Hon. Roger L. Gregory is Richmond Law 2026 Commencement Speaker

The Honorable Roger L. Gregory will deliver the Commencement address to graduates of the University of Richmond School of Law during the law school’s graduation ceremony in May.

Gregory made history in 2000 as the first African American appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Nominated by President Bill Clinton and later renominated by President George W. Bush, he was confirmed by the Senate in 2001. He served as chief judge of the Fourth Circuit from 2016 to 2023.

Gregory began his legal career with the Detroit law firm Butzel, Long, Gust, Klein & Van Zile before becoming an associate with Hunton & Williams in Richmond. In 1982, he co-founded the law firm Wilder & Gregory with L. Douglas Wilder and became managing partner upon Wilder’s election as Governor of Virginia.

A native of Petersburg, Va, Gregory earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia State University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He holds honorary degrees from Virginia Union, Virginia State, Virginia Commonwealth, Widener, and American Universities as well as Saint Paul’s College.

A trustee emeritus of the University of Richmond, Gregory received the School of Law’s William Green Award for Professional Excellence in 2010.

This marks the second time Gregory will address Richmond Law graduates; he previously delivered the law school’s Commencement address in 2012.

In addition to Gregory, Kobie Turner, UR alum and defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, will address University of Richmond undergraduate students earning their bachelor’s degrees from the School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business, and Jepson School of Leadership Studies during the Commencement ceremony on May 10.

Read the full University announcement.