John W. Anderson
Attorney, Shareholder
With heavy hearts, we share the sad news that Spotts Fain Shareholder John William Anderson passed away on February 7, 2021. John devoted twenty-three years to Spotts Fain as a Shareholder. He was an accomplished attorney of impeccable character, but more than that, John was a treasured friend and colleague whom we will greatly miss.
John was very active in the Richmond Bar Association, serving as the President Elect (2020-2021), on the Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors. He previously served as Chair of the Bar's Long Range Planning Committee. He also served on numerous Richmond Bar Association committees and was the past Chair of both the Real Estate and Business Law Sections, having served on the Executive Committees of both for several years. He was an honorary life member of the West Richmond Businessmen's Association and a member of the Greater Richmond Association of Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE).
Cooking, cocktails, and comradery were his favorite pastimes. John exuded a cheerful nature and a positive outlook on life that was contagious to everyone he interacted with. His sunny disposition could light up any room, while always sporting his signature bowtie and a smile.
John faced his cancer challenge with courage, grace, and dignity. 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 John's obituary here.
- University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 1977)
- University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia (B.A., Political Science, 1973)
- Virginia
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
- Represented sellers in successful sale of multi-shopping center portfolio in excess of $125 million
- Assisted numerous community banks with workouts of multi-million dollar underperforming or non-performing loans, recently completing the successful workout and recovery of a defaulted loan in excess of $30 million
- Represented borrower in a multi-million dollar SBA 7A loan transaction
- Completed in-line lease and outparcel lease for shopping center owner involving two major regional retail tenants
- Lender counsel on a multi-million dollar refinance transaction of a golf facility
- Completed development of shopping center, including ground lease of major portion to 123,600 square foot grocery store tenant
- Completed ground lease of major portion of shopping center to national retailer's neighborhood market concept as part of the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of the aging shopping center
- Completed several out parcel ground leases to national and regional tenants
- Virginia State Bar, Business Section, Real Property Section, Member
- Virginia Bar Association, Business Law Section and Real Estate Section, Member
- Richmond Bar Association
- President-Elect (2020)
- Vice President (2019)
- Secretary-Treasurer (2018)
- Board of Directors (2014 to 2022)
- Finance Committee, Chair (2018)
- Marketing Committee (2018)
- Programs Committee (Chair 2020-2021, Member 2002-2014)
- Nominating Committee (2012, 2013)
- Administration of Justice Committee (2013-2015)
- Long-Range Planning Committee, Chair (2015-2016)
- Richmond Bar Association, Real Estate Section
- Past Chair and Past Executive Committee Member
- Richmond Bar Association, Business Law Section
- Executive Committee Member and Past Chair
- Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter, 1990 - 2007, Board of Directors
- Chair, Annual Giving Campaign, 2004
- First Community Bank, 2005 Chairperson
- West Richmond Businessmen's Association, 1999 - Present
- Legal Counsel
- Honorary Life Member
- Greater Richmond Association of Commercial Real Estate, Member
- The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
- Parish Finance Council (2005-2018)
- Best Lawyers in America 2018-2021 for Real Estate Law
- Virginia Business magazine's Legal Elite 2020 for Real Estate/Land Use
- Virginia Business magazine's Legal Elite 2018 for Business Law
- West Richmond Businessmen's Association, Honorary Life Member, 2013
- W. Robert Irby, MD Award for Volunteer Leadership, Presented by the Virginia Chapter, Arthritis Foundation, 2006
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
John was born in Richmond and raised in Halifax County, Virginia. He and his family reside in the City and are active in the Richmond community. His family is a tight-knit group that enjoys spending time together. John and his wife are active members of their Church, and they enjoy travelling and exploring points of interest all over Virginia and the country. Cooking, cocktails, and comradery are favorite pastimes.
