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. Buniva and stepsons Jamison, Andrew and David Weaver

First job as a lawyer: Assistant attorney general in the health and environmental sections

Fan of: Georgetown University basketball and any playoffs in college or professional sports

Recently read books: “Copperhead: A Novel,” by Alexi Zentner; “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” by Bryan Stevenson; and “The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream,” by David M. Rubenstein 

What was it like serving as Virginia State Bar president during the height of the pandemic? How did that change your tenure? I had high hopes that during my time as president, the VSB would make great strides in closing the justice gap. …. The pandemic dashed many of those dreams and required substantial adjustments to my plans and travel schedule.

You’ve represented the Hanover County NAACP and a group of largely Black Hanover homeowners opposed to a Wegmans distribution center. What have you learned battling such a powerful project? I can say that fighting state and local governments and large corporations is a challenge, with approximately 12 lawyers against one. Nevertheless, I am blessed to have the opportunity to represent a knowledgeable, determined and dedicated group of clients who deserve justice. Obviously, I can’t guarantee that justice will be done ultimately, but I am optimistic. After all, David did defeat Goliath.