Suffolk Nwews-Herald

Although Robert Nelms retired as a delegate in 1998, he hasn’t stopped wanting to serve people.

&uot;Since I left public office I have always had a strong pull to go back into public service,&uot; Nelms said. As he sees it, the opportunity to become the Suffolk’s next clerk of Circuit Court is an ideal way. Henry Murden retires at the end of this year.

&uot;I felt like it was the perfect opportunity,&uot; said Nelms, adding that the position is something he’s for which he’s qualified. &uot;I believe I’m the better candidate.&uot;

&uot;People have always encouraged me,&uot; he said, explaining that his wife, Diane, and son, Harrison, have been &uot;very supportive, as are my friends.&uot;

&uot;Public service is something I’ve truly missed,&uot; Nelms said. &uot;I’m not in it for the money.&uot;

Immediately after his retirement from the Virginia House of Delegates, Nelms

hit the ground running toward a new career: law. Five years later, he’s preparing to take his bar exam, which will be held toward the end of this month.

In addition to school, he has continued to operate Nelms Corporation, a small business that leases commercial office space in downtown Suffolk.

A graduate of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and the University of Richmond, he also has earned the law degree from the Regent University School of Law. Already he’s been putting that new knowledge to work as a law clerk for the Legal Aid Society of Virginia, a firm that represents indigent clients. In 2002, Nelms went to work for the Tidewater Legal Clinic and was contracted to work in the Suffolk City Attorney’s office.

As if all this weren’t enough, Nelms and his family are active at Berea Christian Church. Last autumn he was running marathons. &uot;This fall, I will be running again, but instead of raising money for extremely worthy charitable causes, I will be running for the support o the voters in Suffolk. I want and need the support of every voter out there, and would greatly appreciate your help,&uot; Nelms said.