Henry N. Ware, Jr.
Attorney, Senior Counsel
Spotts Fain Mourns the Loss of Attorney Harry Ware
It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news that Spotts Fain Attorney and Senior Counsel Henry (Harry) N. Ware, Jr. passed away on January 2, 2024. Harry has been with Spotts Fain since 2001 as a Shareholder, and since 2022 as Senior Counsel. He was an accomplished attorney of impeccable character, but more than that, Harry was a cherished friend and colleague whom we will greatly miss.
Harry’s impressive dedication to the law spanned more than 40 years. During this time, he earned a name for himself in litigation and dispute resolution, practicing across the country in federal and state courts. He was sought after for his extensive experience in product liability and toxic torts; asbestos litigation defense and insurance coverage.
Keen respect from his clients and colleagues alike was evident in his many accomplishments. Harry was named a Virginia Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law in 2023. He was a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation and is the Past Chair of its Continuing Legal Education Committee; and served on the Foundation's Board of Directors, as well as its Governance, CLE, and Finance Committees at the time of his passing. He is a member of the prestigious Boyd Graves Conference. In addition, he is the Past Chair of the Virginia Bar Association's Civil Litigation Section and also of its Corporate Counsel Section. He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Products Liability Litigation-Defendants, and he is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell.
Harry was a true family man, and deeply loved his devoted wife Marilynn, their three sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. His greatest joy was spending time hunting, fishing, and enjoying life on their family farm, Bellevue, at Ware’s Wharf, in Essex County, Virginia.
Harry faced his illness with courage, dignity and his usual grace. We mourn the loss of our dear friend and we ask you to join us in keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Read Harry's obiturary here.
Education
- University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 1983) International Academy of Trial Lawyers Trial Advocacy Award (1983); University of Richmond Law Review, Associate Editor, 1982-1983
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (1977)
Bar Admissions
- Virginia
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Virginia Law Foundation
- Fellow (Class of 2020)
- Board of Directors (2018-present)
- Member, Committee on Continuing Education (2011- present) and Chair, (2018-2020); Governance Committee (2021- present); Donor Relations Committee (2021- present)
- Member, Boyd-Graves Conference (2009-present)
- Past Chair, Virginia Bar Association Corporate Counsel Section
- Virginia Bar Association, Civil Litigation Section
- Member, Executive Council (2004-2007)
- Chair, (2008-2010)
- Board of Directors, Essex County Conservation Alliance (2018-present)
- Virginia State Bar
- Bar Association of the City of Richmond
- Defense Research Institute
Honors and Awards
- Best Lawyers in America 2015-2024 for Products Liability Defense
- Virginia Lawyer's Weekly Leaders in the Law, 2023
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Previous Employment
- Cook, Ware & Heyward, P.C., 1993 - 2001
- McGuireWoods, 1985 - 1993
- May & Miller, 1983 - 1985
- Southern Bank, Staff Auditor, 1978-1980
Community Involvement
- Commonwealth Club
- Caroline Hunt Club
- Farmington Hunt Club
Off the Clock
In his spare time, Harry enjoys hunting and spending time on his farm. He and his wife, Marilynn, live in Ware's Wharf in Essex County, Virginia.