The Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse, in Alexandria, is named for his father.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 29, 1971, and received his commission the same day.

He served as Chief Judge from 1985 until December 1, 1991, when he assumed senior status.

[2] His service terminated on August 27, 2019, due to his death of pneumonia in Alexandria.

[4] While serving as a federal judge, Bryan decided that justice was being dispensed too slowly for his liking, and as a result he ran a rocket docket.