Serving the Northern Virginia Legal Community

JOURNAL Newsletter of the Fairfax Bar Association www.fairfaxbar.org October/November 2011

THE FBA ROOTS FOR THE HOME TEAM 4TH ANNUAL STITT CUP AT THE ANNUAL BASEBALL OUTING FBA Young Lawyers Section by Meg Hart and Laurie Proctor, FBA Young Lawyers Section Board Members and Co-Chairs of the Stitt Cup Committee On August 21, FBA members and friends gathered for some pea- On Saturday, September 24, 2011, the Fairfax Bar nuts, crackerjacks, and America’s Association Young Lawyers Section and the Fairfax Law favorite pastime—baseball. The seats, Foundation hosted their 4th Annual Stitt Cup at the Fairfax a covered block in Section 138 directly County Government Center. The event featured a barbe- behind the Nationals’ bullpen, were cue, live music, face painting, a volleyball tournament, ready for the game, rain or shine! and a chance to mingle with friends, colleagues, and their families. Stitt Cup is generally one of the Young Lawyers Section’s best attended events and attracts the most spon- sors. This year was no different, even with looming rain and wet fields. Over 60 FBA members came out to support the cause and enjoy themselves.

Stitt Cup began over a decade ago as an event known as “Lawyerpalooza.” Among the regulars was Judge David Hon. David T. Stitt T. Stitt, who brightened the event with his larger-than-life laugh, competitive spirit, and sharp wit. Judge Stitt was not only an active member of the FBA and a talented volleyball player, he was also one of the event’s biggest fans. When Judge Stitt passed away in 2008, the Young Lawyers Board chose to rename the event in his honor and the Fairfax Law Foundation created a scholarship in Judge Stitt’s name. All proceeds from the event go to the Hon. David T. Stitt Scholarship Fund for George Mason University School of Law. This year, Stitt Cup raised over $8,000 in donations from law firms and individuals who generously The Washington Nationals hosted the sponsored the event. This event could not happen without these generous sponsorships Philadelphia Phillies on that late (see sponsor list on page 10). On behalf of the Young Lawyers Section, we are eternally summer day in downtown D.C. The grateful for those who continually open their pockets for this event. Nationals ended up having an unlikely 5-4 victory over the Phillies. The fate of Stitt Cup not only raises money for a worthy cause, but also provides a day of fun and the game was sealed during the last two camaraderie. As Young Lawyers Section board member Derek Richmond put it, “Stitt innings of play. Ian Desmond, shortstop Cup provides a unique and important opportunity for young lawyers to interact with their for the Nationals, hit a tieing home run more experienced colleagues and judges in a relaxed, casual environment. When those with two strikes and two outs in the ninth young lawyers can later approach those attorneys or appear before those judges with inning. If that wasn’t exciting enough, less trepidation, the entire profession benefits. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a barbecue, beer, Johnny Gomes, who plays left field for and volleyball?” Echoing Derek’s kind words, Young Lawyers Section President Josh the Nationals, was nicked by a pitch Isaacs commented, “Stitt Cup is the event that members of the Young Lawyers Section from the Phillies’ relief pitcher, Brad look forward to on an annual basis.” Lidge, with the bases loaded in the tenth, allowing the Nationals to secure Although Stitt Cup is meant to be a social event to raise money for a great cause, many another score and win the game. appear for another goal: to compete for the coveted Stitt Cup trophy. Participants are encouraged to form teams and play each other in a round-robin tournament. This year, It was a great day for baseball and a many formidable teams emerged in shape and ready to claim the prestigious title. Armed wonderful way to spend the afternoon. in matching jerseys and with experience under their belts, the Vienna Law Group took Be sure to watch the calendar for other home the title and trophy, beating Todd Petit’s Public Defenders in the championship exciting gatherings the FBA has to offer game squeaker. in the future. continued on page 4 President’s Column by William P. Daly, Jr., Esq. FAIRFAX BAR JOURNAL Official Newsletter of the JUSTICE FOR ALL Fairfax Bar Association 4110 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 216 As I write this, we are finishing up a week of unusual Fairfax, VA 22030-4009 events for the Washington area. Let’s face it, we’re Telephone: 703-246-2740 Fax: 703-273-1274 not likely to experience both an earthquake and a Email: [email protected] hurricane in the same week again in our lifetimes. But http://www.fairfaxbar.org such news can overshadow some truly extraordinary news elsewhere. Just recently, we have seen the fall of Tripoli, as Gaddafi becomes the latest “victim” in an amazing year of dominoes Officers 2011-2012 in the Middle East. We continue to see ordinary citizens taking to the streets, often at significant personal risk, to combat oppressive political and economic President ...... William P. Daly, Jr...... 703-790-1911 conditions that have endured for decades. President-Elect .. Jay B. Myerson ...... 703-715-9600 Not only do most Americans lack a true sense of those oppressive conditions, Vice-President ... Edward L. Weiner ...... 703-273-9500 they also probably fail to fully comprehend the importance of our legal system in Past President ... David J. Gogal ...... 703-691-1235 providing Americans with the political stability and economic success that we have come to take for granted. Access to justice in this country is not a privilege Treasurer ...... David L. Marks ...... 703-385-1100 of the well-to-do or well-connected but a right of all Americans. Our justice Secretary ...... Douglas R. Kay ...... 703-883-0880 system, because it works, helps ensure that we enjoy living in a society where citizens can take to the streets in protest—but rarely feel the need. We, as Gen. Counsel ... Michael A. Minter ...... 703-903-9000 lawyers, are part of that system and have professional and ethical obligations not only to the legal system, but I believe, to our society as a whole. It is not surprising Board of Directors 2011-2012 to me to find that in many of those countries where citizens are fighting oppres- sive conditions, it is often lawyers who are leaders in those efforts. Richard A. Gray ...... 703-218-2100 Valerie E. Hughes ...... 703-273-0711 The changes that we may want to make within our legal system and our society are obviously much more modest than those desired elsewhere, but they are Christie A. Leary ...... 703-359-7111 nevertheless important. Also important is protecting the system we have. The Thomas W. Repczynski ...... 240-507-1700 FBA and the Fairfax Law Foundation, its charitable arm, provide programs that help foster an understanding and appreciation for our system of justice, including Michael J. Shevlin ...... 703-591-0067 our Law Day Program, Court Tours for students in Fairfax public middle schools, John M. Tran ...... 703-684-4333 and our newest program, the “Rule of Law” project. According to a recent World Bank report, “[e]conomic growth, political modernization, the protection of human Robert B. Walker ...... 703-437-5128 rights, and other worthy objectives are all believed to hinge, at least in part, on Young Lawyers Representative ‘the rule of law’.” [World Bank, The Rule of Law as a Goal of Development Policy, Helen Yu and Alison Guernsey]. Todd E. Davis ...... 703-577-9686 Executive Director/Editor The “Rule of Law” project utilizes excellent resources developed by the Virginia Courtnie L. Norris • 703-246-2740 Bar Association and is funded, in part, by a grant from the Virginia Law Founda- [email protected] tion. It is designed to teach the concept of the rule of law to middle schoolers in Communications Coordinator Virginia. The program is timely considering the toll the current economic climate Kristin Derlunas Fisher • 703-246-3721 is having on our judicial system; namely, redistricting/consolidating, inability to [email protected] fund judicial vacancies, underfunding court systems and clerks’ offices, etc. Our Graphic Design/Space Advertising judicial system is certainly an easier target when there’s a disconnect, in the Ann Hill Thornton • 703-743-9375 public’s view, between the judicial system and the way of life we take for granted. [email protected]

As for the program, the FBA introduced it last year to two middle schools and Classified Advertising Larissa L. Williams • 703-246-2734 later expanded it to six. We hope to expand it further this year to reach as many [email protected] eighth grade social studies classes as possible through more attorney volunteers and additional materials provided through the Virginia Bar Association. If you are interested in participating, or in receiving more information, please contact Sonya All articles or advertising submitted to the Duchak, at [email protected] or 703-627-1228, or Courtnie Norris at Fairfax Bar Journal are subject to the [email protected] or 703-246-2732. You will not regret getting involved. editor’s approval. The editor reserves the right to reject any submissions that, in the opinion of the editor, are inappropriate for the Journal. continued on page 10 2––Fairfax Bar Journal • October/November 2011 AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION UPCOMING EVENTS/CLEs Annual Report

By David P. Bobzien, Fairfax Bar Association’s Delegate to the House of Delegates

October 9-12, 2011 (Sunday-Wednesday)

The 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association took place in early FAIRFAX BARdi Gras August in Toronto, Ontario. Why Canada? More and more legal business is NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION conducted with our neighbors to the North and, frankly, the ABA likes to venture out of the country every few years—the last foreign meeting taking place in Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal Street London—just for a change of scenery. The last Toronto meeting was in 1998. New Orleans, LA 70112 This year the numbers were down substantially, with only 5,000 attending. Many attributed that to the expense of getting there (coach airfare from Dulles to Toronto at around $600), and the new requirement of a valid passport for travel between October 20, 2011 (Thursday) the countries. All in all, despite the small numbers, it was a successful meeting. ANNUAL CRIMINAL LAW CLE: It was particularly educational for me, wearing my other hat as a member of the FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, to hear from providers of services for battered partners, and to learn that the provincial government of Ontario alone OTHER CRIMINAL CASES spends more on domestic violence than we do in the entire United States. 4:00 - 7:0 PM

P. J. Skidoo’s The House of Delegates met for two days on August 8 and 9, and it covered a lot of ground. After the singing of the National anthems of both countries—I thought 9908 Fairfax Boulevard I was at a hockey game—the House was greeted by Canadian Supreme Court Fairfax, VA 22033 Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella. Her father was a lawyer who avoided concen- 3.0 MCLE Credits Pending tration camp death and wound up in a displaced persons camp in Stuttgart at the conclusion of World War II. Justice Abella was born in the camp. She pointed out $120 FBA Members to a hushed House that while Canada, to which they emigrated, would never $165 Non-Members allow her father to hold a license to practice law, the American Army used her father’s legal services enthusiastically during the long period they were in the camp. For this, she will forever hold America in a special place in her heart. Later October 25, 2011 (Tuesday) on the first day, the ABA Medal was awarded to Ted Olsen and David Boies for ANNUAL LAW & TECHNOLOGY CLE their unusual collaboration in the federal suit brought to challenge California’s 4:30 - 6:30 PM Proposition 8, banning same sex marriage, and their continuing leadership of the ABA Task Force on Preservation of the Justice System. Fairfax County Courthouse, 4th Floor Jury Assembly Room Samplings of the House of Delegates’ decisions, which will give you an idea of the 2.0 MCLE (1.0 Ethics) Credits Pending many topics that occupy the ABA, are: $70 Attorney Members

• Approved an ABA constitutional amendment granting full House of $100 Attorney Non-Members Delegates status to American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana $50 FBA Affiliate Members Islands, and Guam. $80 Support Staff Non-Members • Adopted the Model Act Governing the Representation of Children in Abuse, Neglect and Dependency Proceedings. November 11, 2011 (Friday)

• Adopted a resolution urging the U.S. Sentencing Commission to JAZZ4JUSTICE complete a comprehensive assessment of the guidelines for child pornography 8:00 PM offenses, taking into account the severity of each offense. This matter was not George Mason University Center for the Arts without controversy, with one former ABA president urging defeat because, in her view, the existing guidelines are far too lenient. Fairfax, VA $20 Adults; $15 Adults/Seniors • Adopted a resolution urging governments to enact legislation and For more information call the Fairfax Law Foundation appropriate funds to protect sexual crime victims’ rights by eliminating the sub- stantial backlog in testing rape kits collected from crime scenes and at 703-246-2740 or the convicted offenders. This measure was advanced by my Commission on Domes- GMU School of Music at 703-993-1380 tic Violence and passed unanimously.

continued on page 8

October/November 2011 • Fairfax Bar Journal––3 4TH ANNUAL PARALEGAL SECTION STITT CUP News continued from page 1

The FBA Paralegal Section is pleased As Heidi Ricker, of the Vienna Law Group, to announce that Candice R. explained, “Unfortunately last year we lost Benvenuti, CP, employed by Colten, every game, so winning is certainly much Cummins, Watson & Vincent PC, is more fun. Thank you to the FBA and Fairfax our 2010-2011 Paralegal Scholarship Law Foundation for putting together such an enjoyable event. The food and the recipient. music were great and it was fun to see everyone relaxed and out of their business Candice successfully completed the suits.” National Association of Legal Assis- tants (NALA) two-day CLA/CP exam On behalf of the Fairfax Bar Association in 2005, entitling her to use the Young Lawyers Section, we would like to Certified Paralegal (CP) professional sincerely thank all of those, listed and credential. She began employment unlisted, who took time to help, participate, with Colten Cummins in 2006, and and donate to yet another successful Stitt Cup. We would also like to thank the Fairfax has been a member of the FBA Bar Association staff (especially Courtnie Paralegal Section since 2008. As Norris and Larissa Williams) who dedicated this year’s scholarship recipient, countless hours to the event and without Candice’s award will help defray her whom the event could not occur. unreimbursed costs associated Candice R. Benvenuti, CP with completing 50 CLE credits to Colten, Cummins, Watson & Vincent PC For those interested in getting involved maintain her paralegal certification. with the Young Lawyers Section, please feel free to contact either of us at

Candice is a dedicated multi-tasker. In addition to working full-time and raising [email protected] or four active children, she serves on Northern Virginia Community College’s [email protected] Advisory Board for its legal studies program and enjoys volunteering in that capacity. The Young Lawyers Section has a couple of happy hours coming up and our next Education and certification are important to our Section and the profession as a project is our annual collection of holiday whole. We appreciate the establishment of an annual scholarship. This year’s care packages for the troops. Please scholarship, in the amount of $200, was funded with the Section’s residual contact us if you wish to get involved or donate! budget.

Congratulations, Candice! Thank you for all you do to advance the legal Please see Stitt Cup sponsors and profession. more photos on page 10 Officers Chair Jessica A. Mendez Colten, Cummins, Watson & Vincent PC

Vice-Chair/Legislative Liaison Janice L. Day Shoun, Bach, Walinsky & Curran, P.C.

Secretary/Activities Coordinator Tina Fewell Shoun, Bach, Walinsky & Curran, P.C.

CPE Coordinator Janet Lawson Blankingship & Keith, P.C.

4––Fairfax Bar Journal • October/November 2011 For this year, we will monitor the changed DWI/DUI procedure to ensure FBA GENERAL DISTRICT COURT COMMITTEE it is working as intended. We will also finalize the updated alternative sentenc- Update ing manual and get it to the printer By John A. Kassabian, Chair and David A. Hirsch, Vice-Chair so that it is ready for sale. Upcoming challenges will be to monitor how This past year was a busy one for our Committee. Through the collaborative the 2011 legislative changes impact efforts of members of the Bench, the Clerk’s Office, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s the Court and the Clerk’s Office. Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Bar, we helped with the implementa- Specifically, these changes involve the tion of a new policy for handling the first court dates in DWI/DUI cases. It is increase in the Court’s civil jurisdiction hoped this change will ease the burden on witnesses, as well as facilitate discov- to $25,000 and the addition of protec- ery and discussion in such cases. We also began the large task of a tive orders in non-domestic cases. If you complete updating of the alternative sentencing manual. In addition, we also are an active FBA member in good made suggestions to increase the availability and efficiency of mediators for the standing, and you have a regular prac- small claims trial docket. tice before the Court, we welcome your membership on the Committee. One significant project was the placement of standard forms online, now To join, please email Larissa Williams, available on the Clerk’s website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/gendist/ [email protected], to indicate gdcforms.htm, where practitioners and members of the public can now fill out your desire to serve. Our Committee and file some forms electronically. This included some changes to the standard typically meets at 2:30 PM on the discovery order in criminal and traffic cases. Another project was a revival of second Thursday of each month in the judicial ombudsman program. Members can access that program at the Traffic Court Conference Room #106. members-only section of the FBA website. Program forms are also available in the FBA office. Based upon our success with the ombudsman program, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court implemented its own ombuds- man program and the Circuit Court is considering a similar program.

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October/November 2011 • Fairfax Bar Journal––5 LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SECTION Managing Time by Kavita S. Knowles, Esq., Co-Chair

Time—it seems we have less and less of it even though we have a growing number of time-saving devices. Get rid of those devices, some would say. How do we deal with time in order to be able to make more use, or be able to enjoy more, of it? The key is managing it. It is a lesson that we can all use, as I tell my daughter who begins her sophomore year in high school this year. As she learns to juggle her time between school and homework, after- school activities, and her social life, time management will carry her not only through high school, but into college, a career, and whatever happens in life.

In the context of a law practice, time management can affect not only work-life balance but also profitability issues. There are several ways to deal with managing time and it can vary with the type of practice and the resources available. In general, consider the following for managing your time:

• Start with a To Do list each day, whether it is on paper, Blackberry, iPad, or computer through a case management system. It will help you stay focused. Use the To Do list to help you organize and prioritize your tasks for the day. It may fluctuate during the day as circumstances change, and may need to be carried over to the next day to be completed.

• Use a case management system that allows you to have information on all your cases, and preferably includes the ability to calendar and schedule, view alerts, deadlines, events, check for conflicts, and management To Do lists, emails, document management and contact management, time, and billing. There are several systems that can be tailored for your particular needs so before you purchase, search and “test drive” the product. Make sure you and your staff all know how to use the system so you can communicate effectively and understand each other’s needs.

• Use a billing system that keeps track of all your time and make sure you input the time as you are working on a matter, whether it is billable or not. At the end of the day or week or month, you can analyze where the time went, how you can improve your productivity, and what changes you need to make in your work habits.

• Delegate tasks. Most attorneys are of type A personality and want to remain in control, but that’s one way to lose sight of time. One tool for efficient use of time is the delegation of tasks, whether it is to other attorneys or staff. However, for delegation to be effective you need to assign the right person to the project, effectively outline the task, and provide resources and support for its successful conclusion.

• Declutter—reduce the amount of paper and/or go paperless. Going through stacks of paper is a time sucker. As more and more courts are moving toward electronic filing, and clients and attorneys communicating through emails, there should be no reason for piles of paper on attorneys’ desks. There should be no need to send the same correspondence or pleading by fax, email, certified mail, and regular mail or overnight delivery—all of which I have received on more than one occasion. This is overkill in terms of costs and paper. All documents should be scanned and cases should be saved as an electronic file in the firm’s case management system. Having less paper or clutter on your desk will help you stay better organized and focused so you can complete your To Do list.

There are many more time-saving tips and tools that can be found or learned from various CLEs offered by Virginia CLE, FBA, and other private vendors on time management. If you want to participate in further discussion on time management or other law practice management issues, please join the Law Practice Management Sec- tion at our monthly meetings held on the second Thursdays of the month.

6––Fairfax Bar Journal • October/November 2011 October/November 2011 • Fairfax Bar Journal––7 FBA’s LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE BECOMES A CHARTER MEMBER OF PARTNERSHIP

CLEs BETWEEN THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION

DOL Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) / Family and Medical Leave Act Panel (FMLA) LRIS

by Donna J. McBride, Director, FBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service

On average, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) receives contact from approxi- mately 25,000 individuals per year who need assistance with their minimum wage, overtime, or family medical leave claims. In recognition of the fact that the WHD did not have the capacity to remedy every violation of FLSA and FMLA, Congress provided workers the right to pursue private litigation under these laws. In reality, when the WHD was unable to pursue certain valid claims, finding an attorney with the necessary experience often proved to be a major impediment to individuals in obtaining resolution of these claims.

This situation led to an unprecedented collaboration between the WHD and the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Lawyer Referral & Information Service to connect workers to local referral services that maintained an appropriate panel of attorneys able to help. The resulting program, dubbed the ABA-Approved Attorney Referral System, launched on December 13, 2010.

In mid-December 2010, the FBA LRIS created, and with approval from both the FBA LRIS Committee and the FBA Board of Directors, a new Subject Matter Panel dealing specifically with the FLSA and the FMLA. Partici- pating attorneys must meet certain continuing legal education and experience requirements that conform to DOL and ABA prerequisites. The FBA LRIS is one of the 38 ABA-approved referral services nation- wide to participate in this joint U.S. Department of Labor and American Bar Association project from inception. The mechanics of the program are fairly simple. When the WHD no longer pursues an individual’s claim, that person is issued a letter that contains a toll-free number used to contact the newly created ABA-Approved Attorney Referral System. If the individual calls the toll-free number, he/she inputs a zip code and is then provided with contact information for one or more ABA-approved lawyer referral services. If the WHD has conducted an investigation, the individual is now also provided information about the WHD’s determination regarding violations and any back wages owed. The WHD has also developed a special process for these complainants and their representing attorneys to quickly obtain certain case information and documents.

The FBA LRIS is proud to be a charter member of this program and it is hoped that, if successful, it will usher in additional collaborations involving other Department of Labor cases or federal government programs.

ABA ANNUAL REPORT continued from page 3

• Disapproved a Uniform Collaborative Law/Rules expense this would entail for state courts at a time of current Act promulgated by the National Conference of Commis- fiscal strain. Prior to the meeting, each member of the sioners on Uniform State Laws in 2010. Although supported Virginia delegation received a message from Chief Justice by the hierarchy of the ABA, the successful opponents Kinser that advised us of the concerns of the Conference of objected to the ability, under the proposal, of counsel for an Chief Justices. It is likely that other delegations received opposing party to effectively oust the other party’s counsel similar messages from their respective Supreme Courts. during the collaborative process. The mid-year meeting will be held in New Orleans on • Postponed indefinitely the adoption of the ABA February 7 and 8, and I will be attending and reporting to Standard for Language Access in Courts. This was objected you after that. to by the Conference of Chief Justices because of fear of the

8––Fairfax Bar Journal • October/November 2011 UNIFORM ADULT GUARDIANSHIP ACT

CLEs Adopted by Virginia, Maryland, and DC by Yahne Miorini, Esq, Miorini Law PLLC; Co-Chair, Elder Law Section

The new Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act has now been enacted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and more than 20 other states.

Effective July 1, 2011 in Virginia, the Act provides mechanisms for resolving increasingly frequent multi-state jurisdictional disputes arising in adult guardianship and conservatorship litigation. The Act is located in new Chapter 10.1 of Title 37.2 of the Virginia Code (Va. Code Ann. § 37.2-1031 et seq.). Before the Act, the guardian and conservator had to restart the entire legal procedure in the new state of residence.

The goal of the Act is to ensure that only one state has jurisdiction at any one time to appoint a guardian to make decisions regarding the person of an incapacitated adult or a conservator to manage the property. It also seeks to save time and costs while protecting incapacitated adults and their property from abuse.

Only One State Has Jurisdiction: Under the Uniform Act, the “home state” has primary jurisdiction and is defined as the one in which the respondent adult has been physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six (6) consecutive months immediately before the filing of a petition for a protective order. The “significant-connection” state has secondary jurisdiction and is defined to include the location of the individual’s family, a state where the individual has lived for many years, the state where the individual’s property is located, or the extent to which the individual has ties to the state such as voting registration, state or local tax return filing, vehicle registration, driver’s license, social relationships, and receipt of services.

In an emergency procedure, a court of the Commonwealth has special jurisdiction to appoint a guardian for a term not exceeding 90 days for a respondent who is physically present in the Commonwealth (Va. Code Ann. § 37.2-1040).

Transfer Procedures: The Act provides procedures for transferring guardianship or conservatorship from one state to another. For example, a guardian appointed in one state is now recognized in other states. The guardian can simply record the order of appointment in the new state of residence of the incapacitated adult. Specifically, under Va. Code Ann. § 37.2-1046, a guardian or conservator appointed in the Commonwealth may petition the court to transfer the guardianship or conservatorship to another state.

Protective Order Recognized in Other States: The Act provides for the registration and enforcement of protective orders from other states. Va. Code Ann. § 37.2-1049 now provides that a conservator from another state “may register a protective order in the Commonwealth by filing as a foreign judgment...certified copies of the order and letters of office and of any bond.”

Interstate Communication: The Uniform Act also has provisions that facilitate cooperation and communication with out-of-state courts in guardianship and conservatorship matters. For example, under Ann. § 37.2-1-34(a), “[a] court of the Common- wealth may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this Act. The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication.” We are not sure how this will work and are waiting for guidance.

October/November 2011 • Fairfax Bar Journal––9 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN continued from page 2 4th annual Another education-related Fairfax Law Foundation program

I wouldCLEs like to mention (briefly!) is “Jazz4Justice.” For the past 10 years, the Fairfax Bar Association and Fairfax Law stitt cup Foundation have worked in conjunction with the George Mason University Jazz Ensemble to raise money for the Fairfax Law Foundation and for the Music Scholarship Fund at GMU, all while raising community awareness for the SPONSORS Foundation’s programs and raising interest among our community’s younger students to pursue music. During the Platinum Sponsor - $1,000 Fall every year, the Jazz4Justice concert is performed by the Cameron McEvoy PLLC GMU Jazz Ensemble at a wonderful venue on campus, the Center for the Arts. The program is the brainchild of our own Ed Weiner, who continues to put a great deal of time, as well Silver Sponsors - $550 as money, into making it a tremendous success. Blankingship & Keith, P.C. COA-FFX, Inc. My firm has again agreed, as it has in the last few years, to buy a significant number of tickets to distribute to young Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC musicians in our Vienna community interested in attending Greenspun Shapiro P.C. the concert, from Madison High School down to Louise Hale Carlson Baumgartner, PLC Archer Elementary School. I would like to see more firms get McGuireWoods LLP involved in this event to sponsor individual schools, as has been the case with our Court Tours Program, to give our Peterson Saylor, PLC local music students an opportunity to see local college SmolenPlevy students performing at a level the youngsters could aspire Surovell Isaacs Petersen & Levy PLC to, all while raising funds for the Fairfax Law Foundation. If your firm might be interested in sponsoring a local school, or donating discount tickets to local music students, please call Bronze Sponsors - $250 the FBA office at 703-246-2740 or Barbara Garcia, at Ed Ain & Bank, P.C. Weiner’s office, at 703-273-9500 and ask about buying Anonymous Jazz4Justice tickets in bulk. By supporting Jazz4Justice, and Bancroft, McGavin, Horvath & Judkins, P.C. by extension, the Fairfax Law Foundation, you would help make our system of justice more available to those who would Michelle T. Hess, Esq. and Kathleen Waldy, Esq. otherwise have trouble gaining access, and you would also Law Offices of Christie A. Leary, P.C. help paint the legal profession in a favorable light in our The Maddox Law Firm, P.C. community. Granted, it’s not overthrowing an oppressive McCandlish & Lillard, P.C. dictator, but it’s making our corner of the world a better place to live. Law Office of Jay B. Myerson Odin, Feldman & Pittleman, PC As always, I can be reached at [email protected], or Law Offices of Derek P. Richmond feel free to call me at 703-790-1911. John M. Tran and Lisa Obayashi

10––Fairfax Bar Journal • October/November 2011 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

SERVICES ABA NEW MEMBERS Attorneys

You can now advertise your July services in the FBA Journal! Jennifer M. Babounakis Alexandra Elena Busch Space Advertising Contact Ann Thornton Stacy Marie Davis 703-743-9375 Brian Cassidy [email protected] Jeff Gaull LaShonda Renea Maxfield Note: All ads must comply with the VA State Bar Christopher Thomas Whelan regulations governing attorney advertising as set forth in the VA Rules of Professional Conduct August Robert Joseph Dietz Donna L. Faddis Call Larissa Williams Carly Jehlen to place your classified ad Joseph Pavicic Cristina Prelle 703-246-2734 Diane Hancock Mahshie Lisa-Marie Riggins Office Space Sale or Lease Lee B. Warren Robert J. Weil FAIRFAX CITY—Looking for a change of scenery? Greenspun Shapiro has fully furnished, spacious offices for rent, with large windows, high ceilings, and cabinets, for a sole practitio- ner or a small firm. Secretarial space is also available. Internet, phone, conference & work September rooms, full kitchen, high speed scanners/copiers, contemporary style and fun environment Benjamin Wengerd with experienced attorneys. Prime location in Fairfax’s Old Town Plaza, with free garage parking, and just minutes from the Fairfax County Courthouse. For more information, contact Liza Greenspun at 703-352-0100 or [email protected].

OFFICES FOR SALE OFFICES FOR LEASE 10625 JONES STREET, SUITE 301A: * 10627 Jones Street, 301A (Red Maple Ct on Judicial Drive) 1,000 SF • Own your own office at a great price! end unit 2nd floor w/recept/admin area, 2 prvt offices, huge conf room, BA, • Across from Courthouse in Red Maple Court, Corner of Judicial util & stor closets, plenty parking, ext signage, some furniture avail Dr & Jones Street $18.00 psf + elec & cleaning. • 1,146 SF corner unit on 2nd floor, good windowline • Nice floor plan w/large waiting/recep area, 3 private offices, * 10617 Jones Street, 101 A & B (Red Maple Ct on Judicial Dr) 2,000 SF conf room, copy/file room, closet, restroom & utility room shared office suite on 1st floor. Your choice of two private windowed • Exterior signage allowed & plenty free parking offices plus shared use of the waiting area, conf room, kitchen, BAs, SALES PRICE—$215 psf ($246,390) closets, plenty parking, ext signage, some furnishings $950/mo plus shared util & cleaning. OFFICE FOR SALE OR LEASE 4122 LEONARD DRIVE: * CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE AVAILABLE SUITES • Lawyers Row at corner of Judicial Dr & Leonard Dr • 3-story TH-style unit across from Fairfax County Courthouse • Single-room Private Offices & Small Suites - Chain Brige Rd • Lease partial or entire floor up to 1,100 SF Across from Fairfax Courthouse. Individual offices $500 - $750/mo, • Prof layout w/6 prvt offices, recep & admin areas conf room, 2BA, full service; 2-3 room suites $1,100 - $1,650/mo, full service. Some kitchen/breakroom, plenty storage space have shared use of common amenities: copier, fax & kitchen OR waiting area, conference room & kitchenette. Parking included. • Exterior signage allowed & unassigned free parking Ext signage available. 1 - 5 yr lease terms. • $845,000 ($256 psf) or $19 psf + util & cleaning Call for more details or to schedule a showing: Jennifer Neel Questor Realty, Inc. Office: 703-750-9200 x104 • Cell: 703-639-7758 • www.questorrealty.com

October/November 2011 • Fairfax Bar Journal––11 JOURNAL

4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 216 PRSRT STD Fairfax, VA 22030-4009 U.S. POSTAGE PAID FAIRFAX, VA PERMIT NO 6565

Address Service Requested

Printed on Recycled Paper Design/Production by RODANGraphics 703.743.9375 • [email protected] Printed by Fairfax Printing & Copying [email protected]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011

8:00 PM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

$20.00 Adults; $15.00 Students/Seniors

For more information, call the Fairfax Law Foundation at 703-246-2740 or the George Mason University School of Music at 703-993-1380