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Henry L Marsh, III Esq. – Memorial

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January 27, 2025 by Tom Roberts, Esq.

From Adversary to Friend

I first met Henry L Marsh III, as an adversary in federal court in 1999 where he defended his Alma Mater Virginia Union University in a Title VII case, Taylor v. Virginia Union University.  In that case, a panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the trial court but Henry secured an en banc hearing, that is a rehearing by the full panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  I learned from Henry that courts often fail miserably, and that our job is to dust ourselves off and fight again in the pursuit of justice.  My solace in the case, that snatched victory and denied justice for my client, was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Henry and a dissenting opinion from Judge Motz.  Judge Motz explained why she did not join the majority but would have reversed the trial court’s exclusion from the evidence an offensive comment that sexually objectified women, writing between the lines a rebuke to the fellow appellant judge that suggested the offensive comment could be considered a compliment. 

Joining Forces

Shortly after this case, Henry asked me to join forces with him on the same side in another Title VII case, this time against race discrimination.  After this, Henry began sending me all of the civil rights cases from Hill Tucker and Marsh, a legendary civil rights firm started by Henry in 1961, the year I was born, and joined by Oliver Hill in 1965.  Through Henry I met and employed his nephew Fred Marsh, a graduate of Swarthmore College. Over lunch meetings Henry shared with me valuable perspectives from his unique experience.  While Henry and I often disagreed about the means to achieve justice we shared the goal. It was always a great delight to receive a call from my friend, especially in his later years, to discuss current events. 

Henry L Marsh, III passed on January 23, 2025.

Tom Roberts, Esq.

Thomas H Roberts & Associates, PC
105 S 1st Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-783-2000
804-783-2105 f

Disclaimer

The materials are prepared for information purposes only.  The materials are not legal advice.  You should not act upon the information without seeking the advice of an attorney.  Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship.


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