Robert Walker Withers, III

Biography

Between the years 1896 and 1912 the law school had three full-time faculty members. The funds from the estate of Philadelphia lawyer Vincent L. Bradford made possible the addition of a much needed fourth law professor. Thus Robert W. Withers become the first Bradford Professor of Law in 1912.

Withers was born in Greensboro, Alabama on September 15, 1884. He had strong Washington and Lee ties. He received his B.L. degree from W&L in 1905. He was a nephew by marriage of W&L law Dean Martin P. Burks. Sarah Blakiston Tucker, Wither’s first wife, was related to John Randolph Tucker. Before joining the law school faculty, Withers practiced law in Bedford, Virginia with his half brother, Edward C. Burks III.

Professor Withers taught Criminal Law and Procedures, Bailments and Carriers, International Law, Insurance, and Municipal Corporations. Though a popular teacher, after two academic years Withers chose to return to the practice of law. He formed a partnership with fellow W&L alumnus Kenneth Iver McKay, and practiced law in Tampa, Florida until his death by suicide in 1938.