2020 Legal Elite — Construction Law Profile

Title: President
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Mary Washington College; law degree, University of Richmond
Spouse: Matthew Paulk
First job as a lawyer: Law clerk, Circuit Court of Alexandria
Fan of: College basketball
Recently read book: “Where the Crawdads Sing,” by Delia Owens
Hobbies or pastimes: Ultra-distance open water marathon swimming
Favorite vacation spot: It’s really hard to pick just one! If I had to pick, I would say Southeast England and Manhattan Beach, California
Career mentors: Barry Hackney, Jim Weinberg, Mike Terry and Webb Moore
How did you become interested in construction law?
Very early in my career, I handled a construction arbitration involving a leaking baptismal font. The arbitration was held at the church and the expert witnesses testified in the (dry) baptismal font. I found the complexity of construction, coupled with law and procedure, to be fascinating. I still love it to this day, and I have never looked back.
What has it been like to lead a law firm during the pandemic?
The biggest challenge has been ensuring we maintain our culture. Thankfully, we had a strong culture before the pandemic, which has made it a little easier to adapt to the new normal. We have focused on cultural continuity as best we can in a “remote” environment while at the same time pivoting to consider new opportunities. Maintaining culture is always a process. But I have found we need to be more deliberate and intentional in addressing our culture as we navigate the pandemic.

See more from our 2020 Legal Elite package:

• 2020 Legal Elite: Construction Law list
• The 21st edition of the Virginia Business Legal Elite

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