Home and family 
Virginia Beach; husband Clarke, sons Clarke and Gordon.
What you do in your job 
Practice in the areas of real estate development, land use, commercial real estate, bankruptcy, creditor’s rights and commercial litigation.
Education  
AB, Sweet Briar College; JD, College of William and Mary.
Career progression 
Judicial law clerk to U.S. District Judge Walter E. Hoffman (1980-81); Weinberg Stein & Crenshaw; McGuireWoods; Branch Counsel Lawyers Title Insurance Co.; small private practice in Winchester; and Kaufman & Canoles.
Proudest business achievement 
Obtaining a conditional rezoning for a client after being advised by several seasoned authorities that I did not have a chance. 
Biggest factor in your success 
My parents advised me I could be whatever I wanted to be. I didn’t have to be Della Street, I could be Perry Mason.
Professional activities 
Virginia State Bar including Council for the Second Judicial Circuit (2005-present), Seventh District Disciplinary Committee (1999 to 2003), Technology Committee  (1999-2008); adjunct to the Litigation Section Board of Governors (1999-2008); president, Commercial Real Estate Women; Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (2009-co-chair legislative committee and 2009 strategic planning committee); Urban Land Institute; Advisory Council - Center for Real Estate and Economic Development.
Volunteer activities   
Virginia Beach Community Development Corp.; Civic Leadership Institute Board; United Way Women’s Initiative – Funding Council; Virginia Bar Association community and pro bono servant; Junior League;  Bay Colony Cavalier Park Civic League; Sandler Center for the Performing Arts; mentor, Marshall-Wythe School of Law (College of William and Mary).
How do you balance your time? 
Lists.
Biggest obstacles 
My husband’s job took us to Winchester for seven years. When we returned I had to start over. As one of the few women in my neighborhood who worked when my children were small,  I felt guilty about my boys. Today, I know I made the correct decision. They are incredible.
How have you overcome some of your challenges? 
Kaufman and Canoles afforded me the opportunity to start anew.
Professional goal in next five years 
Continue to learn and grow in my practice.  
Advice for women 
Work harder and smarter. Join a group of like-minded women, such as CREW, with members who serve as mentors, support groups and friends. Family always comes first! 
Downtime 
Wareing’s Gym; the beach; U.Va. football (not this year!) and time with family and friends.
What gets under your skin?  
Lack of professional courtesy and civility.