J. THOMPSON SHRADER, is a native of Amherst County, graduating from Amherst County High School in 1971. He received his B.A. in 1975 from the University of Richmond and his J.D. in 1979 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. He also attended the University of Richmond Graduate School of Business.

In addition to his regular legal practice, Mr. Shrader serves as Commissioner of Accounts for Amherst and Nelson Counties and is a former Escheator for Amherst County, giving him a unique perspective on real estate and estate planning issues facing his clients. Mr. Shrader has also served as County Attorney for the County of Amherst and currently serves as attorney for the Amherst County Department of Social Services.

Before starting his law practice, Mr. Shrader worked in the legal department of First Colony Life Insurance in Lynchburg (now Genworth), where he gained significant business law experience.

Mr. Shrader is a member of the Amherst-Nelson Bar Association, serving as treasurer since 1988, the Lynchburg Bar Association, and the Virginia State Bar Association.

Mr. Shrader supports non-profits in the Amherst community, providing pro bono services to a number of local organizations. He has been an active firefighter with the Amherst Fire Department since 1969 and now serves as its Chief.