Willard Robinson Jr. helped shape the modern identity of the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Born on June 8, 1935, and raised in Greensville County, he built his career on a foundation of service, faith, and commitment to the law. A graduate of Greensville County High School, the University of Richmond, and the T. C. Williams School of Law, Willard also served honorably for four years in the National Guard’s Army Artillery unit.

He began his career in Newport News in 1962 as the Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. In 1965 he was appointed Commonwealth’s Attorney and served in that role until his retirement in 1991. His influence reached statewide and national levels. Willard led the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys, the Newport News Bar Association, and the Virginia State Bar’s Criminal Law Section. He also served as an officer in the National Association of District Attorneys and was selected for the Virginia State Bar’s Professionalism Course. In recognition of his exceptional service, he received the Robert F. Horan Jr. Outstanding Service Award, which is the highest honor granted by the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys.

Beyond the courtroom, Willard was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on several leadership committees. Even after retiring from public office, he continued to practice law up until the final weeks of his life. His tenure left a lasting mark on both the legal community and the City of Newport News.