J. THOMPSON SHRADER is a native of Amherst County, graduating from Amherst County High School in 1971.  He received his B.A. from the University of Richmond and his J.D. in 1979 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond.  He also attended the University of Richmond Graduate School of Business.  Prior to opening his law practice in 1982, Mr. Shrader worked in the legal department at First Colony Life Insurance in Lynchburg (now Pacific Life).

From 1982 to 2022, Mr. Shrader worked extensively in the areas of personal injury, local government, domestic relations, business and corporate law, estate planning, elder law, and estate administration.  He also served Amherst County as County Attorney, as attorney for the Department of Social Services, and as an Escheator.  He has supported non-profits, providing pro bono services to a number of local organizations, and was an active firefighter with Amherst Fire Department for 45 years, including serving as Chief.

Today, Mr. Shrader primarily serves as Commissioner of Accounts for Amherst County and is also a Commissioner in Chancery for Amherst and Nelson Counties. 

Mr. Shrader is a member of the Virginia State Bar Association and the Virginia Conference of Commissioners of Accounts.