GOP lawmakers push to protect workers who decline COVID vaccines
RICHMOND, Va. – Lawmakers narrowly passed a bill this month that would allow people fired for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine to receive unemployment benefits if no other misconduct took place. The measure advanced from the House of Delegates on a 51-48 party line vote and was assigned to a Senate committee on Feb. 10. The […]
Lawmakers debate human trafficking bill
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislators raised a few questions with a measure that would deploy hotel staff to help combat human trafficking. The bill introduced by Del. Shelly A. Simonds, D-Newport News, was heard Thursday in a House subcommittee. House Bill 258 would authorize the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create an online mandatory course […]
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 […]
Wind of change
Over its 120 years, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has seen — and made — a lot of history. Since a quartet of ambitious and talented Richmond attorneys joined forces in 1901 to start the law firm of Munford, Hunton, Williams & Anderson, the practice has not only produced an array of legal luminaries, including U.S. […]
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 BANKRUPTCY/CREDITORS’ RIGHTS
Timothy V. Anderson Anderson & Associates PC Virginia Beach Kelly M. Barnhart Roussos & Barnhart PLC Norfolk Peter J. Barrett Kutak Rock LLP Richmond Christopher M. Baker Boleman Law Firm PC Virginia Beach Daniel Thomas Bengston Glasser & Glasser PLC Norfolk Darren W. Bentley Clement & Wheatley Danville Paula Beran Tavenner & Beran PLC Richmond […]
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 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[...]
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 HEALTH LAW Q&A
Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Sherwin Kaufman & Canoles PC, Norfolk Title: Member Other legal specialties: Some trusts and estate litigation and guardianship/conservatorship support Education: Bachelor’s degree, Wellesley College; law degree, William & Mary School of Law Children: I am the mom to my two littles, Oliver (7th grade) and Carolina (4th grade) — best job ever! First[...]
2021 LEGAL SERVICES / PRO BONO Q&A
Tara Casey University of Richmond School of Law, Richmond Title: Professor of law, legal practice Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia; law degree, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law Spouse: Dr. Alan W. Dow III Children: Sylvie and Ezra Dow Recently read book: “Alone Together: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of […]




















