Heidi is well-versed in civic engagement, government relations, and external affairs at the local, state, and federal levels. 

Her work has included representation of business and industry at the local, state, and federal levels on a variety of economic development and legislative initiatives regarding housing policy, taxation, privacy, technology, insurance, and health care. This includes drafting legislation, testifying before state and local legislative bodies, implementing legislative strategies, helping with the administration of clients’ political action committees and campaign contributions, and providing advice and strategy for public officials and political candidates. 

Bar Admissions

Education
JD, William & Mary Law School, 1991

MA, University of Virginia, 1988

BA, Hamilton College, 1984

• Represents clients around the country on state government affairs compliance matters including ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws
• Represents clients in building and executing community development and civic engagement programs such as the Violence Free Zone Initiative which she was instrumental in establishing at George Wythe High School through her membership on the Board of the Richmond Police Foundation.

• Chairman, Board for Juvenile Justice
• Chairman Emeritus, Higher Achievement Richmond Advisory Board
• Member, Board of Commissioners, City of Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority
• Member, Maggie L. Walker Initiative Citizens Advisory Board
• Member, Board of Directors, NextUp RVA
• Chairman, Advisory Committee, NextUp RVA
• Member, Board of Directors, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
• Member, Board of Directors, Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond
• Member, Pro Bono Committee, Hunton & Williams
• Member, Board of Directors, Richmond Police Foundation (Chairman, 2009-2014)
• Member, Mayor-elect Dwight C. Jones’ Public Safety Transition Committee, 2008
• LEAD Virginia Class of 2008
• Board of Directors, Sports Backers, 2006-2009
• Vice-Chairman, Virginia College Building Authority, 2006-2008
• Chairman, Virginia Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section, 2003-2004
• Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2003
• Co-founder, Hunton & Williams, Women’s Networking Forum
• Board Member, Coalition for A Greater Richmond
• Pro Bono Representation of Maymont Foundation

• William & Mary Law School - Heidi W. Abbott J.D. ’91 Receives Law School Association’s Citizen-Lawyer Award
• YWCA Richmond, Outstanding Women Awards, Human Relations & Faith in Action, 2016
• Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Richmond Humanitarian Award, October 27, 2014
• Leadership Metro Richmond’s Ukrop Community Vision Award, 2014
• Selected for inclusion in the “Legal Elite,” Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative, Virginia Business magazine, 2013. A description of the selection methodology can be found on Virginia Business’ webpage.
• “Leaders in the Law” honoree, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Class of 2013
•  Governor McDonnell’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award, Outstanding Adult Volunteer, 2012
• Volunteer of the Month, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, December 2011
• AV® Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell. A description of the selection methodology can be found on Martindale-Hubbell’s webpage.