Thomas B. Shuttleworth

1945 - 2016

Thomas B. Shuttleworth

Virginia Beach - After a long and courageous fight against Parkinson's disease, Thomas B. Shuttleworth, one of the Commonwealth's most respected trial and criminal defense lawyers, submitted "nolo contendere" and accepted his place in heaven on December 20, 2016.

Tom was born on October 27, 1945 in Evanston, Illinois to Thomas B. Shuttleworth and Virginia O. Shuttleworth, and was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his younger sisters, Bonnie and Beth. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School and Florida Atlantic University. After honing his skills of persuasion and leveraging his charm and convivial style during a short stint writing copy for Hallmark Cards, he obtained his law degree in 1973 from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he was a member of the Washington & Lee Law Review.

Tom loved four things more than anything else: Marian Langley Shuttleworth, the love of his life and wife of over 46 years; Molly Evans, his elder daughter, and her family, Malloy, Henry and Sam; his younger daughter, Mary Ellen Miller, and her family, Dan, Grace, and another child expected in January 2017; and being a lawyer.

Tom practiced law in Virginia Beach for over 40 years. He started his career with the firm of Clark, Steinhilber & Hofheimer, which later became Clark & Stant. In 1987, Tom founded his own firm, originally named Shuttleworth, Ruloff, Giordano & Kahle, where he established himself as one of the top trial lawyers in Virginia and spent the remainder of his auspicious legal career.

He was a legal vanguard who used his love and knowledge of the law to serve as a powerful voice for his clients and for justice. Tom was fearless in the courtroom and most proud of causes, however unpopular at the time, that he undertook on behalf of his clients. He received the Good Guy Award from the National Women's Political Caucus for furthering the equal rights of women, and he was honored for his involvement in successfully challenging the constitutionality of a Virginia law prohibiting same sex marriage.

In addition to being an advocate for the underdog, Tom's skills were sought out by high-profile clients. He enjoyed playing the role of agent and counselor to a number of professional athletes, as well as representing other headline-producing clients.

Above all, Tom was kind and just, and loved the law.

Tom was also a leader in his profession and in his community. He served in various leadership roles in the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and was a member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was a lifelong supporter of Operation Smile, serving formally on its Board, informally as its counselor, and consistently as an enthusiastic advocate of its mission for many years. He served as President of the Norfolk Forum, and also served on the Advisory Board of Heritage Bank and Trust.

Tom was an avid tennis player who assumed the moniker of "Big Cat" on the tennis court, a sarcastic nod to his lack of feline reflexes and his glacial foot speed. He created lifelong friendships with his Sunday tennis group, and he always loved his annual trip with them to the U.S. Open in New York. After their weekly tennis match, he often regaled the group with courthouse stories and his humor over beer and wings, for those outings were never really about the tennis.

For his family, Tom was a devoted husband to Marian and a loving, nurturing father to his daughters Molly and Mary Ellen. He was the foundation upon which they built loving and happy lives, and it pleased him no end to see them grow into the wonderful people they are today. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, entertaining them with corny jokes and hilarious stunts. To his family and friends, he was the embodiment of fun.

Tom had everything in life except length of years. He set a wonderful example of how to enjoy the gifts each of us is given, he always saw the best in people, and he constantly wore a big smile. He leaves a legacy that is admired by his family, his friends, his peers, his clients and his community.

A memorial service for Tom will be held on February 25, 2017, following the birth of his fourth grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453.