice, being the first native Richmonder ever to fill that position.
From 1935 to 1948, he was a trial judge in Henrico County. In 1948, he was appointed judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Judge Snead served at the circuit court until his election to the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia on January 14, 1957. With Chief Justice Eggleston's and Justice Buchanan's retirements on September 30, 1969, Justice Snead became Chief Justice.