2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 125

Commending Wendy Collins Perdue.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026

WHEREAS, after 15 years of visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to legal education, Wendy Collins Perdue will step down from her position as the dean of the University of Richmond School of Law at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Wellesley College and the Duke University School of Law, Wendy Perdue worked as an attorney for the firm Hogan & Hartson, now Hogan Lovells, in Washington, D.C., then served as an associate dean at the Georgetown University Law Center from 1998 to 2011; during that time, she also served as vice chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board in Maryland for nine years; and

WHEREAS, Wendy Perdue joined the University of Richmond School of Law as dean in 2011, and the institution has flourished under her thoughtful, steady leadership; and

WHEREAS, Wendy Perdue oversaw the implementation of a renowned first-year legal writing program and the Professional Identity Formation Program that has become a model for other institutions nationwide; she also helped establish the Bridge to Practice Program, which has helped more than 150 graduates launch their careers; and

WHEREAS, during Wendy Perdue's tenure as dean, the University of Richmond School of Law completed significant renovations, transforming the law school building into a modern facility that better meets the needs of its students; and

WHEREAS, Wendy Perdue has engaged with alumni, members of the legal community, and other stakeholders to support the law school's commitment to excellence through enhanced networking and fundraising programs; and

WHEREAS, a recognized leader in the legal profession, Wendy Perdue has served as president of the Association of American Law Schools and has published numerous case books, articles, and book chapters on civil procedure, conflict of laws, land use, public health, and other subjects; and

WHEREAS, among many accolades, Wendy Perdue was inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame and was selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as a 2025 Circle of Excellence honoree; and

WHEREAS, after stepping down as dean, Wendy Perdue plans to remain on the faculty of the University of Richmond School of Law and continue to teach and provide her insights and expertise to aspiring legal professionals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Wendy Collins Perdue for her service as dean of the University of Richmond School of Law; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Wendy Collins Perdue as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her legacy of achievements and work to advance the legal profession.