Title: Director Other legal specialties: Workers’ compensation Birthplace: Altoona, Pennsylvania Education: Bachelor’s degree, Penn State University; law degree, University of Richmond Spouse: Kenneth G. Hutcheson Children: Twin boys, Mercer and Harrison, 11 First job as a lawyer: Law clerk for the Hon. John F. Daffron Jr. and the Hon. Michael C. Allen in Chesterfield County Circuit Court Fan of: Penn State football Recently read book: “The Guest List,” by Lucy Foley Hobbies or pastimes: Horseback riding, watching my sons play football, soccer, basketball and lacrosse Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere in the Caribbean Career mentors: Judge Michael C. Allen, Roger L. Williams at Williams & Lynch, James W. Morris III and Philip B. Morris at Morris & Morris You handle a lot of cases with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. How has the pandemic impacted your caseload?
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission has done a wonderful job conducting hearings remotely as well as in person, so there is not a tremendous backlog of cases that have already been filed. However, I suspect that over the next several months, we may see a reduction of workers’ compensation claims being filed due to the fact that many people were out of work during the pandemic and therefore sustained fewer physical injuries. By contrast, however, we are starting to see a number of COVID-related filings for medical personnel and first responders and are still awaiting legislation from the General Assembly directing how those cases should be analyzed. What has been your most memorable civil litigation case?
My most memorable case was my first-ever solo jury trial. Irving Blank was opposing counsel and the professionalism and courtesy that he afforded me as a young, female litigator was inspiring and has never been forgotten.
Title: Labor and employment associate Other legal specialties: Commercial and civil litigation, professional liability defense Education: Bachelor’s degree, Christopher Newport University; law degree, Regent University Spouse: Teneisha C. Pierce Children: Micah E. Sharp-Pierce; David L. Pierce; Arianna C.A. Pierce; Ian A. Pierce; and Jaxon I.A. Pierce First job as a lawyer: Judicial law clerk for the Newport News Circuit Court Fan of: God, education, Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. Dubois Hobbies or pastimes: Meditation; running or jogging; hunting; and reading Career mentors: Judge Raymond A. Jackson, Judge David F. Pugh, Judge Gary Mills, W. Marcus Scriven, Darius K. Davenport How did you become president of the South Hampton Roads Bar Association so early in your career?
I learned about the South Hampton Roads Bar Association during law school. All my professors stressed the importance of bar association service. Eventually, the mantle of leadership was passed to me and I am doing my best to wear it well. Where do you see your career headed?
I do not know whether a young Oliver Hill ever saw himself winning historic civil rights cases later in life. Or whether Dr. King and Malcolm X realized in the beginning that they were on the paths to becoming prolific and controversial figures. My goal is to be the best attorney I can be. In what ways were starting law school later in life advantageous?
I was more focused on my studies and avoided the social distractions. Even obtaining and working through internships seemed easier because I had already held a professional job prior to law school. I’d like to think that all humans get better with age, so I definitely think starting law school later can make you a better lawyer.
Jamilah D. LeCruise
The Law Office of J.D. LeCruise PLLC, Norfolk
Title: Attorney/owner Other legal specialties: Therapeutic dockets, including drug court and mental health court Birthplace: Alexandria Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Richmond; law degree, William & Mary First job as a lawyer: Magistrate attorney Fan of: Early voting Recently read book: “Let’s Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice,” by Paul Butler Hobbies or pastimes: Painting, movies, gym Favorite vacation spot: Toronto Career mentors: William T. Mason Jr., Tameeka M. Williams, the Hon. Robert F. Hagans Jr., David P. Baugh Why did you decide to open your own practice?
I thoroughly enjoyed my work at the Norfolk public defender’s office. I liked representing individual clients, many of whom were in serious need of effective advocacy and had prior bad experiences with court-appointed counsel. I was glad that I could change minds and instill more faith in the public defender system. I handled more than 800 cases. I intended to open my own practice 10 years out of law school. I had the opportunity to do so at age 29 when I took over another attorney’s practice as he became a judge. I have been in solo practice for five years. What’s been your most interesting case?
I represented an elderly woman charged with 20 felonies. Once I reviewed the evidence, it was clear that she had been the victim of fraud. With the help of an investigator, we were able to lay out the case for the prosecutor and convince her to withdraw the charges against my client. It is always rewarding to represent clients and see them in the community doing well.
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