Leroy R. Hassell Sr. facts for kids

Leroy Rountree Hassell Sr. (born August 17, 1955 – died February 9, 2011) was a very important judge in Virginia. He served on the Virginia Supreme Court. He made history as the first African-American Chief Justice of that Court. He held this top position for two four-year terms, from February 1, 2003, until January 31, 2011. After his time as Chief Justice, Cynthia D. Kinser took over the role.

Early Life and Education

Leroy Hassell grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Norview High School in 1973. His classmates thought he was very promising, voting him "most likely to succeed."

After high school, Hassell went to the University of Virginia. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1977. While there, he had the special honor of living in a room on the "Lawn." This was part of the university's original campus, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself.

Hassell then continued his studies at Harvard Law School. He worked on the Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. This is a student-run legal journal. He received his law degree (J.D.) in 1980.

Legal Career and Public Service

After finishing law school, Leroy Hassell became a lawyer in Virginia. He joined a law firm called McGuire Woods in Richmond. He worked hard and became a partner at the firm in just seven years.

He also helped the community in other ways. He worked with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. This group helps improve housing and neighborhoods. He also led the Richmond School Board, which oversees the city's schools.

In 1989, when Hassell was only 34 years old, Governor Gerald Baliles chose him to be a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court. The state legislature approved this choice.

In 2002, the judges on the Virginia Supreme Court were allowed to choose their own Chief Justice. Hassell's fellow judges selected him for this important role. On February 1, 2003, he was sworn in. This made him the first African-American Chief Justice in Virginia's history.

As Chief Justice, Hassell believed that courts should be fair and independent. He also worked to make sure that all people in Virginia could get legal help if they needed it. He even created a group to update Virginia's old mental health laws.

Hassell also taught law at the Regent University School of Law. He was also part of the school's Board of Visitors.

Later Years and Legacy

During his last year as Chief Justice, Leroy Hassell became ill. Doctors later found out he had lymphoma. In 2011, the Virginia Bar Association gave him a special award for his great service.

Hassell was too ill to attend the Supreme Court's final session in January 2011. He passed away on February 9, 2011. The court announced his death shortly after.

On February 11, his body was placed in the Rotunda of the Virginia State Capitol. This is a very special honor. His casket was covered with the flag of Virginia. He was the first African-American person in Virginia to receive this honor.

He was survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and a grandchild. He was buried on February 12, 2011, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A memorial service was held at Faith Landmark Ministries.

In 2016, the Library of Virginia and Dominion Power recognized him. They honored him as one of their "Strong Men and Women in Virginia History."

Today, the Regent University School of Law holds an annual moot court competition in his honor. This competition is named after Chief Justice Hassell. A moot court is like a practice court where law students argue mock cases.

See also

• List of African-American jurists