The VBA Young Lawyers Division recognized the efforts of attorneys Jennifer L. Ligon of Richmond and Ann Petros of Alexandria, two of the many young lawyers throughout the state who voluntarily contribute to the division’s numerous projects. The Sandra P. Thompson and the Emerson G. Spies awards were presented during The Virginia Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, held in Williamsburg Jan. 19-21.

The Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, is a group of about 900 attorney members of the VBA who are age 40 or younger or new to legal practice. The YLD promotes fellowship and professional growth while stimulating interest in the VBA and advancing its objectives, with particular focus on public service and service to the bar. The division also works with the eight law schools in Virginia to introduce law students to the association and its expertise. The VBA is the first and largest statewide voluntary bar organization in Virginia.

Sandra P. Thompson Award

Jennifer L. Ligon, a partner with the Williams Mullen law firm in Richmond, received the division’s highest honor. The Sandra P. Thompson Award recognizes outstanding work and long-term service.

In presenting the award, 2022 YLD Chair Kristen R. Jurjevich said, “When I think about what makes a great leader, I think of someone who is inspiring, authentic, dependable and continually improves the organization of which she is a part, even after her term of office as chair has ended.”

Ligon joined the VBA in 2012 and served as YLD chair in 2019, where, under her leadership, the YLD collaborated with key stakeholders throughout Virginia to deepen attorneys’ understanding of the division to motivate lawyers to join and encourage existing members to remain active. Before she started on the YLD officer ladder, Ligon worked on the division’s quarterly newsletter, Opening Statement, as development editor, and served as a YLD representative on the Health Law Section Council.

She continues to be an active member of the division. “She is a willing participant in and a dynamic component of YLD projects, including the award-winning ‘Mom, Esquire’ webinars and panels over the past year,” Jurjevich said. “I, personally, have learned a great deal from Jen over the years, in both YLD leadership and life.”

Emerson G. Spies Award

Ann Petros has demonstrated enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication in the work of the association during 2022 — the hallmarks of recipients of the Emerson G. Spies Award. Petros “has embodied that dedication and enthusiasm as she actively championed the YLD not just within the commonwealth but on a national stage with the American Bar Association,” Jurjevich said. “We are grateful to Ann for enthusiastically promoting our projects to a national audience.”

Petros, who is vice president of regulatory affairs at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions in Arlington, headed up the YLD’s submissions committee for the ABA YLD Awards of Achievement and served as ABA YLD District Representative for Virginia and Maryland. During this year’s Annual Meeting, Petros’ peers voted her chair-elect of the VBA YLD for 2023. The chair-elect joins the VBA Board of Governors and traditionally becomes chair of the YLD the following year. She joined the VBA in 2016.

Last year, the VBA YLD won Awards of Achievement for comprehensive programming and in the newsletter category. Petros’ efforts also gained the YLD recognition three times as an ABA YLD Star of the Quarter for bar associations that go above and beyond the call of duty. Star programs were a panel discussion on “Mom Esquire: Negotiating the Balance Between Motherhood and Legal Career” and the Regent Law School panel, “What I Wish Someone Had Told Me in Law School About the Practice of Law,” and the YLD’s third annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge.

The 2023 Lawyer Wellness Challenge is set for March 6-15. It is a series of informational, interactive and fun activities — and a virtual, friendly competition. While created for those in the legal profession, it is open to anyone interested in improving his or her emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social or spiritual wellness.

Gerald L. Baliles Distinguished Service Award

Also at the Annual Meeting, the VBA honored longtime University of Virginia law professor A.E. Dick Howard with its highest award, the Gerald L. Baliles Distinguished Service Award, for his exceptional service and contributions to the bar and public at large.
(See separate news release for details.)