Virginia State Bar

An agency of the Supreme Court of Virginia

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Family Law

A Section of the Virginia State Bar.

The Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award

Ronald S. EvansCongratulations to Ronald S. Evans, the 2022 Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award Winner!

The Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section to recognize and honor an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the practice and administration of family law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The award will be given at the discretion of the VSB Family Law section Board of Governors.  The Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented at the Annual Family Law Seminar in April at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

Prior Recipients

Paul Nichols, 2021

David Masterman, 2020

Peter W. Buchbauer, 2019

J. Patrick McConnell, 2018

Joseph A. Condo, 2017

Carl J. Witmeyer, 2016

Betty Moore Sandler, 2015

James W. Korman, 2014

Ronald R. Tweel, 2013

Terrence R. Batzli, 2012

Franklin R. Blatt, 2011

William C. Wood, 2010

Peter Swisher, 2009

Edward D. Barnes, 2008

Philip Schwartz, 2007

Frank W. Morrison, 2006

Donald K. Butler, 2005

Glenn C. Lewis, 2004 

The Honorable J. Dean Lewis, 2003

Richard J. Byrd, 2002

The Honorable E. Preston Grissom, 2001

Lawrence D. Diehl, 2000

Professor Robert E. Shepherd, Jr., 1999

The Honorable Charles S. McNulty III, 1998

Richard E. Crouch, 1997

Morton B. Spero, 1995

Betty A. Thompson, 1994

Arthur E. Smith, 1993



The award will recognize an individual who meets the following criteria:

  • A singular and unique contribution to the practice of family law in Virginia;
  • Dedication to excellence in the practice of family law;
  • Performance in the field of family law with competence and integrity; and
  • Commitment to the abiding importance of service to families through the legal system.


All nominations must be received by January 24, 2023.

Please use our Family Law Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination Application or send a letter of nomination to:

VSB Family Law Section
Attn. Dolly C. Shaffner, Family Law Section Liaison

by email:
FamilyLaw@vsb.org

by post:
1111 East Main Street, Suite 700
Richmond, VA 23219-0026