Norman L. Underwood Papers, 1962-2014

Summary

Creator:
Underwood, Norman L., 1941
Date:
1962-2014
Extent:
9 Linear Feet 10 boxes, 7 A/V items, 1 moving_image(s) 1 DVD, and 1 sound_recording(s) 1 0.25" audio tape
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Norman L. Underwood Papers. Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection includes speeches and speech drafts, correspondence, biographical information, campaign press releases, and other documents related to Norman Underwood's career as a speechwriter for former-Governor Carl Sanders, Executive Secretary (Chief of Staff) for Governor George Busbee, and chair of the Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission. It also contains records of his campaigns for US Senate, Public Service Commissioner, and Governor of Georgia, as well as his career as a partner at the Troutman Sanders lawfirm.

Biographical / historical:

Norman L. Underwood is a retired partner at Troutman Pepper (formerly Troutman Sanders) and an Emeritus Member of the Richard B. Russell Foundation Board of Trustees. He began his career at the firm as a speechwriter for former-Georgia Governor Carl Sanders before becoming a partner in 1973. He volunteered as a speechwriter and legal expert for Sam Nunn's 1972 campaign for US Senate. He later managed George Busbee's campaign for governor and served as Busbee's Executive Secretary (Chief of Staff) until 1979, when he was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

He ran unsuccessfully for Public Service Commissioner in 1972, then for the US Senate in 1980 and for Governor of Georgia in 1982. Under Governor Zell Miller, Underwood worked to create, then chaired, the Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission. AFter his service on the commission, Underwood returned to the practice of law, working as senior partner at Troutman Saners until his retirement.

Upon graduation, he was hired by Carl Sanders' new law firm, Troutman Sanders, LLP, becoming a partner in the firm in 1973. He managed George Busbee's campaign for governor, and Underwood left his law practice to become Busbee's executive secretary in 1975. He was appointed as a judge to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 1979. He resigned at the end of the year in order to run for U.S. Senate. The attempt was unsuccessful, as was his 1982 run for governor. He remained involved with Senator Zell Miller, who appointed him his chairman of the Judicial Selection Commission. He no longer sought public office, but returned to the law firm Troutman Sanders LLP, where he became a senior counsel. Underwood has served as a trustee of the Richard B. Russell Foundation.

Arrangement:

This collection's arrangement follows that established by the donor. Each box contains a summary of the content and contextualizing information written by the donor.

Access and use restrictions

Restrictions:

This collection contains audiovisual materials. Reference copies of the audiovisual recordings are available upon request. Research requests will be filled as soon as possible and will be dependent upon the condition of the recordings.

Preferred citation:

Norman L. Underwood Papers. Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.