Whitney E. Nelson-Crawford

Virginia

Sands Anderson PC
919 E Main Street,
Suite 2300
Richmond, VA 23219

Tel: (804) 783-7217

Email: wnelsoncrawford@sandsanderson.com
Web: www.sandsanderson.com

Professional Biography

Whitney works alongside public school divisions and governmental employers, using her combined experience as a school counselor and lawyer to address the day-to-day legal challenges of operating public bodies.

Whether helping school board clients with personnel issues, student discipline, or policy and governance matters, Whitney’s background shapes her approach to creative problem solving. At the outset of each matter, she strives to understand her client’s frame of reference, ensuring any concerns are heard and acknowledged before charting a path forward together. She knows that being honest and transparent fosters trust and collaboration.

In addition to her education law practice, Whitney has a deep understanding of the employment laws that impact governmental employers. Whitney’s experience helping companies with workplace issues includes defending employers in federal court against claims arising under Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA. She also helps employers with collective bargaining negotiations, workplace investigations, employment policies and handbooks, and disciplinary matters.

Whitney earned her J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2020, where she received the Law Faculty Award for Labor and Employment. She also holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Salem State University (2012) and a Bachelor of Music from Western Connecticut State University (2008). Whitney is admitted to practice in Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star in School & Education for 2025.

Our School & Education Law Team has an extensive history representing public school divisions across Virginia. With 100+ years’ combined experience in education law, our attorneys have a genuine concern for the well-being of students and educators throughout the Commonwealth.

With significant background both in education and the law, our attorneys have a unique ability to efficiently advise school clients regarding the complexities of governing and operating public school divisions. Whether helping school divisions analyze potentially complicated personnel situations, navigate issues related to disability rights, or understand school board governance, we offer support with a deep understanding of the challenges posed to public bodies and school divisions.

The members of our School & Education Law Team are frequent and regular presenters at state and national conferences for the Virginia School Boards Association, VASS, VAESP, VASSP, VCASE, VASBO, VASPA, NSBA, LRP, CEC and others.

Our lawyers currently represent approximately 100 Virginia public school divisions on a variety of matters.

Sands Anderson PC is a full-service law firm providing strategic legal counsel to businesses, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and public sector entities throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 1842, the firm has developed a longstanding reputation for delivering practical, business-oriented legal solutions supported by deep regional knowledge and extensive courtroom and transactional experience. Sands Anderson is known for its collaborative client service model and its ability to guide organizations through complex regulatory, commercial, and litigation matters.

The firm maintains offices across key Virginia markets, including Richmond, McLean, Christiansburg, and Fredericksburg, positioning it to serve clients throughout the Commonwealth and surrounding jurisdictions. Sands Anderson represents a diverse client base ranging from middle-market companies and developers to healthcare systems, financial institutions, manufacturers, and local governments, offering coordinated legal support tailored to regional and industry-specific needs.

Sands Anderson provides a broad range of legal services encompassing commercial litigation, corporate and business law, healthcare law, real estate and land use, labor and employment, construction law, environmental law, and government relations. The firm is particularly recognized for its strengths in healthcare representation, public sector matters, and complex litigation, assisting clients with dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning aligned with long-term operational success.

“Whitney brings a rare dual perspective to education law, blending firsthand school experience with federal employment litigation strength. Clients commend her thoughtful handling of collective bargaining and policy matters, and peers respect her credibility in federal court defense work.”
The Education Lawyers, 2025