2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200004D

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2010

Offered April 23, 2026

Commending Caroline Patricia Ayres.

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Patron—Cifers

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WHEREAS, Caroline Patricia Ayres of Charlottesville, a distinguished attorney, trailblazer, and lifelong advocate for justice, has made countless contributions to her community and the Commonwealth over the course of her life; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres was born in 1957 in the basement of the University of Virginia Hospital, a humble beginning that would mark the start of a life defined by perseverance, excellence, and historic achievements in service to others; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres grew up in Dillwyn and was among the first students to transition from a segregated school to an integrated environment at Dillwyn Elementary School in Buckingham County; due to the circumstances of the time, the school bus would not stop at her residence, requiring her and her siblings to walk up the road to board the bus; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres pursued her legal education at the University of Virginia School of Law and graduated in 1981; her accomplishment was not only a personal milestone but also a significant achievement for her community, reflecting her resilience and commitment to advancing equality within the legal system; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres began her career at a time when opportunities for Black women, particularly in the legal profession, were limited; through determination and academic excellence, she broke barriers and became the first Black attorney from Buckingham County, setting a powerful precedent for future generations; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her career, Caroline Ayres worked in Washington, D.C., for a member of the United States House of Representatives and a member of the United States Senate, served as an assistant attorney general and as a judge in Delaware, and then established her own law practice, The Law Offices of Caroline Ayres, in Charlottesville; and

WHEREAS, for more than 40 years, Caroline Ayres has practiced law with distinction as a family and criminal defense attorney; throughout her career, she has provided compassionate, skilled, and dedicated representation to individuals and families during some of the most critical moments of their lives; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres's work has been defined by integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every client receives fair representation and equal access to justice; and

WHEREAS, beyond her professional achievements, Caroline Ayres is a devoted mother and proud parent of two children: Clifford Ayres-Brown, a graduate of Howard University and a current postgraduate student at Johns Hopkins University, and Deborah Ayres-Brown, a scholar who earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Caroline Ayres has inspired others through her courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievements, and she has helped pave the way for greater inclusion and representation within the legal profession; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Caroline Patricia Ayres hereby be commended for her legacy of service to the Commonwealth and contributions to the legal profession; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Caroline Patricia Ayres as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her personal and professional achievements.