About Thatcher A.
Thatcher A. Stone was a attorney specializing in civil rights and international law, with over four decades of experience. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1983 and was also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 2010. Throughout his career, Stone represented clients, including governments, airlines, investors, banks, passengers, and airline crew members worldwide. Stone earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982.
He was a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York since 1986. In addition to his legal practice, Stone was deeply involved in academia. He served as a lecturer in Aviation Law at the University of Virginia School of Law from 2005 until his passing in 2022. He also held the position of Visiting Professor at the Law School of Austral University in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 2001 until his death. In 2004, Stone gained international recognition when he successfully sued Continental Airlines after being denied boarding without proper compensation. This landmark case established new legal precedent and was widely covered in the media.
Following the September 11 attacks, he advised the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the White House on global war risk insurance issues. His expertise in aviation law was further demonstrated by his involvement in financing new jet aircraft for various international carriers. In 2013, Stone relocated his practice from New York City to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he co-founded Stone & Woodward LLP with partner Will Woodrow. He retired from the firm in May 2022 but remained of counsel until his passing. Throughout his life, Stone was committed to giving back to his alma mater, the University of Virginia. He made significant contributions, including establishing the Lillian K.
Stone Distinguished Lecture and the Philip M. Stone Dining Room, both named in honor of his parents — In 2010, he donated funds for the creation of the Thatcher A. Stone Garden at the law school. Stone passed away on November 29, 2022, while traveling in Israel. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca; his brother, Douglas; his nephew, Nathaniel; and his nieces, Hilary and Elizabeth. A memorial service celebrating his life was held at the University of Virginia in June 2023 during his 45th college reunion.
