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2017 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 439
Celebrating the life of Robert W. Lawrence.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 22, 2017

 

WHEREAS, Robert W. Lawrence, a prominent criminal defense attorney and substitute judge who was well-known by police officers, court clerks, bailiffs, judges, and fellow members of the local bar in Newport News, died on August 23, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Robert “Bob” W. Lawrence was a lifelong peninsula resident; he grew up in Hampton and worked in the Newport News City Attorney’s Office before entering private practice; and

WHEREAS, Bob Lawrence founded The Law Firm of Robert W. Lawrence, Esq., in Newport News, which he operated without a law partner or legal assistant, and over the years he was involved in some of the region’s biggest trials, including several death penalty cases; and

WHEREAS, known for being thorough and tenacious in the courtroom, Bob Lawrence was skilled in delivering powerful closing arguments that convinced jurors of his personal belief in his client’s innocence; and

WHEREAS, Bob Lawrence worked with the Newport News Police Benevolent Association and represented police officers in grievances and criminal cases, often working to get their jobs back after they had been pushed out or demoted; and

WHEREAS, Bob Lawrence was appointed a substitute judge in Newport News General District Court in 2006 and served as president of the Newport News Bar Association between 2010 and 2012; and

WHEREAS, outside of the courtroom, Bob Lawrence was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying a Cessna 172 Skyhawk on weekend excursions to Jamestown and the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Sigrid, and a son, Justin, Bob Lawrence will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Jaclyn and Jason, and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Robert W. Lawrence, a prominent criminal defense attorney and substitute judge in Newport News; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert W. Lawrence as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.