John Charles Thomas (judge) facts for kids

John Charles Thomas (born September 18, 1950) is an American lawyer who made history as a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia. A justice is a type of judge who serves on the highest court in a state.

Early Life and Education

John Charles Thomas was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a very good student and went to the University of Virginia. In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American government.

He continued his studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1975, he earned a Juris Doctor degree, which is the special degree needed to become a lawyer.

A Groundbreaking Law Career

After finishing law school, Thomas began working at a large law firm called Hunton & Williams. This was a significant moment because he was the first African-American lawyer ever hired by the firm.

At the time, the Civil Rights Movement was still a recent memory. Thomas saw his job as an important step in making society more equal for everyone.

Becoming a Partner

Thomas worked hard and was very successful. In 1982, he was made a partner at the law firm. This meant he became one of the owners of the company.

This was a major achievement. He was the first Black lawyer in the southern United States to join a major, traditional law firm right after school and work his way up to become a partner.

A Historic Judge

In 1983, Thomas was chosen to be a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia. This was a huge honor. At only 32 years old, he became the youngest person ever to serve on that court. He was also its first African American justice.

He served as a justice for over six years. He left the court in 1989 and was replaced by Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr., who later became the court's first Black chief justice. After leaving the court, Judge Thomas returned to practicing law and is now retired.

Later Career and Honors

Judge Thomas continued to have an impressive career after his time on the Supreme Court.

In 1995, he received the Lifetime Image Award from the NAACP for his achievements.

In 2005, he was chosen to be a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This is a special international court based in Switzerland that helps solve disagreements in sports, like those involving the Olympics.

In 2006, he was appointed to the Board of Visitors for the College of William & Mary, a group that helps manage the university.

See also

• List of African-American jurists
• List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Virginia