Premier sponsor 1 Catherine M. Six s Josh J. Coe s John E. Zydron (of counsel) s C. Stewart Gill s Laura L. McQuesten Out of 30,902 active members of the VA State Bar, 26 bar members were selected for the 2016 Virginia Leaders in Law.

Congratulations, Mr. Zydron of The Zydron Law Firm, P.L.L.C.

East Coast Trial Lawyers, PLC salutes John E. Zydron’s 39 years of outstanding accomplishments in the law and being selected as a 2016 Leaders in the Law recipient. Congratulations, Mr. Zydron, for achieving the highest reported motorcycle settlement case in Virginia history of $7,500,000.00 and on a $1,000,000.00 case of first impression in the deaths of a mother and a 7 month old unborn fetus (Policy limits $500,000.00 per person/$1,000,000.00 per accident) under 2012 amended Virginia Code Section 8.01-50B. 2 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Paul E. Fletcher

Executive Editor Deborah Elkins

News Editor Peter D. Vieth

Digital Editor Jordan Bondurant Setting the standard ______Virginia Lawyers Weekly is pleased to introduce the 2016 class of honorees in Ad Director our “Leaders in the Law” program. We seek to recognize attorneys who are setting Sherma Mather the standard for other lawyers – those who changed practice, advanced the law or improved the justice system in Virginia. Account Executives We considered numerous nominations from across the commonwealth, and all of the Katie Lee Renée Baldwin nominees were highly accomplished. We are very proud to honor these 26 people. ______In addition, this year we are recognizing Up & Coming Lawyers. These are legal practitioners who are establishing a name for themselves and displaying the ambition, Office Manager drive, determination and accomplishments that set them apart among their peers — in Denise Woods their first 10 years in practice. ______The 2016 Leaders and Up and Coming Lawyers were feted at a reception Oct. 27. But in this special section, we are highlighting their responses to a questionnaire, providing Business Manager Amanda Passmore insight about them as individuals and about their accomplishments. ______Paul E. Fletcher Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Audience Development Manager Tracy Bumba ______TABLE OF CONTENTS Production Manager John Reno Leaders in the Law ______Jonathan T. Blank ...... 5 Declan C. Leonard 12 Roberta A. Bondurant. . . . . 5 Hon. Michael J. Lindner . . . 12 Designer Thomas J. Bondurant Jr...... 6 Hon. Marcus H. Long Jr. . . . 13 Michael Duntz Harris D. Butler...... 6 R. Peyton Mahaffey . . . . . 14 ______David C. Canfield...... 7 Mary T. Morgan ...... 14 Brett A. Callahan ...... 23 Patice L. Holland ...... 27 Victor O. Cardwell ...... 7 Jay Prabhu ...... 15 Alyssa C. Embree ...... 23 Macel H. Janoschka ...... 27 Copyright © 2016 Terrance Shea Cook...... 8 Gene Schleppenbach . . . . 15 Robert F. Friedman ...... 24 Laura Golden Liff...... 28 Virginia Lawyers Media Sherry A. Fox...... 8 Cullen D. Seltzer 16 Melanie A. Friend ...... 24 D. Bradley Marshall ...... 28 Stephanie E. Grana...... 9 Kristina Keech Spitler 16 Ryan A. Glasgow ...... 25 Edward A. Mullen ...... 29 John T. Jessee ...... 10 Melissa S. VanZile ...... 18 Colleen M. Haddow ...... 26 Dipti Pidikiti-Smith ...... 30 Brian H. Jones ...... 10 Susheela Varky 18 Lisa J. Hedrick ...... 26 Jeremy S. Williams ...... 30 Material published in the 2016 Reginald N. Jones . . . . . 11 James L. Weinberg 19 Leaders in the Law magazine, a special Lorri Kleine 11 John E. Zydron 19 supplement to Virginia Lawyers Weekly, is compiled at substantial expense and is for the sole and exclusive use of purchasers and subscribers. The material may not be photo copied, Premier sponsor republished, resold, recorded, or used in any manner, in whole or in part, without the publisher’s explicit consent. Any infringement will be subject to legal redress.

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Leaders2016 Law IN THE

4 Jonathan T. Blank

McGuireWoods LLP, Charlottesville

A highly regarded specialist to maintain that Rule of Law that other fields do not have. If we fail, society will fail. in energy law, Blank is a key player in the Charlottesville Personal accomplishment: My biggest personal accomplishment is legal aid community; he assisting my wife in raising two sets of twin currently serves as the Legal daughters.

Aid Justice Center’s board Surprising advice: president and has been a I have received these three pithy pieces of advice: Showing up is 90 percent of success. leader in efforts to provide Always return the email or phone call you relief for low-income drivers least want to return before all others. Park on the top deck of a parking deck every time and facing license suspensions. you will never forget where your car is parked. A less succinct piece of advice is: When you Looking back: think the worst has happened, stop and walk I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and I remem- around the block. Everything will still be there. ber my father taking me to Capitol Square to see President Ford speak. I later became The world has not ended. Catch your breath. a page in the General Assembly. Even as And deal with what lies ahead. an adult, when I am downtown, I gravitate towards Capitol Square whether to meet First job: people or sit in the park and each lunch. And I I was a page in the General Assembly. It was always remember that moment in time, on my truly a life-changing experience. I learned father’s shoulders, looking over the crowd. how laws are made.

An important mentor: Biggest career challenge: University of Virginia Professor Ernest “Boots” My biggest challenge has been to understand Mead. His office in the University’s Old Cabell that it is called the practice of law for a rea- Hall was famous for its position “beneath the son and that there is no perfect game. truth,” that is, under the words “the truth” in the carving on the pediment, “You shall know the Best tip for balance: truth and the truth shall set you free.” Boots Find things that you love to do that you can Favorite get-away: Education: shared with me, as well as the thousands he do with those in your professional life. It Locally, 72nd Street, Virginia Beach, in a BA, University of Virginia taught, the wise counsel to go find the truth. makes your personal life more rewarding. kayak chasing dolphins. Internationally, Chang JD, University of Virginia He also told me to ask my now wife out on our Mai, Thailand. first date. I always listened to Boots, whether I might have been: about my wife or seeking the truth. A design build developer/renovator. If I had a free month: ting a foul in a high school basketball game Travel. but never officially playing in the game. And it Leadership in the law is: Guilty pleasure: happened twice. I have studied, with varying The Rule of Law is the foundation of our soci- French fries. You didn’t know: degrees of success, French, Spanish, He- ety. As leaders in the law, we have obligations I hold an unofficial VHSL record of commit- brew, Greek, Latin and I just started German.

Roberta Motherway Bondurant

Bondurant Law, Bent Mountain

A former assistant public high treason, hung, drawn and quartered. In our mock jury trial, our class rewrote Father defender and long-time Campion’s fate. community activist, Bondurant I’m also grateful for the generosity of time was a driving force in securing and expertise of the late Washington and an absolute pardon for a Lee Law Professor Roger Groot, who guided students and defense counsel in the man wrongfully convicted of Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse (VC3) setting a fire that killed his for many years, and eventually himself accepted court appointments to death pen- two children. alty cases. Professor Groot supported Mr. Reedy’s case for a half-dozen years until Looking back: his death in 2005. I was born in Bath, Maine, and grew up on both coasts. Our dad was a career Ma- Personal accomplishment: rine, and our family, 10 of us including the I’m blessed to have shared with my husband Great Dane, had the best of times traveling cross-country in a station wagon and a camp- the journey of parenting our three very capa- er. An especially fond and impactful memory ble and courageous, grounded and kind- was a moment during a camping trip to hearted, fun and interesting children, who are Lake Marion, South Carolina. Guided by our personally invested in the world they’ll inherit. parents to sit behind the camper with eyes In matters great and small, our children have away from the sun, my sibs and I listened and been my truest teachers. watched in wonder as the day turned to night in the forest, and back again, in the midst of a First job: solar eclipse. In eighth grade I took over my sister’s paper route, six days a week and Sunday morn- An important mentor: ings. I learned to throw from a bicycle riding My eighth-grade middle school teacher “no hands.” In my biweekly collection visits, I at Virginia Beach Junior High School, Ms. learned a little something about my neighbors Shesso, assigned me to research the case – people from all walks of life. and play the role of defense counsel for Edmund Campion, a Jesuit priest who was You didn’t know: arrested in officially Anglican England in My maternal ancestors came from the Al- and Switzerland. My paternal ancestors hail Education: 1581 for conducting an underground Catho- sace-Lorraine region in France, which today from the village of Ladysbridge in County BA, Providence College lic ministry. He was tried and found guilty of borders Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg Cork, Ireland. JD, Washington & Lee School of Law 5 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 5 Thomas J. Bondurant Jr.

Gentry Locke, Roanoke

Formerly a top federal Surprising advice: Although not very surprising, the advice of prosecutor with numerous never giving up and never hiding behind ex- commendations under his cuses was best expressed by my high school football line coach. Whenever you suffered belt, Bondurant is now an in- a minor injury below the neck Coach Moore demand white-collar defense would growl, “Get up boy, it’s a long way from your head.” If you had the misfortune of lawyer, who brought his suffering a minor head injury, Coach Moore wide-ranging skills to bear would strongly implore, “Get up boy, it’s a long way from your heart.” in winning exoneration for a First job: wrongly imprisoned man. I do not recall which job came first but as a Looking back: pre-teen and young teen I regularly cut/hung I grew up in Russell County, Virginia. A con- tobacco, put up hay and mowed yards. I dis- tinuing anecdote is my parents would take tinctly recall the tobacco and hay labor paid extended camping trips every summer. From 50 cents per hour and the mowing endeavors were far more lucrative. While I lived in fear the age of four until starting college at the of falling out of the top of the barn while age of 18, I had traveled (and camped) in ev- hanging tobacco, lawn work was sometimes ery state, except Hawaii, and every Canadian rather pleasant. I learned from this experience Province/Territory at least twice. I would rather mow lawns than cut tobacco and put up hay. An important mentor: John Perry Alderman was a long-time state I might have been: prosecutor and the U.S. Attorney for the Captain of a recreational SCUBA boat. Western District of Virginia for eight years at the start of my career. We jointly tried at least Guilty pleasure: a dozen criminal jury trials and he was my ad- Life is too short. I don’t feel guilty about any visor on dozens of jury trials I took solo. John pleasure. Perry was one of the best trial lawyers I have observed and everything about the art form Favorite get-away: I have learned had its genesis in observing Ocracoke Island, N.C. John Perry’s skills and being mindful of his You didn’t know: Education: I have the long standing desire to write a advice. If I had a free month: BA, Emory & Henry College book. Early in my career I often wrote short Be a Captain of a recreational SCUBA boat JD, University of Richmond stories based on my involvement in ongoing Personal accomplishment: on Ocracoke Island. I hope my biggest personal accomplishment investigations and prosecutions. Employment hasn’t happened yet. and family time constraints ended that prac- tice, but the desire to be an author remains.

Harris D. Butler III

Butler Royals PLC, Richmond

Butler is an elite employment shoot to wound.” Since then, I have found the wisdom in focusing claims to the facts and and civil rights lawyer, who issues central to prevailing. is a champion of the “little Leadership in law is: guy,” individually and in class It requires a broader commitment to the actions. A state committee sanctity of the legal process and all that the rule of law entails – commitment to constitu- member in the American tional principles such as fair process, and the College of Trial Lawyers, equalizing force of the courts for individuals against what may seem to be overwhelming Butler wins referrals from odds.

lawyers he has opposed in Personal accomplishment: court. Rearing and educating four wonderful chil- dren, ages 21, 25, 27 and 29. As the child Looking back: of an educator, surveying how we fund and I grew up in Houston, Texas. I obtained my first support that role, I am constantly reminded “legal” job by painting a high-profile Houston how little credit society gives to teachers for civil rights’ lawyer’s house. The homeowner/ one of society’s most important roles. lawyer convinced me to go to University of Houston, where I could clerk at his firm. Surprising advice: My college public speaking professor: “Have An important mentor: you ever thought about going to law school?” I have to say two federal judges. My ex-wife clerked for a Houston federal judge, James First job: DeAnda, the Chief Judge for the Southern Age 15, sacking groceries at Sacco Brothers District of Texas. I was a young civil rights Food Market – the largest volume grocery lawyer and, just getting started, had asserted store at the time in Houston. I learned who several claims with emotional distress and were the best tippers! little economic damage. Judge DeAnda, a former civil rights lawyer, gave me guidance Biggest career challenge: on how juries view disputes and what types The business of being a small law firm. I just of violations motivate juries to help a victim want to do the fun stuff, practice law! or economist. Education: of discrimination; when he practiced civil BBA, Texas A&M University rights law, the injuries were broken bones, Best tip for balance: Guilty pleasure: JD, University of Houston School of Law not hurt feelings! After moving to Richmond, I Always put your family first. Never missing a The Grateful Dead – what can I say? tried several of my first area jury trials before child’s event is difficult when your schedule is Judge Merhige. One day, he took me aside often dictated by court deadlines. But it’s worth it! Favorite get-away: and told me, “Butler, you’re a good trial lawyer, Cat Island, Bahamas. You didn’t know: but sometimes you allege the kitchen sink – I might have been: remember this, if you want to shoot to kill, use I would have first tried out my college degree, If I had a free month: I’m already outed as a Deadhead; I was a 6 a rifle; if you shoot with a shotgun, you only BBA in Finance; perhaps investment analysis I would read. house painter in a prior life. Page 6 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law David C. Canfield

Bean, Kinney & Korman PC, Arlington

Canfield has served as board Leadership in law is: I think legal professionals in general are chairman and a foundation subjected to very high expectations by clients, director for Goodwin House, colleagues and their communities. Wheth- er true or not, we’re looked upon as smart, a faith-based nonprofit broadly knowledgeable and having all the operator of residential right answers. We have to repeatedly climb steep learning curves without looking like retirement services, and is a we’re breaking a sweat. For those who seek winner of a leadership award to lead in the profession, there’s a constant from LeadingAge, a national fear of falling short of expectations. group that aims to expand Personal accomplishment: Raising three children who have seemingly possibilities for aging. become responsible adults. Res ipsa loquitur. Looking back: Surprising advice: I grew up in Meadville, Pa., in the country. One If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. of my childhood chores was driving our cow to the milking shed in the evening, aided by a sturdy stick to nudge her along. Near Hallow- First job: een, my college-age brother thought donning Clerk in an auto parts supply store. Attention to a sheet and jumping out at me from behind detail is essential if your boss is a perfectionist. the shed would be great fun. It was for him, until the first blow of the stick landed on his Biggest career challenge: head and I heard him swear. With him tangled Figuring out how to mentor younger lawyers up in the sheet, it was the best opportunity for effectively when the work product has to be revenge a 9-year-old ever had and I took full turned around in a nanosecond. advantage. Best tip for balance: An important mentor: When you leave the office, leave the Edward Smith was one of the senior attor- office. “Do Not Disturb” is a wonderful cell neys in the first law firm I joined (Tolbert, phone feature. Smith, FitzGerald and Ramsey). He was a Favorite getaway: Education: I might have been: gentle, generous and genial man who could Domestic – Rehoboth Beach, Del.; BA, University of Virginia Mom wanted me to be a pharmacist. I’d likely be forceful when needed, but more often was Foreign – Provence. JD, William & Mary Law School simply persuasive. In him I saw unfailing com- have gone into something like book editing or passion for others much less fortunate, and public relations. If I had a free month: from him I learned that leaving something on I would go to a golf camp and really learn the game. uate class at UVA and married one of the first the table for the other side in any transaction Guilty pleasure: coeds who entered the following year – 42 invariably pays off many times over. Banana cream pie. You didn’t know: years and counting. I’m a cancer survivor – I was in the last all-male entering undergrad- four years, nine months and counting.

Victor O. Cardwell

Woods Rogers PLC, Roanoke

One of Virginia’s foremost what others believe is in the best interest of the firm, but ultimately you must chart a course labor and employment and stick with the plan until new events require lawyers, Cardwell lends legal an adjustment. Similarly, I try to build partner- ships with my clients so they can see I am as counsel to many Roanoke- committed to obtaining the best results for area nonprofit groups and them, as I am to simply being their “lawyer.” serves on the boards of Personal accomplishment: the Bradley Free Clinic, the My wife and kids, who provide me with the love and foundation to face so many Science Museum of Western challenges.

Virginia and the Virginia High Surprising advice: School League Foundation. Bo Rogers told me to take time for my own physical well-being on a consistent basis. Looking back: I was fortunate to have a very loving family as First job: the source for my work ethic and my sense Working at a Wendy’s fast food restaurant, I of community. My father, Thomas J. Card- quickly learned that you must love your work. well Sr.; my mother, Jean B. Cardwell, and my siblings: Renee Cardwell Hughes, Ret. Biggest career challenge: Judge; Dr. Reva Cardwell Cosby, Thomas Coming to Woods Rogers in November 1991 J. Cardwell Jr., and B. Kevin Cardwell, were from Washington, D.C. presented some unique the standards used by many. Neither of my challenges, as most of the firm’s clients did not parents went to college, but they had a vision anticipate having an African-American lawyer. of their five children going off to college at Real or perceived, I felt as though I had to UVA, and ultimately obtaining post-graduate constantly demonstrate my capabilities to my degrees. Their vision allowed us to achieve partners, the local bar, clients and many others. heights that should not have been possible for five kids growing up on Diamond Hill in Best tip for balance: Lynchburg, Va. Put your phone and tablet down sometime before bed time so that you can look your An important mentor: loved ones in the eye and show them, not just Education: William B.”Bill” Poff, my mentor after I joined tell them, that you love them. Favorite get-away: BA, University of Virginia Woods Rogers, impressed upon me the im- Family vacations at Myrtle Beach. JD, Washington & Lee School of Law portance of intellectual curiosity and a desire I might have been: to learn. He taught me to be a counselor. I would have had a short career as a pro- If I had a free month: fessional football player, then moved into a Smile and smile. After I stopped smiling, I “straighten out” my legs. I appreciate fine mu- Leadership in law is: career where I interacted with people. would like to travel to Europe with my family. sical soundtracks, e.g., Little Shop of Horrors, I really do not see a difference between lead- ership skills in most fields, and I see benefits Guilty pleasure: You didn’t know: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz and recently to various styles. As law partner, I want to hear Popcorn with real butter and salt. I wore braces on my legs as a child to help HAMILTON! 7 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 7 Terrence Shea Cook

T. Shea Cook PC, Richlands

Widely recognized for his First job: Working as a janitor, I learned humility. knowledgeable and creative approach to mineral rights Biggest career challenge: Representing small landowners in efforts to issues, Cook served 30 secure gas royalties from the Virginia Gas years in the Virginia Army and Oil Board’s escrow account, while main- taining a personal injury and criminal defense National Guard, including a practice and serving in the National Guard. 2007-2008 tour in support of Best tip for balance: Operation Iraqi Freedom, as a Never lose sight of the priorities in life: God, Command Judge Advocate in family and profession. Baghdad. I might have been: A salesman. Looking back: I grew up in Richlands, Va., where I still prac- Guilty pleasure: tice law today. Exercising on my rowing machine while binge-watching Netflix series. Leadership in law is: I don’t see the basic principles of leadership Favorite get-away: in the law as different from the principles for Paris, France. leadership in the military or in business. It’s about providing a quality service, and seeing If had a free month: that employees or others you are leading I’d be in Paris, France! buy into an environment of excellence, while managing your brand. You didn’t know: I was commissioned as a U.S. Army Officer in Personal accomplishment: 1988, after completing Airborne School. I was Accepting Jesus Christ as my personal savior. commander of two separate combat engineer He gave me a new life. companies until 1999, when I transferred into the JAG Corps, serving there until I retired in 2016 as a Lt. Colonel. Education: BA, Virginia Tech JD, George Mason University

Sherry A. Fox

ThompsonMcMullan PC, Richmond

A consummate litigator, and order. Our role as lawyers is to advance the cause of justice. If I am achieving justice Fox has a diverse practice for my client, that victory is meaningful and representing businesses, the collective impact of this work over time is significant. Being a leader in the legal field adoptive families and differs from leadership in other fields be- constitutional officers; a cause we are not often lauded for efforts, but what we do is vitally important to the success MRWBA board member, she of our society. is an outstanding mentor Personal accomplishment: to young lawyers and pre- My biggest personal accomplishment is rais- law students, and offers pro ing my two children. bono service on housing and Surprising advice: domestic violence issues. A good friend, also an attorney, once told me sometimes you have to remember it was Looking back: broken when you got there. I grew up in Queens, N.Y., where I had my first fight. In my six-year-old mind, when I watched First job: actors on TV smash cakes into each other’s Working retail at the mall, I learned that I faces, I thought that would be a hilarious never wanted to work retail again. good time. When I smashed chocolate birth- day cake in my good friend Raneeya’s face, Biggest career challenge: the reality did not mirror the fantasy. She pro- I think my biggest challenges have been not ceeded to thrash me and we were not friends taking losses too personally and using those for at least a week. I have since learned not to instances as learning experiences. repeat antics that I see on television without express consent from the other participant. Best tip for balance: I don’t believe that balancing professional life An important mentor: and personal life is a realistic goal. I simply My college professor, Dr. Snyder, made me strive to do my best in each sphere of my life, feel smart and capable. I loved her classes and while acknowledging that the results will not the discussions we had about politics and the always be perfect. British Bake Off.” Education: world. She really believed in me and inspired BA, George Mason University me to follow my heart and pursue law. I might have been: Favorite get-away: JD, Washington & Lee School of Law In my youth, I would have gotten a Ph.D. in Any destination with a beach or history and Leadership in law is: American Political Theory, then entered poli- good food. This question made me think of the line from tics. Now, I would be a travel writer. friends, take a vacation and read with abandon. Shakespeare’s Henry VI, “The first thing we If I had a free month: do, let’s kill all the lawyers,’’ which actually Guilty pleasure: I would take some time to be still and to not You didn’t know: suggests the rebels would need to get rid I love watching British television shows such rush. I would spend more time with my family, Jane Austen is my favorite author. And I love 8 of the lawyers, who are the keepers of law as “Keeping Up Appearances” and “The Great make more elaborate dinners, visit family and Disney World. Page 8 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Stephanie E. Grana

Cantor Stoneburner Ford Grana & Buckner PC, Richmond

A top-rated personal injury children: Nicole 16, Garrett 15 and Dakota 12. Why? Just let me tell you all about each lawyer, Grana currently serves of them. They are beautiful, handsome, as president of the Virginia smart, athletic, kind, creative, helpful, happy, disciplined, confident, respectful, fun … Shall Trial Lawyers Association I keep going? where she helps guide Surprising advice: the agenda for more than Be nice to your legal assistant. Leave the 2,000 members. She also is office to get lunch. president-elect of the Virginia First jobs: chapter of the American McDonald’s employee, lifeguard and swim team coach. I learned that I did not want Board of Trial Advocates. to have to punch a time clock; wearing polyester in the heat is not fun; one should Looking back: not eat at fast food restaurants late in the I grew up in a small town that measured one evening unless you place a special order; square mile. As my brother was 18 months learn how to swim when you are young; older, I often recall entering a classroom or a wear sunscreen; coaching includes teaching sporting event being called “Little Grana.” the parents as well as the children and it is important and exciting to take chances. An important mentor: Leave your comfort zone. Judge Joseph E. Baker of the Court of Appeals of Virginia referred to all of his law Biggest career challenge: clerks as “Baker trained.” He stressed that My biggest career challenge is getting my your reputation is one of the most precious work done at home and at the office. attributes in the law – don’t jeopardize it. Moreover, he valued hard work and attention Best tip for balance: to detail. There is no balance. Some days, I am a good wife and mother and, some days, I am a good Leadership in the law is: lawyer. On a great day from time to time, I am Lawyers value intellect and intelligence, great at both. not one’s bank account, brute strength or physical prowess. Moreover, leadership in the Education: I might have been: Favorite get-away: law is typically something that we strive for BA, University of Richmond Honestly, I don’t know. Being a lawyer is what Someplace with a beach and the sun. above and beyond our specific legal positions. I have wanted for a very long time. JD, University of Richmond It requires patience, perseverance and, most If I had a free month: importantly, passion! Guilty pleasure: Relax and read all the unread books on my You didn’t know: Having desert for dinner (or breakfast or shelf (without having to check emails). I was a varsity synchronized swimmer in Personal accomplishment: lunch) is my “guilty pleasure.” My husband of 20 years and our three college. I have flown on a trapeze next to the East River in NYC.

Congratulations Cullen D. Seltzer

Named among Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2016 Class of Leaders in the Law

Cullen is a shareholder at Sands Anderson PC and focuses his practice on mass tort and mass claim settlements, white collar criminal defense, commercial and civil litigation, and corporate matters.

Cullen is known for his leadership, commitment and vision. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond Law School teaching ethics in litigation. He is a board member of the Weinstein Jewish Community Center and the former chair of The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

Sands Anderson is very proud of Cullen and his recognition is richly deserved!

www.sandsanderson.com Richmond | Christiansburg | Fredericksburg | McLean | Raleigh (804) 648-1636 9 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 9 John T. Jessee

LeClairRyan, Roanoke

An authority in medical First job: I worked for a family friend one summer who malpractice defense in had a wholesale business. I spent half my Virginia, Jessee heads a time in the office and half in the warehouse. I realized the warehouse was much more fun! practice group at LeClair’s Roanoke office. He has been Biggest career challenge: Defending a surgeon sued 56 times in the involved in more than 100 Roanoke Valley. We never settled a case and medical negligence trials in tried several cases to defense verdicts before Virginia and West Virginia. the rest of the cases were dismissed. Best tip for balance: Looking back: Always put family first. I grew up in Princeton, West Virginia. I might have been: An important mentor: I clerked for Judge John A. Field Jr. of the An architect. 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after law school and he always had a wonderful story Guilty pleasure: with a moral to help cope with any problem. Action movies.

Leadership in the law is: Favorite get-away: The rule of law is the cornerstone of our I like to take my family to different locations. country and attorneys have an obligation to We have visited Egypt, Russia and were on help in their communities. a safari in Africa. Of all the places we have visited, we like Hawaii the best. Personal accomplishment: Raising four daughters, one of whom hopes If I had a free month: to practice law with me. Travel the world.

Surprising advice: You didn’t know: To be a successful lawyer you must believe in I was a fox hunter for more than a decade. what you say. I was arrested for taking photographs of the Presidential Palace in Caracas, Venezuela. Education: BS, Concord College JD, Washington & Lee School of Law

Brian H. Jones

Barnes & Diehl PC, Richmond

With court victories and about that. three multi-million-dollar Surprising advice: settlements among his As a young pup getting my feet wet as a crim- inal defense attorney, I asked Dave Whaley accomplishments, Brian how to build a practice. His reply was, “Go win Jones has made a name for some cases and you will get clients.” Brilliant. himself in the Richmond legal First job: community. His primary field is I picked tobacco as a summer job as a teen. It was an awful job – hot, dirty and low-pay- family law, but he has enjoyed ing. Later, I was probably the only practicing success in trying criminal and lawyer and pizza delivery man in Virginia. I actually made more delivering pizzas than I civil matters, as well. did practicing law. I still have the T-shirt and I will never throw it away. Looking back: After a grim Connecticut prep school expe- Biggest career challenge: rience, I visited UNC-Chapel Hill. There were Coming out of law school, I could not find just a bunch of happy people there - the a job. I had worked for the Clinton-Gore opposite of my prep school experience. I campaign. A campaign official offered to take applied for early decision admittance and was me with him to the Justice Department. I de- accepted. The following four years were the clined, because I wanted to be a trial lawyer. best of my life. I literally had to start in the basement of law practice, trying to get on court-appointed lists An important mentor: in juvenile courts, just to get some money in Ed Barnes is that man for me. I worked about and build a practice. 10 years in general practice, working sev- en-day weeks and barely making it. Ed asked Best tip for balance: if I would be interested in working for him. I work 60 hours per week and typically do Ed made the point that I would never be truly not see my family from Monday morning to great at any area of law if I continued to be a Thursday evening. Putting the time in during jack of all trades. the week makes me more available to them on the weekends, though. Favorite get-away: Leadership in law is: Education: The wine country of northern California. As lawyers, we have so much power to affect I might have been: BA, University of North Carolina people’s lives that we have to be careful JD, University of Richmond Probably in government or politics. If I had a free month: about it. I would travel to Australia and New Zea- Guilty pleasure: land. I have always been fascinated with You didn’t know: Biggest personal accomplishment: Wine. I have about 250 bottles at any those places. I love to cook, although my closer friends I just try hard every day to do the best I can given time. for my clients and my family – and I feel good know that. I also continue to play soccer as a 10 goalkeeper. Page 10 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Reginald N. Jones

Williams Mullen, Richmond

Jones has more than 40 years Biggest personal accomplishment: of experience representing My family, because that is what is most im- clients before the General portant and enduring. Assembly and state agencies. Surprising advice: His extensive involvement in It is difficult to choose. My wife is full of wis- dom on a daily basis. community activities, including service at the University of First job: My first job was working in my parents’ store Richmond, has won him wide for 25 cents a day. I learned to appreciate the recognition. value of the customer, how to be accommo- dating to those you are serving, and the value Looking back: of interactions with people in the community My parents were merchants who ran grocery on a daily basis. I also saw and learned from and clothing businesses in the small town my parents’ work ethic. of Jarratt. One childhood memory is helping manage a Christmas shop where girls who Biggest career challenge: lived at the Jackson Feild Home could come Navigating contentious legislative policy issues in and spend one dollar that they’d been involving emotional topics such as health care given to buy a present for a parent. This made in a contested political environment. a lasting impression about the value of family and the meaning of Christmas. Best tip for balance: Marry an understanding spouse. An important mentor: Jimmie Mays, a civics teacher, baseball and I might have been: basketball coach. He pursued excellence on A basketball coach or PGA tour player. and off the athletic field with a strong sense of fairness, an even temper, and a belief in Guilty pleasure: the rule of law. Ice cream.

Leadership in law is: Favorite get-away: Former Richmond law school Dean William To Dornoch, Scotland, to play golf with my You didn’t know: friends or to the mountains with my family. Education: Muse instilled in students that lawyers have Arnold Palmer is my favorite golfer of all time, BA, University of Richmond an expectation of civic mindfulness and because he was a great golfer who embod- JD, University of Richmond community engagement, be it through pro If I had a free month: ied the spirit of the game as a gentleman in bono service, public service or charitable Cut my grass and go to Costco. And play golf. victory and defeat. Also, I once spent a day endeavors. with James Brown.

Lorri J. Kleine

Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk

Kleine, a General Solicitor at Surprising advice: When he was a high school freshman, our Norfolk Southern, handles son spent the night with a friend who lived complex legal matters, in Virginia Beach near the ocean. Chandler came home and implored us to consider including Federal Railroad moving. On a bit of a whim, we sold our home Safety Act whistleblower of 13 years and moved 30 miles, to a quaint street not far from the beach. We could not cases. She is a former imagine living any place else! member of the Virginia First job: Board of Medicine and a past My first job was working as a waitress in high chair of the VSB Corporate school. I learned the importance of good inter- personal communication skills and the value of Counsel Section. being a hard and conscientious worker.

Looking back: Biggest career challenge: I grew up in McMurray, Pa., one of four girls I have some perfectionist tendencies, so all five years apart. My parents recognized without question, balancing the demands of each of our individual strengths and remain a full workload, while also being there for my very supportive of us to this day. son, husband and family and finding time to contribute to the community. An important mentor: Roger Petersen recruited me more than 23 Best tip for balance: years ago and has been a valuable resource Take time out for friends and family events no and sounding board throughout my career. matter how pressing the demands seem to My friend Magda Culver, with a successful be. Maintain an exercise routine and engage career of her own while raising four ex- in hobbies outside of work. ceptional children, is a constant source of wisdom and inspiration. I might have been: I probably would have worked in the human Leadership in law is: resources area. I hold a Master’s Degree in I have been privileged to work for a law de- Industrial Organizational Psychology, and partment where leadership and “giving back” have always had an interest in that field. family, and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. is steeped in our culture. Education: BS, Wheeling Jesuit College Guilty pleasure: If I had a free month: Biggest personal accomplishment: MA, Radford University I share my father’s love of good food and I would talk my husband and son into walking Raising a happy, thoughtful and accomplished JD, Washington & Lee School of Law restaurants, so I would have to say “eating out.” the “Camino” with me. son and maintaining a strong marriage while balancing the demands of community service Favorite get-away: You didn’t know: endeavors and two successful legal careers. Any place with sunshine, beaches and walk- began my professional career working in the I now share the Leader in the Law honor banking industry as an assistant vice presi- ing and biking trails. I also love Barcelona, with my husband, Thomas C. Kleine, who Spain, where one of my sisters lives with her dent for Crestar Bank (now SunTrust) before was a Leader in Law for the Class of 2013. I attending law school. 11 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 11 Declan Leonard

Berenzweig Leonard LLP, McLean

Leonard works with Surprising advice: An older lawyer I once worked for used to companies in the Washington chide me to “pick up the darn phone.” I see metro area and nationally to time and again how emails or letters so often just fan the flames of conflict, whereas a navigate employment and phone call can cut through things and resolve business laws. He is licensed the matter. in Virginia, Maryland and First job: Washington and is one of I worked for my friend’s family trash business on the truck that picked up mattresses and the few area lawyers certified old furniture that the regular trash trucks as a Senior Professional in could not haul. I came away thinking you should not look down on anyone for the type human resources. of job they have.

Looking back: Biggest career challenge: I grew up in Fairfax County. I didn’t really real- To continually remember that, with all the ize who he was at the time, but U.S. Supreme advances in technology in the legal field, the Court Chief Justice Warren Burger was my practice of law is still primarily about making neighbor. human connections.

An important mentor: Best tip for balance: Before he became my law partner, Seth I have learned over the years that you can be Berenzweig was a significant mentor. Seth productive each day and still make it home has led the growth of our firm’s sports, media, for dinner most nights. and entertainment law practice, one of the first such comprehensive practice groups in I might have been: this region. One of my brothers owns a landscaping company. On beautiful days, I have a tinge of Leadership in law is: jealousy that he gets to work outdoors while I To be a leader in the legal field, you have to am in the office. achieve a fine balance between being an effective advocate and maintaining the appro- Guilty pleasure: ends at Rehoboth Beach where I watch my priate level of professionalism and civility. Education: I’m a big fan of live music, and most recent- kids ride the same Funland rides I did as a kid. ly saw one of my favorites: Bruce Spring- BS, University of Mary Washington Biggest personal accomplishment: JD, George Mason University steen and the E Street Band outdoors at If I had a free month: My family will be my legacy long after my Nationals Park. I think my opportunity to be a rock drummer legal career is over. But I am also very proud has passed by, and my family has threatened You didn’t know: of the family environment we have built at Favorite get-away: to leave me if I made good on my threat to I am deathly afraid of roller coasters, and I Berenzweig Leonard. At the beach with family, whether it’s our take up the accordion, so I would delve into have an unhealthy addiction to Post-It notes. annual trek to the Outer Banks or long week- learning the guitar or piano.

Hon. Michael J. Lindner

Judge, Fairfax County General District Court, Fairfax

Judge Lindner has been Surprising advice: a leader both on and off During a road trip on I-95, my daughter the bench. As a lawyer, he noticed me getting irritated at other drivers’ behavior. She told me to chill out. I needed to nurtured the criminal practice hear that from someone, and it worked. section of the Fairfax County First job: Bar Association. As a judge I was a bicycle newspaper delivery boy, a job he runs the court’s innovative for young people that seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs. I got daily exercise Veteran’s Docket program. and got ripped off regularly by my customers, but I got enormous satisfaction from doing a Looking back: big job well. As a high school student studying advanced field biology in the Florida Everglades, I man- Biggest career challenge: aged to get bitten by a small rattlesnake. I My biggest career challenge as a lawyer was was 20 miles from the nearest ranger station a daily one, practicing and perfecting my skills and probably violated many traffic laws get- as a trial attorney. My biggest challenge as a ting there before passing out. judge is keeping my mouth shut and letting attorneys make all the mistakes I made while An important mentor: in practice. I attended a program in high school that sent me to Israel for a semester. One of my teach- Best tip for balance: ers, a Methodist minister named Bill Waters, Lawyers and advocates of all stripes regu- told me that whatever I did in life I should larly encounter other people’s tragedies and do with excellence. For some reason, it was horrors. We encounter people on their worst exactly the point in my life when I was open days. It is very important to maintain healthy to the idea. I think of him often. relationships with those we love as a buffer for all the tragedy we bear witness to every day. Leadership in law is: Leadership is universal. While I do not think I might have been: of myself as a natural leader and envy I was a software developer, a game designer, somewhat those to whom leadership comes an entrepreneur and a trial lawyer. While I Favorite get-away: naturally, leadership in all fields of endeavor Education: have loved practicing law immensely, I have Emerald Isle, N.C. always comes with sacrifice, dedication, and also thought that aerospace engineering BA, Kenyon College hard work. Talent certainly helps. JD, American University would be an awesome career. Maybe some- If I had a free month: day I’ll work for SpaceX. Biggest personal accomplishment: I’d tour France and Italy with my wife. We both love fine art and good food. You didn’t know: My biggest personal accomplishment has Guilty pleasure: I love motorcycle riding. I am a proficient been raising my two children. It was the hard- Military board games. 12 est and best job I’ve ever had. guitar and piano player. Page 12 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Hon. Marcus H. Long Jr.

Judge, 27th Judicial Circuit, Pulaski

Judge Long established a drug treatment courts approved in the 27th Judicial Circuit and District. family drug treatment program as a juvenile and domestic Biggest personal accomplishment: My biggest personal accomplishment is my relations judge and set up family. I have a wonderful wife, Elizabeth, drug treatment dockets who is the foundation of our family, and two beautiful and talented daughters. The older in both Pulaski and Floyd is a soloist with Miami City Ballet, and the Counties. He often speaks younger is an editor with Southern Living Magazine. publicly about the benefits of drug treatment courts. Surprising advice: If you want to be truly happy, help others. Looking back: My high school guidance counselor told me First job: that I was not college material. She was right. My first job was teaching golf at a sports I needed a couple of years to mature. I did go camp at Virginia Tech. I learned that I didn’t on to college, because Vietnam was the al- want to teach golf as a career. ternative. I became an attorney and practiced law for 29 years. I was fortunate to practice Biggest career challenge: law with my father until his death. The ability to properly evaluate cases before agreeing to represent the client. I never An important mentor: learned how to say “no.” Judge Duane Mink taught me that prepara- tion is the most important aspect of trials. You Best tip for balance: always left his court knowing that he listened Always, always take time for your family. Plan to all sides and would make the right decision family outings and vacations on a regular based on the law and the facts. Lelia Hopper basis. Also, find a hobby doing something that introduced me to drug treatment courts when you love. I was a juvenile and domestic relations judge. The result was a drug treatment court for I might have been: families with children in foster care. A golfer. If I had a free month: Education: Leadership in law is: Guilty pleasure: A family vacation to New Zealand and Oysters and martinis. BS, Virginia Tech As lawyers and judges, we see the needs Australia. JD, University of Richmond of the people, and I believe we need to be involved in civic groups and other community Favorite get-away: You didn’t know: Palmetto Bluff, S.C., and San Francisco, Calif. activities. I became interested in starting a I held the Virginia High School League’s and I was in the Corps of Cadets drug treatment court, and we now have four individual scoring record in golf for 40 years, at Virginia Tech.

CONGRATULATIONS R. PEYTON MAHAFFEY Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2016 LEADERS IN THE LAW R. Peyton Mahaffey is the President and Managing Partner of McCandlish Lillard, and has over thirty-five years of experience in the litigation of business, corporate, commercial, fiduciary and appellate matters.

A Tradition of Excellence. For more than a century, McCandlish Lillard has been helping its clients successfully address today’s legal challenges, and anticipate tomorrow’s. Building on this legacy, attorneys at McCandlish Lillard strive to provide excellence with effective and efficient legal representation that meets our clients’ needs and is consistent with the finest traditions of legal practice in the Commonwealth.

FAIRFAX LEESBURG 11350 Random Hills Road 201 Loudoun Street, S.E. Suite 500 Suite 201 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Leesburg, Virginia 20175 703.273.2288 703.737.0200 13 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 13 R. Peyton Mahaffey

McCandlish Lillard PC, Fairfax

Mahaffey, a leading business careers and happy people. litigator in Virginia, is the Surprising advice: president and managing “Be a coach for your kids.” Whether it’s soccer, baseball, t-ball or basketball. Just try partner of McCandlish & to make a point of coaching in some way and Lillard in Fairfax. His bar work make a point to get away and do it. includes his current service on First job: the Virginia Bar Association Stock boy/delivery boy at a local pharmacy in Danville. I learned the advantages of knowing board of governors. all of the streets and short cuts in town, and how to drive a manual VW Beetle fast without Looking back: using the clutch. I grew up in Danville, Virginia. Biggest career challenge: An important mentor: To follow this good advice: Don’t allow the law Stephen L. Best impacted my career by to squeeze out the time you spend with your example: He set a standard for work/life family, your spouse, and your kids. Those days balance that I have never forgotten. Steve will be gone before you know it. was a named partner in my current law firm who, after 33 years of practice, pursued his Best tip for balance: interests in art and sailing, eventually moving Take the vacation. Don’t check email, voice to his own small piece of paradise in the mail, and social media fanatically, and enjoy Bahamas. Almost none of his many friends in your time away. the Bahamas ever knew he was a lawyer. I might have been: Leadership in law is: I might have at least attempted sports broad- We lawyers operate in a pre-determined are- casting at some level. na – the law. We are advocates, but we are also rule-makers and rule-followers. Leaders Guilty pleasure: in many other fields are unencumbered by Ice cream at night while watching Sports such rules so when they have a vision, they Center. may grasp the meaning of what is seen which changes what has come before, and are free Education: Favorite get-away: You didn’t know: to transform it to something new. The British Virgin Islands. BA, University of Virginia I got married outside, on a farm, in a double JD, University of Virginia Personal accomplishment: wedding. My wife’s parents told her and her If I had a free month: brother that they would do it once if both cou- Whatever small assistance I was able to pro- I would go somewhere in the BVI, take photo- ples really wanted to get married in the same on Thanksgiving Day. My mom said I was her vide to my wife in raising two great kids who graphs, fly a sea plane, finally figure out how year on their farm – and we did. I was born not-so little “Turkey.” seem to be well grounded, launched in their to sail properly, and be generally adventurous.

Mary T. Morgan

Golightly Mulligan & Morgan PLC, Chesapeake

Morgan was named the way they carry themselves and interact with other people, especially the people they lead, 2016 “Bar Leader of the command or manage. Among a myriad other Year” by the Virginia State traits, a good leader is demanding of them- selves and of others, but at the same time Bar Conference of Local Bar can motivate people to do/be their very best. Associations; a past president Personal accomplishment: of the Virginia Women Getting into law school and passing the Attorneys Association, she is Virginia State Bar the first time, because my parents were uneducated, and a lot of people immediate past president of didn’t think I would ever accomplish much of the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar anything based on my socioeconomic status. Association. Surprising advice: You’re the only one who can give yourself Looking back: permission to truly be happy. I grew up in Spokane, Wash. First job: An important mentor: A lifeguard at a city pool. I learned that you Coach White, my high school swim team can work hard and have fun at the same time. coach, was an important mentor to me. He demanded hard work and dedication, but Biggest career challenge: was fair and realistic. He treated parents, Learning how to balance marketing, the swimmers, staff and adversaries with respect. running of a business and the practice of law, He was kind and compassionate, but also all at the same time. tough and persistent. He understood how to motivate different individuals, and diligently Best tip for balance: tried to teach not only swimming skills to his Make a point to take time off, and when you team, but life skills. Looking back, I realize take time off, don’t spend the time thinking that Coach White’s confidence in me inspired about work, checking in with work, or wonder- me to be a good swimmer and a good stu- ing what is happening at work. dent. The skills that he possessed in terms of leadership and management instilled in me I might have been: Favorite get-away: core values to which I attribute my success in Education: I probably would have remained in the food The Turks and Caicos Islands. my own career. and beverage industry because I enjoy work- BA, Loyola Marymount University JD, University of Richmond ing with people. If I had a free month: Leadership in law is: I would travel and play golf. I don’t believe leadership varies tremendously Guilty pleasure: from profession to profession. It is not the Getting frequent pedicures. You didn’t know: skill set that an individual possesses that I’m a blue belt in Tae Kwon Do and I once makes them a good leader, but rather the 14 lived in a small town in Germany. Page 14 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Jay V. Prabhu

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria

Prabhu, an assistant U.S. Personal accomplishment: attorney in Alexandria, is chief I can think of a number of cases that I pros- of his office’s cybercrime unit; ecuted involving the exploitation of children where our efforts ended the suffering of a he has been lead prosecutor child or took a child out of harm’s way in time. on numerous technology, Surprising advice: intellectual property and Writing is the key to effective advocacy, and it computer hacking cases, is impossible to fake great writing. including the largest criminal First job: copyright prosecution ever. I worked behind the counter at the Sunshine Deli, and learned to sweat the value of a dol- Looking back: lar and gained a lifetime love of sandwiches I spent my childhood in central New Jer- with extra jalapeños. sey. Bruce Springsteen was the next door neighbor of my very small elementary school. Biggest career challenge: We had a school dance. The Boss showed up Staying on top of technology is critical, as the with an acoustic guitar. He played a couple bad guys are always finding ways to exploit of songs for the few dozen of us who were new vulnerabilities and to make it harder to there. It was a wonderful gesture from a catch them. I have worked hard to develop good neighbor. one of the country’s leading practices in cybercrime and technology, and yet I learn An important mentor: something new nearly every day. Fairfax Circuit Judge John M. Tran has always been someone I could turn to for advice. His Best tip for balance: elevation to the bench, though an immense Still working on it. personal achievement for John and his family, also has great meaning for the Asian-Ameri- I might have been: can community in our commonwealth. I think I would have particularly enjoyed being an archeologist. I love reconstructing events, Leadership in law is: personalities, and motivations through the Stadium on Thanksgiving. Education: As a member of the relatively small cadre of use of logic and evidence. BA, Boston College criminal prosecutors, my duty is to do justice, If I had a free month: MPP, John F. Kennedy School rather than merely prevail. Every action prose- Guilty pleasure: Scuba diving in Belize, Cozumel, Cairns, Ha- of Government cutors take profoundly impacts people’s lives, Poker. Seven card stud preferred, but Texas waii, and Palau ... again. JD, Harvard Law School whether they are defendants or victims. Trying Hold ‘Em if necessary. I’ve played against a to make just choices for our community and world champion and outlasted him. You don’t know: making sure my colleagues do the same each Though I am not a big fan of karaoke, this National Cathedral, and the Vatican. I wrote and every day is not typical in many other Favorite get-away: former choir boy has sung at New York’s the FBI anti-piracy warning that appears on professions. Yankee Stadium in October; Cowboys Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, most DVDs.

Gene Schleppenbach

Miles & Stockbridge PC, Tysons Corner

A corporate lawyer working in ing guidance on how to address those issues. the Tysons Corner of Miles & Biggest career challenge: Stockbridge, Schleppenbach Over the course of my career, there have been several economic slumps that have has put together numerous inevitably resulted in significant downturns in deals that spurred economic transactional legal work. development and greater Best tip for balance: technological innovation in Taking time off – true time off, not just mov- ing work to a “vacation” location – is critical. the Northern Virginia region and elsewhere. I might have been: I am energized by the process of helping to Looking back: build the businesses of my clients, so I would I grew up in Pierce, Nebraska, a small farm likely have sought to be an entrepreneur or town in northeast Nebraska. pursued a management role in business.

An important mentor: Guilty pleasure: As an undergrad at the University of Nebraska I allow myself to be far too passionate about planning to go to law school, I signed up for Husker football! a political science course involving elements of international law taught by David Forsythe, Favorite get-away: one of the true deep thinkers and writers on Park City, Utah, with Lake Tahoe as a close human rights and humanitarian affairs. second.

Personal accomplishment: If I had a free month: Apart from family – it is not a single accom- Now that my wife and I are empty nesters, plishment, but rather a successful career I would travel to reconnect with friends we that has resulted in many satisfying client did not see as much as we would have liked relationships where I have become a trusted while we were happily consumed by raising advisor who not only provides legal advice, our children. but helps to make business decisions based upon legal and business circumstances faced You don’t know: is nothing like the richness of experience that Education: by the client. First, I grew up in a small farm town in a large, close family provides – both as I was BA, University of Nebraska – Lincoln Nebraska as one of 11 children in our family, growing up and even to this day. JD, George Washington University Surprising advice: which gave me an appreciation of the virtues Put yourself in your client’s shoes. Don’t pro- of hard work – something I witnessed every Second, I love riding bicycles, which is not only vide legal answers that present only problems day from farmers and people who lived in a terrific source of exercise, but allows for a and do not offer possible solutions. They do farm communities. Also while such large special view of countryside that you cannot not want a recitation of issues without provid- families are obviously increasingly rare, there appreciate in a vehicle at 60 miles per hour. 15 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 15 Cullen D. Seltzer

Sands Anderson PC, Richmond

A business litigator with First job: Apart from house sitting and babysitting the Richmond office of jobs, my first job was as a telemarketer. I Sands Anderson, Seltzer learned that people didn’t necessarily want to be called at home and asked their opinions is a past president of the about consumer goods. John Marshall Inn of Court. Biggest career challenge: His community service Practicing law can feel, sometimes, like drinking from a firehose. Even if you’re really includes work for several thirsty, you can’t help but get a little wet. Still, different Jewish groups in the representing clients, figuring out their needs and their businesses and helping them solve Richmond area. problems, in a really broad set of contexts, is lots of fun and really interesting. Looking back: My dad worked for the State Department so I might have been: we travelled a lot when I was young. I was I’d thought about a career in the Foreign born in Athens. We later lived in Tokyo, Dar Service or in government. es Salaam, Tanzania, Miami, La Paz, Bolivia, and Lima, Peru. We moved back to the Guilty pleasure: states, in Vienna, when I was in high school. Living and suffering through decades of the I came to Richmond in 1990 and have been travails of the Boston Red Sox. here ever since. Favorite get-away: An important mentor: Traveling with family and friends is always a My first mentor as a practicing lawyer was great time – I’m glad to go almost anywhere Judge Jim Benton of the Virginia Court of the company is good. Appeals for whom I clerked right after law school. He really was the best. If I had a free month: Travel some, read some, catch some ball- Personal accomplishment: games. I’m so grateful for the love and company of my family. I’m lucky in lots of ways, but mostly You don’t know: Kennedy in what remains the highlight of my in the good fortune to have married Rose- In 1988, I was an intern for then Sen. John Education: very short athletic highlight reel. mary who’s smarter and better looking and Kerry and played on his DC office’s softball BA, Mary Washington College kinder than me, and in having Kate and Sarah team. Each summer, Kerry’s team played JD, University of Richmond who mean everything to us, and who give Sen. Ted Kennedy’s team for Massachusetts As a young public defender, one day I once us hope that the world will be a little better bragging rights and for that game, the sena- had cases in General District Court, Circuit business if I won any of them. tomorrow. tors came and played a little. Both senators Court, the Virginia Court of Appeals, and pitched a couple innings. I hit a double off Ted the Supreme Court of Virginia. It’s no one’s

Kristina Keech Spitler

Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian PC, Manassas

Spitler heads the employment Surprising advice: I am sure that I have received many surprising law practice at Vanderpool, bits of good advice but unfortunately, I cannot Frostick & Nishanian in think of them at this moment. Manassas. A founding First job: member of the Prince William I was a waitress at Breakfast King on Route 1 in Alexandria. I learned that waitressing County Virginia Women is hard work. As a result, I really appreciate Attorneys Association those that work at jobs such as being a wait- er or waitress and appreciate their efforts at chapter, she helped create trying to earn a living. and chaired a mentorship Biggest career challenge: program for the Prince My biggest career challenge is being a lawyer William Bar Association. as a single mother after my divorce. I tried to be a strong, loving, firm, and supportive Looking back: mom for my twin daughters while also trying My father was in the Army Corps of Engi- to build my legal practice which includes neers, so we moved just about every year marketing efforts and events, learning to be growing up. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, a rainmaker while keeping current clients and we lived at Ft. Belvoir; San Jose, Califor- happy, litigating cases and meeting a mul- nia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Ft. Leaven- titude of time deadlines, volunteering in the worth, Kansas; North Little Rock, Arkansas; community, and trying to have some fun in a Richmond; and Alexandria. personal life.

Leadership in law is: Best tip for balance: Leadership when working with other talented Make the best decisions you can with the in- and smart people is generally very fun. You formation and resources that you have at the can both come up with ideas as well as get time. Do not beat yourself up when you have some great ideas from others. The final not done such a good job of balancing your results are usually made better from the professional life and your personal life. Finally, collaborative efforts. frequently reassess and make adjustments if you can. becoming a helicopter pilot at one point. Education: Personal accomplishment: BA, University of Virginia For the reasons mentioned above about moving I might have been: Guilty pleasure: JD, William & Mary Law School every year and the difficulties in trying to learn When I was young, I wanted to be a rock I sometimes read romance novels! to read, write and do math while going to differ- star and wear white go-go boots and a gold ent schools in different states’ school systems lame dress (I was a child in the ’60s!). After You don’t know: every year, I was very excited to have gone to I learned that I could not carry a tune, I had See above regarding wanting to be a rock 16 UVA and then to William & Mary Law school. to try some other career. I had thought of star and wear go-go boots. I love to dance. Page 16 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law LEADERS IN LAW 2016 Congratulations to SHERRY FOX Macel Janoschka

Named among Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2016 Class of Up & Coming Lawyers Macel H. Janoschka, a principal with the Roanoke law firm of Frith Anderson & Peake, PC. Ms. Janoschka received her B.A. degree at Virginia Tech and her J.D. degree at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Ms. Janoschka focuses her practice on civil litigation, particularly in the areas of long term care litigation, premises liability, automobile liability and workers’ compensation. Frith Anderson & Peake is very proud of Macel and her recognition is well deserved.

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www.propelmarketing.com 17 Melissa S. VanZile

Barnes & Diehl PC, Richmond

A veteran practitioner of First job: Most of my work experience prior to becom- domestic relations law, ing a lawyer was gained during summers off VanZile has been assisting from college when I worked as a legal assis- tant for different law firms in the Richmond families in Richmond since area. I learned about the different practice 2004. She has received areas of law and what it was like to work in a law office. It helped me determine what kind numerous awards from bar of law I wanted to practice and made me real- and community groups and ize that I really enjoyed the one-on-one client interaction, and that I wanted to practice in an currently serves as president area that gave me that experience. of the Metropolitan Richmond Biggest career challenge: Women’s Bar Association. Setting and maintaining client expectations is always important and is a big part of our job Looking back: as lawyers. As a family law practitioner, I work I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where my father with clients who are going through what is served in the Coast Guard. We returned to probably one of the worst times of their lives. Hanover County where I lived with my parents There is a lot of emotion involved in these and younger sister, and where many of my cases and the decisions they make and the extended family members still live. outcome of their cases directly and signifi- cantly impacts their families, their children, An important mentor: their livelihood and their quality of life. My first job as a lawyer was working for Phoebe Hall. She was my first mentor and Best tip for balance: she taught me how to be a lawyer. I learned a For me, when I am at work my focus is on lot by watching her in court. helping my clients, but when I am at home my focus is on my family. I have a definite begin- Leadership in law is: ning and ending to my work day, and I don’t Understanding the daily ups and downs of take my work home with me. It also helps that practicing law as we face challenges. We I have a great partner in my husband. support and encourage each other’s profes- sional development. I might have been: Education: A journalist traveling the world or a fashion Favorite get-away: BA, University of Mary Washington Personal accomplishment: designer. My husband and I were married in Harbour JD, University of Richmond My biggest personal accomplishment is being Island, Bahamas, and it is still my favorite a mother to my two daughters, Chloe, who is Guilty pleasure: place where I have vacationed. 3, and Isabella, who is 6. Wine! Wine with a nice dinner out with my If I had a free month: husband is even better. Travel to Europe with my family.

Susheela Varky

Virginia Poverty Law Center, Richmond

Helping low-income Leadership in law is: Virginians in domestic and One of the ways in which leadership in the sexual violence cases, Varky legal field appears to differ from leadership in other fields is that in the business arena, has been an attorney at for example, I think more people enter the Virginia Poverty Law that world to become leaders … whereas leaders in the legal field may tend to be Center for nine years. She perceived as leaders. also started a pilot pro bono Personal accomplishment: program with immigration My biggest personal work accomplishment law firm Challa Law Offices is starting out after law school and remaining a public interest attorney for more than two for undocumented immigrant decades. I have wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was a child. I wanted to be a public victims of sexual and interest lawyer at that. So, I feel as if I have domestic violence. been true to my childhood self.

Looking back: Surprising advice: I grew up in New York City and a small sub- From my Business Associations Law profes- urb of NYC in New Jersey. While I understand sor, Perry Wallace, during my second year, as why my parents moved to the suburbs, I still many of us were worried about landing a job have not forgiven them for wrecking my in the slow economy of the early ’90s with a chances of being a “cool” city kid. glut of lawyers in the DC area: “Don’t let your- self get discouraged. In five years, you will be An important mentor: where you want to be.” Judy Winston was my Civ Pro professor. She had had a long career in the civil rights First job: arena, including developing policy for the U.S. I worked at a flower shop. I learned how won- Department of Education before coming to derful it is to give and receive flowers. American as a law professor. I attended law school in the early ’90s when fellow 1Ls were Biggest career challenge: still sending out dozens (nay, hundreds) of Sadly, I would have to say that ignorance/rac- Education: cold, mail-merged cover letters to prospective ism has been my biggest career challenge. Guilty pleasure: BA, Tufts University employers to find a summer job. Instead of Eating Sour Patch Kids candy (especially JD, American University doing that, I talked to Judy about what I want- Best tip for balance: during late-night House Courts of Justice ed to do for the summer. She gave me the Work out. Don’t put it off. Don’t make lame Criminal Subcommittee hearings). names of about 15 of her own colleagues. I excuses. Just. Do. It (to borrow Nike’s slogan). which I would write, read, work on my gar- wrote each of them very specific cover letters Favorite get-away: den/yard, work out and/or dance every day of why I wanted to work for them and their I might have been: London, England. and volunteer at the SPCA. organizations, mentioning that Judy had given If I did what I wanted to do, I would have tried me their names. I had several interviews and to become a professional dancer. If I did what If I had a free month: You didn’t know: two job offers from that effort. my parents wanted me to do, I would have Assuming I couldn’t afford a vacation for one I am an introvert and I want to learn how cars 18 become a doctor or an engineer. whole month, I would do a staycation during work and how to repair them. Page 18 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law James L. Weinberg

Hirschler Fleischer, Richmond

Weinberg, a Richmond listen well, understand and respect differing points of view and then be able to synthesize native who has specialized these perspectives into a strategy and actions in mergers & acquisitions, that everyone will get behind and support. gaming law and securities, Personal accomplishment: currently serves as president Raising two remarkable and wonderful daughters with my wife of 26 years is my big- of Hirschler Fleischer. Heavily gest personal accomplishment. But if you are involved in community service, asking, of what besides my family am I most proud, it is the merger of the Central Virginia he helped merge the Central Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Serving Virginia Food Bank and Meals Central Virginia. The process of building a kitchen together led to the entities combining on Wheels into FeedMore. resources to form FeedMore -- a powerful, collaborative organization that continues to Looking back: reduce hunger in Central Virginia. It was a I grew up in Richmond. As a very young boy, I very rewarding process. remember visiting my father in his office. As I walked down the hall past Mr. Hirschler’s and Surprising advice: other attorney’s offices, I noticed pipe racks Make yourself uncomfortable. Judge Williams with tobacco containers on the desks. My first gave me that advice, and when I prac- father had an assortment of pipes as well. For ticed in New York for several years after my a while, I thought if you were a lawyer, you clerkship, others shared similar advice. My were obligated to smoke a pipe. greatest personal and professional growth has come in situations where I was uncomfortable An important mentor: because of the challenges presented, the U.S. District Judge Richard L. Williams, of the uncertainty that I could handle them, the sense Eastern Division of Virginia, was an important of accomplishment when things went well, and mentor. After graduation from law school, I the lessons learned when they didn’t. clerked for Judge Williams for a year. I had was emotionally draining. Both instances put Education: a law professor who frequently reminded his First job: me in uncomfortable situations from which I BA, Brown University students, “The law is a beautiful thing.” Judge One of my first jobs was to monitor tennis grew and learned. JD, University of Virginia Williams demonstrated that to his clerks in courts to ensure users had purchased a sum- the way he ran his courtroom, the thought he mer pass. The courts were not that popular Best tip for balance: put into his decisions, and the time he took from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the day. An understanding spouse. Setting realistic Family.” to teach and mentor his clerks. Although I am expectations with your family, partners and not a litigator, I retain from Judge Williams a Biggest career challenge: clients for both your professional and person- Favorite get-away: healthy dose of skepticism; the lesson that When I was a new partner, an attorney left al life and then meeting them. Paris. your client’s story always has to make sense; our firm to join a long-standing client. The and the imperative to get to the facts and client was undertaking a series of transfor- I might have been: If I had a free month: conclusions efficiently and succinctly. mative acquisitions, and I became first chair In college I ran the business side of a daily on the matter, which consumed a substantial college newspaper. I enjoyed it and thought Travel the Southwest visiting national parks. Leadership in law is: portion of my time for the next year and about enrolling in business school and going Lawyers as a group have characteristics that provided challenging work. From a man- into the newspaper industry. You didn’t know: pose management challenges. They have a agement perspective, help guiding our firm I can ride a unicycle. My wife and I began our strong desire for autonomy and are extremely through the 2008 recession required difficult Guilty pleasure: married life in Paris where we both practiced analytical and skeptical. Leadership needs to decisions and unpleasant conversations; it I think I have seen all episodes of “Modern law at large international firms.

John E. Zydron

The Zydron Law Firm PLLC, Virginia Beach

A retired Brigadier General the military and retired as a Brigadier General in the VA National Guard/ VA unorganized who served in the Virginia militia. National Guard, Zydron Surprising advice: practices law out of Hampton That our family is a “can do” family and “can Roads in his own firm. He is do” anything we set our minds to. also co-commissioner for the First job: Virginia Marine Resources I worked as a service station attendant. One time a truck customer filled up with 100 gal- Commission, appointed by lons of diesel and left without paying. I had to Gov. Terry McAuliffe. pay for it. It taught me about accountability.

Looking back: Biggest career challenge: I grew up in Chesapeake in a small neigh- To be the best personal injury lawyer I could borhood called Sunray. I grew up on a farm, be and find innovative ways to win tough and loved raising animals and working outdoors. unusual cases. My brother and I rode our horses to Sunday services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Best tip for balance: Treat every aspect of life with the same level An important mentor: of importance and learn to share, make time Major General Robert C. Dechert, Jr. He for each other and just “do it.” taught me the importance of God, family and country, loyalty, integrity and honesty. I might have been: Airline pilot or medical doctor. Leadership in law is: It all comes down to hard work, doing the ab- Guilty pleasure: solute best you can do, and looking for ways Hunting, fishing and growing loblolly pines to make it happen correctly and honestly. Favorite get-away: Personal accomplishment: Saint Martins, British Virgin Islands My family relationship and devotion to coun- try. Our family is always there for each other If I had a free month: You didn’t know: Hunt, fish and work on my farms Education: in good times and difficult times. It helps us I served 18 years as a substitute Judge for BA, University of Richmond get the most out of life. I spent 32 ½ years in the Virginia General District Courts. JD, George Mason University 19 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 19 2015 J. Jonathan Schraub Jeffrey K. Lehrer Nina J. Ginsberg Donald H. Clark 2011 Everette G. Sands Anderson PC DLA Piper LLP DiMuroGinsberg PC Williams Mullen “Buddy” Allen * Irving M. Blank LeClairRyan Rupen R. Shah Bryant C. McGann Jill A. Hanken Joseph P. Corish Commonwealth’s Vandeventer Black LLP Virginia Poverty Law Bean Kinney & ParisBlank Attorney’s Office Center Korman PC Cheryl L. Black Jeffrey A. Breit Evergreen Enterprises Judge John J. Brooks Meredith Smith McGrath Jr. (ret.) Patrick W. Herman James C. Cosby Breit Drescher Imprevento & Walker Doris Henderson Troutman Sanders Juridical Solutions PLC Vandeventer Black Vandeventer Black LLP Causey The Honorable * Senior U.S. District James Hingeley David G. DeFazio Craig S. Cooley Central Virginia Legal Attorney at Law Aid Society Inc. James R. Spencer Judge Robert E. Payne Albemarle Barnes & Diehl PC U.S. District Court, Eastern District Charlottesville Public Elizabeth K. Dillon Guynn Memmer & Joseph A. Condo Eastern District of Defender Sen. John S. Edwards Dillon The Condo Law Virginia Dennis J. Quinn Group PC Carr Maloney PC Stephen A. Isaacs Evan H. Farr CELA William L. Stauffer, Jr. Law Office of Stephen Law Firm of Evan H. Michael R. Doucette Commonwealth’s John T. Frey Williams Mullen, Douglas Ramseur A. Isaacs Farr PC Attorney Clerk of the Fairfax Newport News Office of the Capital Circuit Court Defender Gary W. Kendall Robert M. Galumbeck Del. Scott A. Surovell MichieHamlett Galumbeck Dennis & Cheshire I’Anson Eveleigh Frank K. Friedman Surovell Isaacs Kenneth T. Roeber Kegley Wolcott Rivers Gates Woods Rogers PLC Petersen & Levy Sands Anderson PC Thomas C. Kleine Troutman Sanders LLP Tracy A. Giles Carolyn M. Grimes J. William Gray Charles J. Zauzig O. Randolph Rollins Giles & Lambert PC Lieblich & Grimes Hunton & Williams LLP Nichols Zauzig Drive to Work Tara M. Lee Sandler PC DLA Piper Franklin P. Hall Phoebe P. Hall Jonathan E. Halperin Stephen R. Romine Hall & Hall PC Hall & Hall Halperin Law LeClairRyan George K. Martin Center LLC McGuireWoods LLP Jack L. Harris Robert Tayloe Ross Virginia Trial Lawyers Micheal L. Hern 2014 LeClairRyan Amberley Gibbs Midkiff Muncie Bruce H. Matson Association & Ross PC LeClairRyan Hammer Ralph L. “Bill” Jon D. Huddleston Hammer Law PC F. Warren Haynie Jr. Axselle Jr. James W. “Jay” Speer * John B. McCammon Sevila Saunders Williams Mullen Huddleston & White Sandra L. Havrilak Virginia Poverty Law The McCammon Harry M. “Pete” Center Group Johnson III The Havrilak Thomas R. Bagby Judge J. Samuel Law Firm PC Hunton & Williams LLP Woods Rogers PLC James W. Theobald John D. McGavin Johnston (retired) Campbell County Collin J. Hite Hirschler Fleischer Bancroft McGavin Sharon K. Lieblich Matthew P. Bosher Circuit Court Hirschler Fleischer PC Horvath & Judkins PC Lieblich & Grimes PC Hunton & Williams LLP Robert Wagner Office of the Federal Neil A.G. McPhie Edward B. Lowry J. Jack Kennedy James W. Korman Dawn Butorac Public Defender Tully Rinckey PLLC MichieHamlett Circuit Clerk of Wise Bean, Kinney & Fairfax County Public County Korman PC Defender’s Office Edward S. Whitlock III James V. Meath Scott C. Oostdyk Neil S. Kessler Del. James M. Lafayette Ayers & Williams Mullen McGuireWoods LLP Donald Caldwell Troutman Sanders LeMunyon Whitlock PLC Roanoke Jay B. Myerson Mary M. H. Priddy Oak Hill Technology Commonwealth’s H. Lane Kneedler Partners LLC Larry D. Youngner The Myerson Law Goodman Allen & Attorney Tully Rinckey PLLC Group Filetti Reed Smith Michael S. Lieberman Manuel A. Capsalis U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Pustilnik Richard E. Ladd Jr. DiMuroGinsberg PC Capsalis Fitzgerald PLC David J. Novak Richmond General PennStuart Eastern District of District Court Thomas A. Lisk Vinceretta Taylor Chiles 2013 David W. Lannetti Eckert Seamans Cherin Virginia Chiles Law Offices PC Roscoe C. Roberts Vandeventer Black & Mellott LLC Heidi W. Abbott Paula L. Peaden Virginia State Roger T. Creager Hunton & Williams Parker Pollard Wilton University U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. “Jack” Maus Creager Law Firm PLC M. Hannah Lauck Law Office of & Peaden Joel R. Branscom David R. Ruby U.S. District Court John R. Maus Dean Nora V. Botetourt County Mark E. Rubin ThompsonMcMullan Demleitner Commonwealth’s Christopher M. Kathleen M. McCauley Virginia Washington & Lee Attorney Commonwealth Douglas P. Rucker Jr. McCarthy Moran Reeves University law school University Sands Anderson PC White & McCarthy & Conn PC Matthew W. Broughton Bernard J. DiMuro Gentry Locke Rakes & James R. Schroll Sandra L. Sampson Dale G. Mullen Thomas H. Miller DiMuroGinsberg PC Moore Bean Kinney & Byler & Sampson PC Louisa County Frankl Miller Attorney & Webb LLP Korman PC Hugh M. Fain III Marni E. Byrum Edward E. Scher Spotts Fain McQuade Byrum PLLC Albert M. Orgain IV Elizabeth Murtagh Thomas R. Scott Jr. Law Office of The Street Law Firm Edward Scher Sands Anderson Charlottesville Public Michael Goodove Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap Defender Office Swartz Taliaferro Woods Rogers PLC John R. Walk Susan Stoney W. Joseph Owen III

Swartz & Goodove Hirschler Fleischer PC Legal Services of Owen & Owens Sharon D. Nelson Thomas J. Curcio Northern Virginia Sensei Enterprises Inc. Linda M. Jackson Curcio Law Luis A. Perez Littler Richard C. Sullivan Jr. Luis A. Perez PC John R. Owen S. Miles Dumville Reed Smith LLP Harman, Claytor, Kristi Cahoon Kelly Reed Smith LLP 2012 Sen. J. Chapman Corrigan & Wellman Kelly & Crandall PLC Lori D. Thompson Petersen Karen L. Fortier Steven D. Benjamin Surovell Isaacs John D. Padgett LeClairRyan Judge Stanley Karen L. Fortier PC Benjamin & Petersen & Levy McGuireWoods LLP P. Klein (ret.) DesPortes PC * Lucia Anna “Pia” Blankingship Jeffrey H. Geiger Trigiani Todd A. Pilot Sharon Elizabeth David Bernhard & Keith PC Sands Anderson PC MercerTrigiani The Trademark Institute Pandak Bernhard & Gardner Greehan, Taves, 20 Pandak & Stoner PLLC Page 20 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Andrew J. Reinhardt John L. Costello 2008 2007 Jeffrey S. Kinsler Reinhardt & Harper Michael HuYoung George Mason Appalachian School Barnes & Diehl PC University Law School of Law Linda F. Rigsby David P. Baugh Richard J. Bonnie Williams Mullen John C. Johnson Raighne C. Delaney Virginia Capital University of Virginia David S. Mercer Frith Anderson & Bean Kinney & Defender (Central) Institute of Law Troutman Sanders LLP Arthur E. Schmalz Peake PC Korman PC Psychiatry and Public Hunton & Williams Mark D. Braley Policy Craig T. Merritt Judge Colleen Lawrence D. Diehl Legal Services Corp. Christian & Barton Guy K. Tower K. Killilea Barnes & Diehl PC of Virginia Richard Cullen The McCammon Williamsburg and McGuireWoods LLP Monica Taylor Monday Group James City County Clarence M. Frank O. Brown Jr. Gentry Locke Rakes & General District Court Dunnaville Jr. Frank O. Brown Jr. PC Kyung N. (Kathryn) Moore John M. Tran Clarence M. Dickerson DimuroGinsberg R. Shawn Majette Dunnaville Jr. PC S. Jane Chittom Smolen Plevy Robert F. Redmond Jr. ThompsonMcMullan Appellate Defender Williams Mullen Stanley P. Wellman Richard E. Garriott Wyatt B. Durrette Jr. Harman Claytor Andrew R. McRoberts Clarke Dolph Rapaport Julie M. Cillo DurretteBradshaw PLC Andrew M. Sacks Corrigan & Wellman Sands Anderson Hull Brunick & Garriott Hall & Hall PLC Sacks & Sacks PLC Thomas A. Edmonds David M. Zobel Judge Becky J. Moore Terrence L. Graves Virginia State Bar Susan B. Tarley Poole Mahoney Alexandria General Michael L. Goodman Sands Anderson Marks Spirn Tarley District Court Goodman Allen & & Miller Betsy Wells Edwards Robinson & Tarley Filetti PLLC Virginia Fair Trial Tony H. Pham Frank Kilgore Project Joseph T. Waldo 2010 Richmond City Hon. Karen A. Frank Kilgore PC Waldo & Lyle Sheriff’s Office Henenberg L. Steven Emmert Arlington General Gary D. LeClair Sykes Bowden Ahern Anne Marie Del. David B. Albo Dale W. Pittman District Court LeClairRyan & Levy Whittemore Albo & Oblon LLP The Law Office of Dale McGuireWoods LLP W. Pittman PC Katja H. Hill John E. Lichtenstein Robert L. Harris Sr. Stephan F. LeClairRyan Lichtenstein Fishwick The McCammon * Denotes Leader of “Hobie” Andrews William L. Schmidt & Johnson PLC Group the Year recipient Vandeventer Black LLP William L. Schmidt & James W. Hopper Associates PC Office of the Attorney Darrel Tillar Mason Robert R. Hatten Patten James L. Banks General Darrel Tillar Mason PLC Wornom Hatten & Alexandria City J. Scott Sexton Diamonstein LC Attorney Gentry Locke Rakes Hon. Gerald Bruce Lee Jennifer L. McClellan & Moore LLP U.S. District Court Verizon Corporation Corinne J. Magee Linda Bryant The Magee Law Firm Norfolk Deputy Larry W. Shelton Alexander N. Levay Steven R. Minor PLLC Commonwealth’s Federal Public Alex Levay PLLC Elliott Lawson & Minor PC Attorney Defender Wiley F. Mitchell Jr. Stephen A. Northup Christopher M. Malone Willcox & Savage Troutman Sanders LLP Peter C. Burnett Julious P. Smith Jr. ThompsonMcMullan PC David A. Oblon Burnett & Williams PC Williams Mullen Albo & Oblon LLP William R. Rakes * Henry W. Gentry Locke Rakes & Irvin V. Cantor Vanessa L. Allen McLaughlin III W. Taylor Reveley III Moore Cantor Stoneburner Sutherland Central Virginia Legal College of William & Ford Grana Buckner Altria Client Services Aid Society Inc. Mary Diane M. Strickland The McCammon Michael S. Dingman Ronald R. Tweel G. Andrew Nea Jr. Carol Schrier-Polak Group Reed Smith LLP Michie Hamlett Lowry Williams Mullen Bean Kinney & Rasmussen & Korman PC William R. Van Buren III * U.S. Magistrate Tweel PLLC JoAnne L. Nolte Kaufman & Canoles Judge Dennis The Nolte Law Firm PC Mark E. Slaughter W. Dohnal Charles F. “Rick” Troutman Sanders LLP William T. Wilson U.S. District Court Witthoefft John M. Oakey Jr. Wilson Updike & Hirschler Fleischer McGuireWoods LLP Stephen M. Smith Nicely Melinda Douglas Brain Injury Law Office of the Public Norman F. Oblon Center Defender Oblon Spivak McClelland Maier & Rodney A. Smolla 2006 Paul B. Ebert 2009 Neustadt LLP Washington & Lee Prince William County University School Edward D. Barnes Commonwealth’s W. Coleman Allen Jr. of Law G. Michael Pace Jr. The Barnes Law Firm Attorney Allen Allen Allen & Gentry Locke Rakes & Allen Thomas E. Spahn Moore LLP Robert L. Bushnell Melissa Glassman McGuireWoods LLP McGuireWoods LLP Jayne W. Barnard Henry County Glenn W. Pulley Commonwealth’s William and Clement & Wheatley Jacob P. Stroman IV Karen A. Gould Mary Law School Spotsylvania County Attorney

Virginia State Bar Colleen M. Quinn Attorney Leonard A. Bennett Mary G. Commander Locke Partin DeBoer & Robert T. Hall Commander & Carlson Consumer Litigation Quinn John L. Walker III Hall Sickels Frei & Associates PC Williams Mullen Lucius F. Ellsworth Mims PC Robert D. Seabolt Jack W. Burtch Jr. Appalachian School Troutman Sanders LLP Jay M. Weinberg George H. Hettrick Macaulay & Burtch PC. Hirschler Fleischer of Law Hunton & Williams LLP Edward L. Weiner Beverly A. Burton Robert J. Grey Jr. Weiner Rohrstaff & Helivi L. Holland Hunton & Williams Richmond City Spivey PLC Department of Attorney’s Office Juvenile Justice David J. Johnson Brett Coffee Virginia Indigent Timothy R. Hughes Computer Systems Defense Commission Bean Kinney & Center Inc. Korman PC 21 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 21 22 Brett A. Callahan

Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian PC, Manassas

Callahan is president-elect of Biggest career challenge: Like 99 percent of my peers, it’s work-life the Prince William Chapter of balance. Cases can be fascinating and all the Virginia Women Attorneys consuming, but not so great for relaxing and taking care of yourself. Association, a member of the Blue-sky goal: Leadership Prince William I would like to win a case for a client that Class of 2016 and an active improves their fortunes in a fundamental and meaningful way and maybe has some supporter of a chamber precedential value. leadership program for Talking to my law-student self: young professionals. Don’t study at the library. Those people are way too stressed out and it is contagious. Looking back: Also, don’t try to attack the problem the same When I was about six, I went to a birthday way other people do. Your different perspec- party at a farm. A cluster of kids out in the tive is an asset. field called me over. As I ran over, one of the other mothers told my mom, “You know why Best tip for balance: they called her over, don’t you? They found a Training the dog to do household chores. Fail- bug they are scared of and they know Brett ing at that, making sure to do things outside won’t be.” Sure enough, a few minutes later of the office that relax me and make me hap- my mom sees me pick up something and the py, like seeing friends or getting a massage. other kids start squealing. I might have been: An important mentor: In business. I like negotiating. Kris Spitler is constantly supporting and encouraging my professional development Guilty pleasure: Fresh-squeezed, unpasteurized orange juice. and community involvement. I’m lucky to Lots of sugar, no fiber, really not that much in have a person who can give true constructive the way of vitamins and obscenely expensive. feedback and who is willing to sit and work It is delicious, though. out a problem. signs for local attractions, and exploring Favorite get-away: Education: natural wonders. First job: Any place without a schedule, a nice breeze, BS, Cornell University My first “real job” was tutoring high school good food, a soft bed, properly working indoor JD, George Mason University students in a summer school class when plumbing and no mosquitos. You didn’t know: I was a rising high school senior. I learned My senior year of high school we took a trip So I can legitimately say I have been in the that being polite but firm goes a long way in If I had a free month: to NASA and they were building the Inter- getting people to follow your lead. Epic cross-country road trip: Great regional national Space Station. We got to stick our International Space Station. Also, I love folk food, wandering onto the side roads to follow heads into one of the modules to take a peek. tales from around the world.

Alyssa Carducci Embree

Williams Mullen, Norfolk

Embree signed on with Biggest career challenge: Williams Mullen in Norfolk in Working through a full cycle of commercial 2013 and made partner in real estate has been challenging but very educational. I started practicing prior to the two years as her finance and recession when development was booming. real estate practice steadily In the recession, I adapted and focused on workouts, bankruptcy and finance. The past increased. She is on the few years have been busy again with devel- board of the Hampton Roads opment and leasing. chapter of Commercial Real Blue-sky goal: I would like to improve laws and policy for Estate Women. veterans. I grew up in a military family, and my brother also served in the military. After Looking back: he was wounded in combat in Afghanistan, Stationed in Germany, my family traveled ex- I became acutely aware of the issues facing tensively in Europe on space-available military veterans and their families, particularly the cargo planes. The seats required that we be process that combat-wounded veterans en- strapped into the cargo netting. Cabin service dure to receive healthcare and benefits. was a trash bag of granola bars passed around the plane! Talking to my law-student self: Evacuate from Hurricane Katrina earlier! The An important mentor: most valuable measure of your life is in your As a law student, I met a brilliant and talented relationships. Do not sweat the smaller stuff. partner practicing in Atlanta who had also Maintain your sense of humor. And keep attended Tulane Law School. Carolyn men- smiling. tored me through law school, into my first job at a major law firm in Georgia, through Best tip for balance: my transition to Virginia in 2008, and now It is important to me that I am home for dinner as a junior partner. She impacted my career with my son. As a result, I focus on work after by influencing my thought process on career he goes to bed so that I am able to enjoy time goals, adapting your practice and skill set with him in the early evening. to economic realities and the challenges of focusing on your family through different I might have been: Education: If I had a free month: career stages. In politics or meteorology. BS, Boston College I would spend time with my family and friends, JD, Tulane Law School First job: Guilty pleasure: travel, and visit my brother in Australia. My first job was working door to door cookie The Nordstorm Anniversary sale. luck: I lost most of my apartment in Hurricane sales as a Girl Scout! I remained in Girl Scout- You didn’t know: ing for 11 years and earned my Gold Award Favorite get-away: I started my education in a one-room school- Katrina and had a tree fall on our house as a junior in high school. New Orleans and New Zealand. house in Texas. Also, I have horrible weather during Tropical Storm Irene. 23 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 23 Robert F. Friedman

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman PC, Glen Allen, Richmond

Friedman is on a fast track pared, be courteous and always be profes- sional. In that context, my biggest challenge developing his expertise in has been to try to follow in the footsteps insurance law, returning to of our more experienced lawyers who have earned that reputation over the course of his alma mater to teach a decades. course on insurance law just A blue-sky goal: a few years after graduation I recently began teaching as an adjunct and taking over as chair professor at William & Mary Law School, my alma mater. I love it even more than I thought of the VADA’s insurance I would. I’d like to get more involved at the law coverage section. school in any capacity I can.

Looking back: Talking to my law-student self: I grew up in Great Neck, a New York City I would tell myself to apply to judicial intern- suburb. My first word was “blueberry,” but I ships and externships. I have never seen didn’t begin talking until I was almost three. things from that perspective. I hope that the arguments I make in court are taken how I in- An important mentor: tend, but I’m really just guessing. I wish I could My late father has had an enormous im- draw from experience working for a judge. pact on my career. My dad was a practicing attorney in New York when he passed away Best tip for balance: during my first semester of law school. My I try to set big-picture expectations for my dad didn’t see moral choices as choices at all. professional life and personal life. I am happy To him, the only dilemma was in determining professionally, but I don’t look to my job to what “the right thing to do” was. Once you provide me with capital “H” Happiness. For figured that out, the decision making was me, that comes from home. Keeping that in over – you did the right thing. When I have a mind helps me find a balance. problem, I never have to wonder what my dad would have done. I might have been: I think I would have gone into teaching. First job: I worked for my now-brother-in-law, Danny, Guilty pleasure: Education: in the commercial HVAC business. I can’t say Whenever I’m on a car ride back from a distant If I had a free month: BA, Vanderbilt University I’ve retained a lot of HVAC repair knowledge, courthouse, and only then, I invariably stop at I would take a long trip with my wife – wher- JD, William & Mary Law School but I learned a lot about responsibility, hard a gas station to buy pork rinds and Mountain ever she wanted to go. work, and drive from watching Danny. Dew. I don’t even really like Mountain Dew. You didn’t know: names. I go by “Rob,” but no one in my family Biggest career challenge: Favorite get-away: I played the bass in my school orchestra and calls me that. My dad called me “Bob.” My My firm has always stressed the importance We go up to Cape Cod, where my wife’s fami- got to play at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln mom and a sister call me “Robert.” My other of practicing the “right way.” Always be pre- ly is from and where we were married. Center. My whole family calls me by different sister just calls me “Ra.”

Melanie A. Friend

CowanGates, Richmond

A skilled family law dlers Cool Whip at breakfast. In my first “real” job at a shoe store when I was in high school, practitioner, Friend has the manager was not happy about being served MRWBA as president transferred to our small, rural town. When I told him I planned to go to law school, he said, and board member; she has “Good luck with that. This place is like a cult – served on boards of the no one gets in and no one gets out.” I learned to ignore obnoxious unwanted opinions. Rotary Club and the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation and Biggest career challenge: I deal with people’s family conflicts, children, been named a Richmond Bar homes, and the things in their lives they value Association Young Lawyer of most, so it can be tough to set that aside at the Year. the end of the day. A blue-sky goal: Looking back: Someday, I’d love to serve as a JDR judge. I grew up on a beef cattle family farm in Braxton County, W.Va. My family knew early Talking to my law-student self: on that I would make a pretty terrible farmer. I Keep investing your time and effort in mock was forever trying to sneak away with a book and hated early mornings. When I was about trial. Pay attention to the pointers you get. It 12 years old, my uncle tried to teach me to may not be the most realistic trial experience, drive a tractor. I popped the clutch, hit the gas but you need to practice thinking on your feet too hard, and probably gave poor Uncle David and under pressure. whiplash. I managed to stall the tractor just in time to save an entire line of new fencing. Best tip for balance: I was more useful in the kitchen. Thanks to For me it isn’t so much a balance as knowing Grandma, I bake excellent biscuits. that at times, one aspect of my life will con- sume more time. It’s a daily evaluation of who An important mentor: needs what from me the most, and I’m still on Frank Cowan, the founder of my firm, taught the learning curve. me how to practice law. He emphasized clear and concise persuasive writing, critical I might have been: thinking, and polished presentation. He had a I would have been an English professor. Education: If I had a free month: great respect for the litigation process and all BA, Thiel College the people involved in it, and was absolutely Guilty pleasure: I would turn off my cell phone and leave it JD, William & Mary Law School adamant about civility in the practice of law. I am a champ at taking long naps. that way.

First job: Favorite get-away: You didn’t know: interpretation. I can recite large chunks of any Babysitting my younger cousin, I learned that I love the mountains – anywhere with good As a history buff, I used to volunteer at May- Mel Brooks movie from the ’70s s through 24 parents generally disapprove of feeding tod- hiking. mont mansion as a docent, and do costumed the ’90s. Page 24 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Ryan Glasgow

Hunton & Williams LLP, Richmond Litigator Ryan Glasgow has Biggest career challenge: served on the boards of the The constant tug-of-war between my desire Legal Information Network to be a great lawyer and my even greater for Cancer and the Federal desire to be a great husband and father. I’m slowly learning that they are not mutually Bar Association, and advised exclusive interests and that taking the time numerous nonprofits groups. to focus on the latter makes me better at the His law firm has honored him former. with the E. Randolph Williams Blue-sky goal: Pro Bono Award. I’ve always thought it would be fun to argue a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Looking back: I grew up in Union City, a small yet wonderful Talking to my law-student self: town in Northwest Tennessee. My dad and Be yourself. It is important that you practice grandfather were quintessential small-town in a way that best fits your personality, style, lawyers. I have fond memories of toting their and skills. briefcases to and from court and depositions. Best tip for balance: An important mentor: There is no such thing as “work-life balance.” Richmond lawyer J.B. Burtch will always be at the top of my list, in part because he willingly Sometimes your professional life needs to serves as a mentor even though he had no trump your personal life. On other occasions, financial or other compelling reason to do so. your personal life must trump your profes- Whether the topic relates to work or personal sional life. The key is to surround yourself life, he always tells me what I need to hear, with colleagues and clients who appreciate which is not always what I want to hear. this reality and who are understanding and downright encouraging on those occasions First job: where you decide that personal life takes In college, I umpired high school, Babe Ruth, precedent. and little league baseball games. I was in my late teens/early twenties, yet charged with enforcing Favorite get-away: I might have been: Education: the rules of a game played by other kids only Tie between Paris and Bald Head Island. In medicine or coaching sports. BA, University of Tennessee-Knoxville few years younger than I was and coached by JD, Washington & Lee School of Law adults twice my age. I learned that preparation If I had a free month: (i.e., knowledge of the rules) and a no-nonsense, Guilty pleasure: Play golf in the morning; work in the yard in take-charge attitude can overcome perceived I’ve been known to play a round of golf or the afternoon; and cook dinner for my family You didn’t know: youth or inexperience. I also learned that you two. in the evening. Repeat 30 days in a row. I play a mean trumpet. I’ve never met a Jeffrey cannot please everyone all the time. Toobin book I didn’t like.

CONGRATULATIONS ROBERT F. FRIEDMAN 2016 UP & COMING LAWYERS RECIPIENT

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Colten Watson Vincent Law Group PC, Fairfax

Haddow, who has been active Blue-sky goal: in five different bar groups Being a Juvenile and Domestic Relations in Northern Virginia, has Court Judge would be an amazing way to give back to my community. twice co-chaired the Color of Justice program for minority Talking to my law-student self: Stop stressing; save it for the bar exam. Also, high school students and pay more attention in Evidence!

won volunteer awards for Best tip for balance: her work conciliating pro se Being in the moment you are in, without distraction, is vital. If I am at work, I am at litigant disputes and for fund- work and focused. If I am at home, my focus raising for United Community is on my husband and daughter. My husband is also an attorney with a busy practice and Ministries. we make it a priority to be supportive of each other and ensure the number one focus is our Looking back: daughter. Also, I work out nearly every morn- I grew up in Fairfax Station. Growing up, we ing at Xtend Barre in Old Town Alexandria. (my parents and three older sisters) would play board games as a family. We are very I might have been: competitive and Monopoly is our favorite I likely would have pursued a career in human game. We can still play a game of Monopoly rights with a focus on helping liberate the as a family in about 45 minutes because people of North Korea from the treacherous most of us have the entire game, including dictatorship they currently endure. rents and purchase prices, memorized. If you can survive a game of Monopoly with us, then Guilty pleasure: you are an honorary family member. I absolutely love football, both college (Go Cougars and Hokies!) and NFL (Go Steel- First job: ers!) We try to make it to a few games each I was a page in the United States Senate year and in the fall, you can find my husband, over the summer. I learned so much from daughter, and me watching football. There the experience, but really took away that it is is a lot of pride in our house that our toddler could go with my family and attend as many important to treat everyone with dignity and also loves football. Education: different events as possible. respect. BA, Brigham Young University Favorite get-away: JD, George Mason University Biggest career challenge: Negril, Jamaica. You didn’t know: Realizing that while I want to win every case, I was a nationally competitive synchronized at 4:30 a.m. in college. I loved getting up early it is the losses that make me learn and be- If I had a free month: swimmer growing up and my favorite job come a better lawyer in the long run. I would schedule it during the Olympics so I before becoming a lawyer was being a janitor and seeing direct results from my work.

Lisa J. Hedrick

Hirschler Fleischer PC, Richmond

Hedrick was the Richmond smart/experienced/insightful?” Being patient and continuing to work hard, I realize I have Bar Association’s “Young an opportunity to be as skilled as those who Lawyer of the Year” for inspire me. 2016. A woman in the male- Blue-sky goal: dominated field of mergers In addition to being a good lawyer, I strive to be a good leader. Early in my career, Hirschler and acquisitions, she made Fleischer challenged me with opportunities partner a year ahead of the to lead. Continuing to build on those leader- ship and mentoring skills satisfies my goal general schedule. of helping others – and my goal of contrib- uting to the firm to as a successful business Looking back: enterprise. My dad joined the Navy when I was a kid, so I lived in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Hawaii Talking to my law-student self: and Massachusetts before moving to Virginia Develop a hobby. In graduate school, I was for college. hyper-focused on law school activities. When I graduated, I realized that outside of law An important mentor: school, I had not maintained or developed any Andrew Lohmann was assigned as hobbies or external interests. my supervisor when I joined Hirschler Fleischer, but quickly became my mentor, Best tip for balance: sponsor and advocate. I think the term “balance” suggests that one’s personal and professional lives must always First job: be equal. In my experience, there are times In addition to babysitting and a paper route, when work is a priority and then times when my first official job was working at an on-base personal commitments are a priority. Learning movie theater in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. that it is “OK” to leave work during slower One important lesson I learned from this periods has helped me achieve satisfaction in experience was that a good attitude can go both arenas. a long way. Working at the theater wasn’t always easy or fun, but our staff had a good I might have been: time. It was hard to be in a bad mood when As an undergrad, I considered a double major Favorite get-away: surrounded by positive people. Education: in math. Though I’m not exactly sure what San Francisco, California. career I would have pursued, it would likely BA, College of William & Mary Biggest career challenge: JD, Washington & Lee School of Law have involved numbers. If I had a free month: Being patient with myself. Remembering I would travel to Europe or South America. to enjoy where I am in my career and not Guilty pleasure: fixating on what comes next. I often walk Bowl Parade. I have rung in the New Year on Swedish Fish You didn’t know: away from interactions with more seasoned three different continents – North America, lawyers wondering, “How do I get to be that I was a member of the Pearl City High School Asia and Europe. 26 marching band that led off the 1996 Rose Page 26 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Patice L. Holland

Woods Rogers PLC, Roanoke

Holland, an employment love what I do and always be passionate and represent my clients zealously. and intellectual property litigator, was the Roanoke Bar Biggest career challenge: My biggest career challenge has been Association’s “Young Lawyer developing a sustainable book of business. It of the Year” for 2016. In late is difficult to balance marketing/developing new business with my responsibility to obtain 2015, she became the first the required amount of billable hours and African-American female compensation necessary as a new principal attorney at my firm. partner with Woods Rogers in Roanoke. Blue-sky goal: I would love to work as a legal correspondent Looking back: on a national and/or cable television network. I grew up in Franklin County, Va. My most memorable childhood recollection was pack- Talking to my law-student self: ing my bags and visiting with my grandmother I would tell my law school-self to “stop worry- and having daily chats over milk (with a taste ing! You know much more than you think you of coffee). My grandmother was my best do! Take time to enjoy the journey.” friend and we always had the best discus- sions about life, current events and love. She Best tip for balance: passed away in February 2014 and a piece My best tip for maintaining a balance be- of me died with her. However, I will always tween my professional life and personal life have my special memories of her and our is staying grounded in my faith life (church) time together forever in my heart. and having people in my life who force me to obtain a balance. My family and close friends An important mentor: challenge me to find a balance and, so far, I My real property law professor at Stetson Uni- have been able to do so. versity College of Law, Cynthia Hawkins-Leon. We still keep in touch and she continues to be I might have been: one of my biggest cheerleaders. If I had not become a lawyer, I would have pursued a career in the entertainment First job: industry. Education: My first job was Movie Starz Video. I learned If I had a free month: BA, George Mason University early on in life that I could find a job which Guilty pleasure: I would travel the world. I would relax, shop, JD, Stetson University College of Law I was passionate about. I loved movies and Watching Wendy Williams’ talk show and drink and eat what I wanted and experience when thinking about my first job, I tried to reality television. new cultures and adventures. think of a job which was fulfilling, fun and Pageant and I auditioned for three television one about which I could be passionate! Now, Favorite get-away: You didn’t know: shows (American Idol, Jeopardy! and Wheel my goal – as I practice law – is to always Cancun, Mexico. I was a Top 10 Finalist in the Miss Virginia of Fortune).

Macel Hubbard Janoschka

Frith, Anderson & Peake PC, Roanoke Specializing in areas such not always be representing the most likeable person in the courtroom or be representing as nursing home litigation, the popular cause. workers’ compensation Blue-sky goal: and automobile litigation, I’d like to be able to look back at my career Janoschka has been heavily and be able to say that what I did was not a waste of time, but was time well-spent. involved with the Virginia Talking to my law-student self: State Bar and locally in Blonde highlights don’t work for you! Roanoke, particularly with Best tip for balance: the VSB Young Lawyers I don’t know that I can honestly say my pro- Conference and the Roanoke fessional life and personal life is “balanced.” However, it’s easier to balance your work and Junior League. personal life when your firm and family sup- port your endeavors. I’m fortunate to be part Looking back: of a firm that has wholeheartedly supported I grew up in Wise. I was fortunate to grow up my community involvement. I’m also lucky to within walking distance from my grandma have a husband who is willing to split house- and we were always at her house. Many of hold/childcare duties with me. my childhood memories relate to spending time with extended family at her house. As a I might have been: result of that close relationship, family is very I’d be doing something with children, probably important to me. as a guidance counselor or social worker.

An important mentor: Guilty pleasure: I’ve worked closely with attorney Katherine Cherry Coke and peanut butter M&M’s. This Londos since coming to FA&P five years combination is my after-trial treat to myself! ago. Because of her example I’ve learned so much about professionalism and being a true Favorite get-away: advocate for your client. Hatteras Island, North Carolina bles tennis partners throughout high school, First job: If I had a free month: Education: and we actually held the VHSL record for best My first job was working at McDonald’s the Travel! Despite lots of tempting offers from BA, University of Virginia win percentage (98 percent) in girls doubles summer before my junior year of high school. my sister-in-law who is fluent in Spanish and JD, University of Virginia I learned that I liked earning money and that I Italian, I keep putting off traveling to Europe for a couple of years after graduating. really enjoyed McDonald’s caramel sundaes! with her. That needs to change! This is embarrassing, but my backyard was a contest for a backyard makeover. The winner Biggest career challenge: You didn’t know: voted the “Ugliest Yard in the Roanoke Valley” was based on online voting and my friends Realizing that as a civil defense attorney I will I have a twin sister, Mary. She and I were dou- several years ago. The local paper sponsored came through for us and my backyard prevailed! 27 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 27 Laura Golden Liff

Miles & Stockbridge PC, Tysons Corner A Fairfax native, Liff has Biggest career challenge: Managing work-life balance! It is very difficult worked around her backyard as a litigator to maintain balance, but I have the last six years, joining Miles made some strides over the years. & Stockbridge in January. Blue-sky goal: Liff is a strong advocate for I was just admitted to the bar for the Su- preme Court of the United States. I would pro bono work and remains love to make an appellate argument before involved with the Virginia the highest court in our country. State Bar Young Lawyers Talking to my law-student self: Focus more on the big picture and don’t Conference. sweat the small stuff. I find myself doing that Looking back: more now and wish I had that perspective dating back to my law school days. I grew up in Vienna and Oak Hill in Fairfax County. I have enjoyed being the leader of Best tip for balance: the pack dating back to the age of three. At Sometimes late nights in the office are inev- my first ballet recital, my instructor made me itable during preparation for complex, multi- the line leader and put me center stage so week trials or drafting capacious cross-mo- my fellow ballerinas could find their marks by tions for summary judgment in federal court. following my lead. During those times, set expectations for your family and friends that you are unavailable, An important mentor: but when you come up for air, make sure to My former boss at the law firm where I schedule plenty of time with your loved ones worked for my first five years of practice and prioritize your personal life. The outcome offered guidance. Under his tutelage, my may not lead to balance every month, but it litigation style evolved from intellectual law will lead to a balanced year. review analyst into zealous legal advocate. I might have been: First job: Interior designer. I have been obsessed My mother is a psychotherapist and was in with design ever since my husband and I private practice with a psychiatrist and psy- purchased our first home. I love creating Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St. Croix – anywhere Education: chologist in Alexandria for several decades. beautiful, unique and functional spaces and in the Caribbean. I love the sun, sand, perfect BA, College of William & Mary During summer vacation and school breaks greatly enjoy using the creative side of my turquoise water, relaxed and fun atmosphere, JD, Catholic University of America in high school, I assisted with the billing personality. and how quick and easy it is to get there from and administration for the practice. Patient the East Coast. appointments began as early as 7 a.m. and Guilty pleasure: were scheduled as late as 7 p.m. I learned the Dark chocolate, a glass of bold red wine, and If I had a free month: You didn’t know: importance of hard work and how sometimes mindless reality TV shows on Bravo. At most times in my life I would say travel, but I taught hip-hop dance as a group fitness you have to work long hours to run a suc- we are expecting our first child and I would instructor at William & Mary. I showed grand cessful practice. Favorite get-away: probably want to do everything possible to champion Holland Lop bunnies in 4-H fairs St. Lucia, St. Thomas, St. John, the British get ready for the baby! as a child.

D. Bradley Marshall

Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Prince William County Marshall has been on the as a project assistant at a relatively large law firm. Some lawyers wouldn’t even make prosecutorial side of the eye contact or speak to project assistants. It courtroom the last nine years taught me to respect everyone I work with, no matter their title or job, from janitor to senior in Prince William County. He’s partner, and to never again have a job where I actively involved in the local watch the clock waiting to leave. community, mentoring at-risk Biggest career challenge: Overcoming personal adversity and eventually youth and speaking to high allowing it to make me better at my job. school students. Marshall is Blue-sky goal: also president-elect of the Reforming how the criminal justice system Prince William County Bar treats the mentally ill.

Assocaition. Talking to my law-student self: Study areas I may never practice, to maintain Looking back: the academic curiosity and philosophical I was born in Norfolk, raised in Chesapeake mindset I had after college, and not to let until elementary school, then moved to the practice of law make me cynical about Nokesville. I am a “mirror image” identical people. twin, so we used to switch places in classes or fool friends into thinking we were the oth- Best tip for balance: er. Only one teacher found a way to tell who It’s cliché, but if your work is your passion, was who: Because we were mirror image, you never feel like you are working. It’s one of us was right-handed and the other also important to get involved in civic and left-handed. professional activities that are meaningful and fulfilling. Also, take at least one three-day An important mentor: weekend per month! The most important mentor in my life has been Paul Ebert. His breadth of experience I might have been: and wisdom is legendary. I am one of many Architect! who would call him the most important Education: influence in our professional careers. He Guilty pleasure: If I had a free month: BA, University of Virginia goes above and beyond the role of a boss to Great cigars and even better bourbon. Drive cross-country and talk to every single JD, Michigan State University almost act as a father figure. person who will listen to me! Favorite get-away: First job: Smith Mountain Lake – the best combination You didn’t know: And I refuse to eat chicken and eggs together! 28 My job between college and law school was of lake life and mountain life. I am both the life of the party and a recluse. Page 28 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Edward A. Mullen

Reed Smith LLP, Richmond

Known as one of the top new is earned by delivering weekly newspapers in a confined neighborhood, and which houses attorneys in administrative had dogs. and regulatory law, Mullen Biggest career challenge: makes himself available Sustaining and expanding an established beyond Reed Smith. He’s law practice and working to pass a reason- devoted pro bono time to ably-groundbreaking new regulatory frame- work for transportation network companies the Pamunkey Indian tribe (app based ride-sharing services). along with being an adjunct Blue-sky goal: professor at the University of To maintain a best in market law practice Virginia School of Law. while engaging in a leadership role in my community, sustaining a strong and vibrant Looking back: marriage, and raising well-adjusted, happy, I grew up in Old Town Alexandria. I recall ne- and successful children. gotiating with my parents for the right to ride my bike by myself anywhere between Jones Talking to my law-student self: Point and King Street so long as I was home Relax, it will be fine. by dark. It was a big moment for freedom. Best tip for balance: An important mentor: Engage in multiple hobbies, embrace slower Senator Mark Warner, my first real boss, and times in the practice when they come, and go Bill Thomas, my partner at Reed Smith, have home. both had profound and continuing impacts on my career. From Senator Warner I learned I might have been: post-collegiate discipline, attention to detail, In politics, academia, or recreational fishing. a sense of urgency, and the importance of service. From Mr. Thomas, I learned (and con- tinue to learn) how to balance a successful Guilty pleasure: law practice with a healthy personal life, cre- Duck hunting and hipster coffee shops. ativity in legal solutions, and the importance You didn’t know: Education: of zealous persistence and perseverance. Favorite get-away: I am an avid fan of the Grateful Dead and at- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. BA, University of Virginia tended a number of shows before the original JD, University of Virginia First job: group disbanded in 1995. My “bachelor party” Delivering the Alexandria Port Packet in the If I had a free month: prior to marriage involved a small-craft bor- southeast quadrant of Old Town. I learned the Sail the Northwest Passage. der-to-border circumnavigation of the Virginia what proved to be fairly elusive tarpon. importance of being on time, how little money portion of the Eastern Shore in search of

Congratulations to Melanie Friend for being named one of the “Up & Coming Lawyers” The Law Firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & of 2016. Nishanian, P.C. Wishes to Congratulate Kristina Keech Spitler for being named one of Virginia’s Since 1977, the lawyers of CowanGates have held “Leaders In The Law” themselves to the highest of standards: excellence. by Virginia Lawyers Weekly That’s because our clients deserve representatives who break away from a “cookie-cutter” approach to law. and Melanie Friend, who joined CowanGates as a family law Brett A. Callahan attorney in 2007, is a shining example of our dedication for being named one of Virgina’s to excellence. We want to sincerely congratulate Melanie for this great achievement and say thanks “Up and Coming Lawyers” for her decade of exemplary service. For cases that by Virginia Lawyers Weekly require real skill, knowledge and a personal touch, the attorneys at CowanGates are here to help.

Business & Corporate Law | Civil Litigation | Mediation & Arbitration |Employment Law |Government Contracts Intellectual Property | Land Use, Zoning & Development Municipal Law & Departments of Social Services Real Estate & Lending | Tax & Estate Planning CowanGates | 1930 Huguenot Road | Richmond, VA 23235 804-320-9100 | 800-948-7160 | CowanGates.com www.vfnlaw.com | 703-369-4738 29 2016 Leaders in the Law Virginia Lawyers Media | Page 29 Dipti Pidikiti-Smith

Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Washington DC

A community-focused First job: I was a volunteer at the Philadelphia Zoo. attorney at Legal Services I had a number of tasks including assisting of Northern Virginia, Pidikiti- with presentations at the Children’s Zoo and cleaning the cages for the birds of prey. I Smith specializes in working learned about effective communication, team with low-income, disabled work, and animal behavior. and elderly Virginians who Biggest career challenge: wouldn’t otherwise be Every day at work, my office assists low-in- come, elderly, and disabled individuals. Our able to afford adequate clients came to our office during times of cri- representation in civil sis in their lives. It is extremely frustrating to know legal aids do not have enough funding matters. She chairs the LSNV and resources to assist fully. Often times, we Housing/Consumer Practice are providing a temporary band- aid. Group. Blue-sky goal: In the pursuit of access to justice, I would like to Looking back: implement “Civil Gideon” in Virginia. Civil Gideon I spent my childhood in India, Nigeria, and refers to a movement that advocates the right Upper Darby, Pa. I grew up in warm weather to counsel in civil cases such as housing and climates until I came to the United States. custody for the indigent. Often times a criminal When my family was driving back from New conviction can impact civil interests, housing, York, I saw my first snowfall. I thought the employment, and public benefits. snow looked somewhat like salt. When we arrived home, I jumped out of the car and Talking to my law-student self: enjoyed walking on it. I remember thinking it’s I would tell myself to study abroad. so soft! I took some snow off a tree and ate it. It did not taste like salt! Best tip for balance: Make it a priority and step away from your An important mentor: laptop/computer/phone. On most weekdays, Judge Russell Canan, District of Columbia I try not to use email between 7 p.m. and 7 Superior Court. My judicial clerkship with a.m., and I spend time with my family or enjoy Judge Canan was an amazing experience Education: a hobby or participate in community activities. Favorite get-away: and some of my fondest memories of my BS, Temple University I enjoy visiting my childhood home in Hyder- legal career occurred during my clerkship. JD, University of the District of Columbia I might have been: abad, India. Judge Canan was (and still is) an excellent I would have pursued a policy career in global teacher who shared his knowledge and health. If I had a free month: expertise. He showed me the importance of our planet. Travel! I enjoy gaining new experiences, learn- being a good listener, the value of patience, Guilty pleasure: ing about different cultures, listening to new You didn’t know: and the need to maintain a work-life balance. I enjoy watching Project Runway. It inspired languages, eating cuisines from around the I’ve been skydiving, and I love Mel Brooks me to get a sewing machine and for my first world and experiencing nature and wildlife on movies. project, I made three pairs of curtains.

Jeremy S. Williams

Kutak Rock LLP, Richmond

Recently named a partner Biggest career challenge: at Kutak Rock, Williams has Asking for help ... at the right time. As an embraced his roles within associate, you frequently crave autonomy to run your own cases and make your own the Virginia State Bar and decisions. As a partner, you often believe Richmond Bar Association that you should always be capable of making the difficult decisions. The tough part for me to make an impact within the has been figuring out when I should ask for VSB’s Young Lawyers Division help and consult with my partners and when I should buckle down and have confidence in and the Richmond Bar myself and the strategy I employ.

Association Young Lawyers Blue-sky goal: Section, which he serves as I want to be a leader within my firm and a leader within the community. To achieve both chair-elect. of these would be the culmination of what I Looking back: have worked so hard for and what I continue Growing up, I had some friends who would to work hard for. often invite us over to their house to go sled- ding, swim in the pool or otherwise engage Talking to my law-student self: in social time. Over time, I learned that these Diversify your networking. Often time stu- invitations came with a price, usually in the dents are driven by the money and lifestyle form of plowing/planting the field, pulling they think a big firm offers. Much of my time weeds in the garden or otherwise performing was spent seeking only those opportunities. some chore. Many friends, however, have achieved great things by taking other avenues. Not only that, An important mentor: these avenues often lead to professional Two brothers took turns serving as youth relationships, clients and friends. pastors at my church. They reinforced the concept of work before play, the importance Best tip for balance: of always being social and welcoming, and When possible, leave the work at work. I to treat everyone like family. Today I try to work long days, but when I leave, I focus on employ these same concepts in my client spending time with my wife, my friends and Guilty pleasure: my dog. If you are constantly checking your Education: development, with opposing counsel and all A hot dog from my favorite spot in Richmond BA, University of Virginia those with whom I interact. phone, those in your personal life will always – City Dogs. be competing for your attention. JD, George Mason University First job: Favorite get-away: I might have been: Working at Staples at the age of 16, I Anywhere foreign. My wife and I love traveling You didn’t know: In politics. learned that you will encounter all types and spending the days roaming the streets of I worked almost full-time in college to pay my of employees and all types of customers. a foreign city. tuition. At the time, I was the youngest person Some employees will work hard, be honest certified to authenticate Sunbeam Tigers and strive to be the best employee they If I had a free month: (car) in the U.S. 30 can be. Others will do the bare minimum. Travel. Page 30 | Virginia Lawyers Media 2016 Leaders in the Law Neutrals with experience, standing, and integrity.

Meet our mediators and arbitrators who are trusted to be skillful and impartial in the ADR process.

HON. WILLIAM C. ANDREWS, lll (Ret.) J. JAY LITTEN, ESQ. HON. FREDERICK H. CREEKMORE, SR (Ret.) HON. SUZANNE K. FULTON (Ret.) JOHN D. MCGAVIN, ESQ. JOSEPH R. LASSITER, JR., ESQ. JEFFERY F. BROOKE, ESQ. JOHN S. MORRIS, III, ESQ. JAMES B. LONERGAN, ESQ. LAWRENCE E. CARR JR., ESQ. PHILIP RUSSO JR., ESQ. ANN K. SULLIVAN, ESQ. J. THOMPSON CRAVENS, ESQ. PHILIP A. ROBERTS, JR., ESQ. JOSEPH E. BANKERT, ESQ. JAMES G. MUNCIE JR., ESQ. GREGORY T. ST. OURS, ESQ. MARNI E. BYNUM, ESQ. RANDOLPH C. DUVALL, ESQ. HON. JAMES A CALES, JR. (Ret.) BRENDAN FEELEY, ESQ. HON. WALTER J. FORD (Ret.) CAROLYN C. LAVECCHIA, ESQ. CHARLES E. GALLAGHER, JR., ESQ. JOHN P. HARRIS, III, ESQ. JAMES C. SHANNON, ESQ. BENJAMIN W. GLASS III, EXQ. TRACY ANN HOUCK, ESQ. THOMAS STARK, IV, ESQ. HON. JOSEPH B. KENNEDY (Ret.) HON. RANDOLPH T. WEST (Ret.) THOMAS W. WILLIAMSON, JR., ESQ. JAMES W. PRESSLER, JR., ESQ. JOSEPH H. KASIMER, ESQ. RICHARD J. COLGAN, ESQ. JOHN H. JOHNSTON, ESQ

Over twenty-three years in the ADR field gives Arbitration Associates, Inc. the experience to guide you in evaluating your case, helping you choose the best process, and in selecting the best neutrals to resolve your dispute. Whether it’s mediation, binding arbitration, or a combination of processes like med-arb, we can move you through the process smoothly and efficiently. We are currently accepting applications for panel members. If you have a case that might be right for ADR, please call Arbitration Associates directly to avoid any conflicts of interest. Contacting one of our panelists directly may compromise the panelist’s neutrality. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Arbitration Associates, Inc. |11902 Markey Circle Midlothian, VA 23112 Phone: (804) 763-3600 | E-mail: [email protected] | Website: www.Arbitration-Associates.com 31 he attorneys and staff of Barnes and Diehl proudly congratulate Brian Jones and Melissa VanZile for being selected as Leaders in the Law for 2016.

Brian and Melissa join Barnes & Diehl’s previous honorees Ed Barnes, Larry Diehl, and Michael HuYoung as recipients of the Leaders in the Law award.

Barnes Diehl HuYoung Barnes & Diehl, p.c.

Richmond/Chesterfield Office: Henrico Office: Hanover Office: Boulders VI Three Paragon Lockwood Business Center 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 200 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 110 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 319 Richmond, VA 23225 Richmond, VA 23230 Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone: (804) 796-1000 Phone: (804) 762-9500 Phone: (804) 569-5515 Fax: (804) 796-1730 Fax: (804) 762-9654 Fax: (804) 569-5501 www.BarnesFamilyLaw.com 32 A Tradition of Experience and Devotion to Family Law