The Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA), held their Fall conference in Hot Springs, VA, last week. During the program, LGA awarded its highest honor, the Edward J. Finnegan Elizabeth D. Whiting Award for Distinguished Service, to Lola R. Perkins, Surry County Attorney.
FINNEGAN WHITING AWARD
The Edward J. Finnegan Elizabeth D. Whiting Award for Distinguished Service recognizes an individual in the Commonwealth of Virginia who has made significant contributions to local government law or the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. Lola has devoted her career to local government. Prior to becoming the first in-house Surry County Attorney, Lola served as an Assistant County Attorney for Chesterfield, Spotsylvania, and James City Counties, and as a Senior Deputy Attorney for Hampton City. Other associations have benefitted from her knowledge, work, experience, and charm. She enhances the local government attorney perspective as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Freedom of Information Act Advisory Council, the Virginia State Bar Lawyer Population Study Committee, the Virginia State Bar Entry, Growth, and Distribution of Virginia Attorneys Study Committee, and as a speaker at the Virginia Mayors Institute training.
Lola’s devotion to LGA includes serving on the LGA Board of Directors as a member and in executive leadership; and on multiple committees, including service as a founding member of Belonging Equity Diversity and Inclusion. In addition, Lola has shared her knowledge and expertise as a speaker and moderator at numerous LGA Conferences. As president during COVID, she kept virtual attendees engaged with themed programs and by donning multiple wigs. She not only focuses on strengthening LGA’s current membership, but she also supports the organization’s next generation of lawyers through mentorship and leadership support. When there is a need for assistance and action, Lola doesn’t know how to say no; she always volunteers with a smile.
LGA promotes common interests and an exchange of information among its members on legal issues that are particularly relevant to Virginia’s counties, cities, and towns. The LGA’s member services include conferences, a legal handbook, a monthly newsletter, and other services intended to inform and enhance the practice of local government.