J. Penn Crawford

A Richmond native, J. Penn Crawford completed his undergraduate studies at East Carolina University before working in Washington, D.C., on the House Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations staff. He returned to Richmond to attend the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, contributing to the Journal of Law in the Public Interest and earning the Williams Scholarship. He cites Judge Robert R. Merhige Jr.’s counsel—that practicing law is a privilege—as formative. Beginning his career in a general practice firm, Penn handled a broad array of matters including criminal defense and commercial litigation; one of his cases produced the Virginia Supreme Court’s inaugural interpretation of the Virginia LLC Act. He has served as a guardian ad litem, published legal articles, and lectured at seminars. Recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 Under 40” attorney in 2012 and 2013, he joined the Board of Commonwealth Community Trust in 2013 and led it as president from 2021–2022. Outside the practice, he values family, athletics, and time outdoors.