2021 BANKRUPTCY / CREDITORS’ RIGHTS LAW Q&A

Ann Burke Brogan

Davey | Brogan PC, Norfolk

Title: Partner

Other legal specialties: Business law, including maritime business and commercial litigation

Birthplace: Alexandria

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Davidson College; Law degree, William & Mary School of Law

Spouse: Patrick Brogan (also my law partner)

Children: Three, plus a son-in-law and a
daughter-in-law

Recently read book: “The Big Sea: An Autobiography,” by Langston Hughes

Favorite vacation spot: Corolla, North Carolina

Career mentors: My father, David M. Burke, who taught by example the importance of honor, integrity, family, community and education. He also tutored me thoroughly in banking and sports.

How has your client load been affected by the pandemic? The pandemic caused many business owners and operators to reevaluate their long-term business goals and legal needs. A number are currently considering restructuring their business operations, whether by developing exit or succession strategies, contracting or expanding, attracting new investors, or just closing the doors. … Because of the wide variety and availability of COVID-19 relief, insolvency is not the issue. Some clients are choosing to wind down their businesses outside of bankruptcy to avoid taking on new debt to keep a failing business alive.

As a Virginia State Bar Council member, what are some of your priorities? We need to figure out how to provide better access to quality legal services in the 21st century and improve supervision over those who offer virtual legal services that are not licensed to practice law in Virginia. … We cannot continue to meet our obligation to protect the public through regulation of only licensed Virginia lawyers.