The first week of the new year brings us incredibly sad news out of the Virginia judiciary. A judge was found dead in his chambers on the evening of January 1, and the state medical examiner’s office has ruled the death a suicide.
Judge Nathan Curtis Lee, 60, a graduate of the Mercer University School of Law, was appointed to the bench of the 6th Judicial Circuit Court by Governor Bob McDonnell in 2012. Prior to his court appointment, Judge Lee practiced law for more than 30 years and ran a small private practice for almost two decades.
According to the medical examiner’s office, Judge Lee suffered a fatal gunshot wound in his mouth. Police have filed paperwork to trace whether the handgun that was used belonged to the judge. Police Captain Brian Kei of Prince George County would not confirm whether Judge Lee had left a note behind, instead citing a Virginia statute exempting the disclosure of such a private document, if it were to exist.
Managing Partners are Navigating the AI Inflection Point.
New executive research from Ari Kaplan explores how law firm leaders are responding to changing client expectations, evolving economics, talent transformation, and AI governance.
Earlier this week, Prince George County Commonwealth’s Attorney Susan Fierro released a statement in the wake of Judge Lee’s death:
Judge Nathan C. Lee
Judge Lee was just a gentleman, through and through. Very fair, he had an excellent demeanor for the bench and for the courtroom. He loved his job as a judge and was an active member with our Crater Criminal Justice Board. He was the judge who handled drug court, and he was always concerned about the participants and their successful completion of the programs. He loved his family and spoke often of his daughters. I think what I’ll remember most about him is how he beamed with pride whenever he spoke about his daughters.
A memorial service for Judge Lee is scheduled for Friday, January 6 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Hopewell, Virginia. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held for friends at the Hopewell Optimist Club located at 1400 Lynchburg Street in Hopewell.
Why Experience Still Matters In An AI-Driven Legal Industry
A conversation with Trustpoint.One CEO Christopher Gallagher.
We here at Above the Law would like to extend our condolences and sympathies to Judge Lee’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Medical examiner: Judge found dead in his Prince George Courthouse office Jan. 1 fatally shot himself [Richmond Times-Dispatch]
Judge found dead in courthouse committed suicide [WTVR]
Staci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. She’d love to hear from you, so feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.