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Keeping their own counsel
Of the 1.3 million attorneys practicing in the United States — more than 35,500 of them licensed to practice in Virginia — the American Bar Association reports that more than half are based at law firms, while only about 10% serve as in-house general counsels. That disparity is not because general counsel jobs are unwanted […]
Resetting the bar
Two venerable Virginia law firms — Roanoke’s Woods Rogers PLC and Norfolk’s Vandeventer Black LLP — combined forces in July 2022, creating the state’s fifth largest firm, Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC, based in Roanoke. It‘s a true statewide firm, with branch offices in Norfolk, Richmond, Lynchburg and Charlottesville, in addition to locations in Kitty […]
Va. Bar Association installs 2023 president
Benjamin D. Leigh became the 2023 president of the Virginia Bar Association on Jan. 22, the Richmond-based professional association announced Thursday. With a practice focused on real estate, Leigh is a principal at Leesburg-based Troxell Leigh PC, which he co-founded as Mims, Atwill & Leigh PC in 2002. Before that, he worked with the Fairfax […]
Independent colleges council taps former state delegate as leader
Former Virginia Del. Christopher K. Peace will be the next president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia Inc. (CICV) after the 2023 regular General Assembly session concludes. “[Chris] is far more than a lobbyist and attorney — he is a strategist with a great grasp of the issues. He carries a reputation as […]
Legal review
In law firms across Virginia, power is now definitely on the side of individual attorneys, who can command larger salaries and other perks so long as they’re willing to cope with heavier workloads. As demand for legal services has soared, the number of lawyers available to perform that work has slumped, leaving even the most […]
Sentara Healthcare names new general counsel
Earl Barnes will join Sentara Healthcare as its general counsel on June 2, the Norfolk-based health system announced Tuesday. Barnes previously was executive vice president and chief legal officer for Chicago-based Amita Health. In that role, he managed the legal, compliance, audit and risk departments, leading a 60-person team and managing a $10 million annual […]
Richard Cullen to become Youngkin’s counselor
Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin has selected former Virginia Attorney General Richard Cullen as counselor to the governor. A senior partner and former chairman of McGuireWoods, Cullen will leave Virginia’s largest firm on Jan. 14, the day before Youngkin is sworn in. Cullen joined McGuireWoods in 1977. From 1991 to 1994, he served as U.S. attorney for […]
The 22nd edition of the Virginia Business Legal Elite
Launched in cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association in 2000, Virginia Business’ Legal Elite polls lawyers licensed to practice in Virginia each year, asking them to identify which of their peers are the top attorneys across 20 categories of legal specialties. In compiling this year’s Legal Elite, Virginia Business contacted more than 14,000 attorneys and […]
2021 APPELLATE LAW Q&A
Lucas I. Pangle Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver PLC, Harrisonburg Title: Associate Other legal specialties: Administrative law, occupational safety and health, and bankruptcy Birthplace: Maurertown in Shenandoah County Education: Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, Duke University; law degree, William & Mary School of Law Fan of: Duke Blue Devils basketball Recently read book: “The Co[...]
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Q&A
Brian L. Buniva B.L. Buniva Strategic Advisor PLLC, Richmond Title: Owner/managing member Other legal specialties: Administrative law and land use and zoning law Education: Bachelor’s degree, Georgetown University; law degree, University of Richmond Spouse: Barbara A. Cochrane Children: Dr. Emily Buniva Edelson, Nathan D. […]
2021 LABOR/EMPLOYMENT LAW Q&A
Laurie L. Kirkland Blankingship & Keith PC, Fairfax Title: Principal Other legal specialties: Commercial litigation Education: Bachelor’s degree, Harding University; law degree, George Mason University Spouse: Joshua B. Isaacs Children: Daughter Norah, 6 months Recently read book: Having loved “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry since middle school, I recently discovered that it was the [...]
2021 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW Q&A
Peter J. Van Bergen Patent Attorney, Williamsburg Title: Owner Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bucknell University; law degree, William & Mary School of Law Spouse: Jamie Children: We raised our three great children (Elizabeth, Luke and John) in Williamsburg. Hobbies: Swimming, biking, running, kayaking, triathlon, reading Career mentors: David Blumenthal What is the biggest curren[...]
