With heavy hearts, Crenshaw, Ware & Martin announces the passing of Guilford Ware.
Upon graduation from the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Ware joined Baird, White, & Lanning (the precursor of Crenshaw, Ware & Martin) after returning from serving in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. Mr. Ware grew to become a legal legend in the areas of maritime law and public development. The fingerprints of Mr. Ware’s legal work can be seen throughout the City of Norfolk, from the Elizabeth River to Ocean View. The foundations of CWM’s maritime and public sector legal practices were laid in part by Mr. Ware. He was a leader in CWM, the law, and in the broader community. He served many years as Managing Partner of CWM and served in various capacities in the I’Anson-Hoffman Inn of Court, Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association, and the South Eastern Admiralty Law Institute. Mr. Ware was also a longtime supporter of the Virginia Symphony and various other local community organizations.
He also served as the President of Norfolk Dredging Company while maintaining an active law practice and addressing the needs of Crenshaw, Ware & Martin’s clients. His leadership led to Norfolk Dredging becoming one of the leading dredging companies on the east coast, while he continued to deliver excellent legal services. Mr. Ware set examples of professionalism, determination, and steadfastness of purpose for his law partners, the attorneys and staff of CWM, and the entire legal community.
Crenshaw, Ware & Martin and our alumni grieve his passing while reflecting on the example he set for all of us as the firm bearing his name begins its next century of extraordinary service. We extend our warmest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and celebrate the memory of his lifetime of service to his nation, community, and colleagues.
