Distinguished Alumni: Commonwealth's Attorney Andrew Nester

Distinguished Alumni 

of the 

Appalachian School of Law:

Commonwealth's Attorney 

Andrew Nester

Andrew Nester graduated from the Appalachian School of Law in 2005, suma cum laude, and, in a mere eight years, assumed leadership of the Commonwealth's Attorney Office for Henry County, Virginia.  The county is located on the southern border in the middle of the state. 

He works out of an office in Henry County, where he supervises a staff of eleven, including four Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, an office administrator, three support staff, and three members of the victim-witness program.

As the Commonwealth's Attorney, he prosecutes felonies and misdemeanors in the Circuit and District Courts.  The cases include complex financial crimes, arson, robberies, vehicular manslaughters, and larcenies.  He also serves on the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Voters elected him to the position in a special election held on November 5, 2013. Nester had served for seven and a half years as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. During the campaign, Nester said he would continue to work closely with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in crime prevention and public safety. Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry personally endorsed Nester and thanked Nester for his hard work on behalf of the people of the county.

Nester planned this career path early, having served his 1L externship in the same office. While in college, he also served in summer internships with the 21st District Court Service Unit and the Martinsville Police Department.

Community Service

Consistent with ASL's emphasis on community service, Nester joined the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department in 2002 and became its Chief in 2012.  He is a certified Fire Instructor and Fire Investigator and holds various certifications in pump operations, haz-mat awareness and operations, and vehicle extraction.

Law School and College Career

At ASL, he made Dean's List in six consecutive semesters; earned the Virginia Associations of Trail Lawyers Advocacy Award; and recieved four Book Awards for earning the highest grade in the following courses: Legal Process, Estates and Trust, Virginia Civil Procedure, and Trial Advocacy.  He graduated second in his class of 101 students.

He served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association and joined the Christian Legal Society and the

Federalist Society.

He graduated from Ferrum College, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and business administration and completed the degree in three and a half years. There he earned several recognitions: the Susan E. Homestead Outstanding Criminal Justice Graduation Senior; Dean's List in seven semesters, and Alpha Chi Honor Society membership.  

He served as the President of the Criminal Justice Club, as a Ferrum College Admissions Ambassador, and as a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.  

His hobbies include fishing in the Smith, James, and New Rivers.  He is an avid hunter, camper, ATV rider, and kayaker.  

He is shown below with his wife, Christy -- whom he married in October 2007 -- on an ATV trip and while vacationing in Tennessee. They have no children or pets -- yet.