Larry Roberts is Director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The Sorensen Institute operates five programs centered on public and civic leadership, with cohorts ranging from high school students to young adults to adults in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Previously, Roberts chaired six successful statewide campaigns. He also served as counselor to Governor Tim Kaine and a Lt. Governor's Chief of Staff. In those positions, he was noted for his effectiveness, civility, and ability to work across the partisan aisle.

In addition to working in government and politics, Roberts was a successful lawyer in private practice for more than 20 years, including partnerships with the Skadden Arps and Davis Wright Tremaine international law firms and, most recently, as a partner at Venable LLP. He was President of the Federal Communications Bar Association and was the founding chair of a charitable foundation that has distributed millions of dollars in college scholarships and contributions to organizations serving those in need.  He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Georgetown University Law Center. Virginia Law Weekly named him as one of its 2017 Virginia Leaders in the Law, and he won three Federal Communications Bar Association Distinguished Service Awards as well as Venable's 2017 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award.