Lori Lord, Richmond-based senior counsel in McGuireWoods’ Complex Commercial Litigation practice, was named the new chief staff attorney for the state’s highest court. She will assume her new position on May 5, 2014.
The chief staff attorney for the Supreme Court of Virginia directs the work of a dozen staff attorneys and law clerks who support the work of the justices. Staff attorney activities include reviewing petitions, preparing memoranda and drafting orders for the court.
Supreme Court of Virginia Chief Justice Cynthia D. Kinser noted in a press statement, “Lori’s appellate experience, combined with her management and mentoring skills, will be a great benefit as she begins serving the Court as Chief Staff Attorney.”
In addition to her class-action and other complex commercial litigation work, Lord also has significant appellate experience. She has prepared briefs, presented arguments and represented indigent defendants in appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia. She also has prepared briefs in federal appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. Previously, Lord served as law clerk to the Honorable A. Christian Compton, Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Lord currently serves as the chair of the Lawyers Advisory Council for the Virginia Law Foundation/Virginia Bar Association Rule of Law Project. She also is an instructor at Washington and Lee University School of Law, where she and several McGuireWoods colleagues teach a practicum in higher education law. Named Outstanding Woman Law Graduate of her class, Lord earned her law degree at Washington and Lee University School of Law.