VBA Young Lawyers Division honors pair with awards

Jason Boleman//February 6, 2023

The Virginia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division recognized a pair of young lawyers earlier this year at the VBA Annual Meeting in Williamsburg.

Jennifer L. Ligon (left) with 2022 YLD Chair Kristen R. Jurjevich (Photo courtesy of Virginia Bar Association)

Richmond attorney Jennifer L. Ligon received the Sandra P. Thompson Award while Ann Petros, vice president of regulatory affairs at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions in Arlington, received the Emerson G. Spies award.

Ligon, a partner at Williams Mullen, is a past chair of the VBA Young Lawyers Division. During her term as chair, the YLD “collaborated with key stakeholders throughout Virginia to deepen attorneys’ understanding of the division to motivate lawyers to join and encourage existing members to remain active,” according to a VBA press release.

Prior to becoming a YLD officer, Ligon worked on the division’s newsletter, Opening Statement. She also served as a YLD representative on the Health Law Section Council and remains an active division member.

2022 YLD Chair Kristen R. Jurjevich presented the award to Ligon, saying she “is a willing participant in and a dynamic component of YLD projects, including the award-winning ‘Mom, Esquire’ webinars and panels over the past year.”

“I, personally, have learned a great deal from Jen over the years in both YLD leadership and life,” Jurjevich said.

Ann Petros (left) with 2022 YLD Chair Kristen R. Jurjevich (Photo courtesy of Virginia Bar Association)

The Sandra P. Thompson Award, described by the VBA as the YLD’s “highest honor,” recognizes outstanding work and long-term service. The honor was first awarded in 1979.

Petros, who first joined the VBA in 2016, was tapped as chair-elect of the YLD at the VBA Annual Meeting this year. She led the division’s submissions committee for awards of achievement and served as a district representative for Virginia and Maryland.

Jurjevich presented Petros with the award, saying she “has embodied that dedication and enthusiasm as she actively championed the YLD not just within the commonwealth but on a national stage with the American Bar Association.”

The Emerson G. Spies Award honors a YLD member for enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication in the work of the association during a given year. The award was created in 1991.