2023 Unsung Legal Heroes

Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s annual “Unsung Legal Heroes” awards honor law firm employees in a number of categories for their dedication, passion and hard work. We reached out to the Virginia legal community for nominations and the response was enthusiastic, as always.

Lawyers will be the first to acknowledge that they are only as good as the team behind them. The support staff at a law firm works largely behind the scenes; many support employees will stay at a law firm literally for decades. But they don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

Not surprisingly, when we informed the honorees that they were selected, many were appreciative, yet humble. Please join us in congratulating the “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2023!

Susan A. Bocamazo
Managing Director

Donna Adams
Probation Violation Paralegal
Fredericksburg Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
Fredericksburg

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I’ve always been interested in the field. Once my children all graduated from high school I decided to pursue that career. I am so glad that I did. I do enjoy my job.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Every day is different. And I have awesome, hard-working coworkers. Best office I have worked in.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Learning to cover all three courts and handling special projects by the commonwealth attorney. I appreciate that she has confidence in me to do a good job for the office.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

An IHOP waitress. It showed me how to organize and prioritize tasks while working in a fast-paced, high-turnover environment: skills that I have used in just about every aspect of my life.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and sleeping in on the weekends.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The beach. Being in the sun and listening to the waves crash is so peaceful and relaxing.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

2023 was the first time I got a passport. I have never traveled outside the country. Hopefully soon I can change that.

Chris Coen
Administrative Manager
Office of the Attorney General
Richmond 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

It seemed a good place to find appreciation for the finer details of grammar and punctuation. Plus, it paid well.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

My job is a little different each day, and I don’t have to take it all home with me.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Balancing the administrative needs of our section’s explosive growth while keeping the sheer volume of incoming cases from (mostly) overwhelming our staff. I try to teach them to enjoy case management like I do, but that’s too much to expect when you’re drowning in work.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

Delivering newspapers taught me about production timelines. My first legal job demonstrated that others appreciated a person who could remain calm under fire.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I live on a farm. There is no better solace than being wrist deep in garden soil or bringing in a basket full of sun-warmed produce.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I’m very fond of my farm staycation. My son and daughter-in-law’s farm in Vermont runs a close second.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

One of the awards on my office shelf is for being on the winning team in the office spelling bee. And I think insects are beautiful.

Sharon Cooke
Operations Manager
U.S. District Court
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I decided to work in the court system 43 years ago and have enjoyed working with so many dedicated judges and staff. For 10 years I worked as a deputy to Hon. Walter W. Stout III. I truly love the legal field and am interested in all civil and criminal cases.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Leading a professional staff who are here to please the court as well as the public.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I have worked under four clerks of court and three case management systems, and transitioned from a largely paper to almost entirely digital court document operation.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

I started at the USDC in 1990 as a case manager. I was promoted to case management supervisor in 1998 and then promoted to operations manager in 2011.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy spending time with my two wonderful daughters and now a son-in-law, a future son-in-law, and I became a grandparent three months ago. I love going to the beach and gardening.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Outer Banks.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I volunteer for Special Olympics throughout the year and love to read a good book.

Madelon Crosson
Mitigation Specialist
Prince William Public Defender
Manassas 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I think I always had an interest in the field. I was in my second year of my MSW program when I got an internship at a public defender’s office and learned that someone with a background in psychology and social work could become an integral part of the defense team.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I have the opportunity to advocate for my clients in their most vulnerable moments, which makes mitigation work an absolute dream job.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I left a job I loved to help build a public defender’s office from the ground up. Until about three years ago, our county did not have one.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

I worked as an investigator in a neighboring public defender’s office. That job really sharpened my interviewing and organizational skills.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love reading, spending time in nature, and rummaging through thrift stores for unique finds.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Chicago! The food, the architecture, the improv, the list goes on and on.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I have a fine arts degree in photography and was the first student to have a solo show in our Arts Department building (or so they told me!)

Alecia Danner
Director of Finance
Geller Law Group
Fairfax

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

A recruiter reached out to me about a position at a law firm in downtown D.C. over 20 years ago, and here we are.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The challenge. My team is amazing. I love to keep them motivated and help them reach their goals. I also have the privilege of being a part of our leadership committee.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Becoming director of finance and leading our amazing team. As a single mother of a student-athlete, I’m so grateful for the work/life balance to make every game and school function!

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

Administrative assistant for Council Member Harry Thomas. I learned a lot about effective communication, time management and organization.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

My job and daughter keep me pretty busy, so relaxation. I also love to travel with my friends and being my daughter’s team mom, traveling to her volleyball tournaments.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere tropical! I love sunshine, warm weather and the beach.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I love people, but I am really shy until I get to know you. I wish I had learned to swim when I was younger.

Eldina Dukic
Paralegal
Locklin & Coleman
Manassas

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I chose this field because I wanted to make a difference and help people.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy helping the attorney fight for our clients and making sure they get excellent representation and outcome on their case. I enjoy helping the injured and anything we can do to help them get back to their lives.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

My biggest professional accomplishment is having the experience that I have in this field. I have learned so much over the years and the exciting part is there is so much more to learn.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first job was working at a laundromat facility. I learned that hard work is the way to succeed in life, and in order to make a difference in the world, a strong work ethic is needed.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and going places with my children.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere with my children.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I can be sometimes too hard on myself and I sometimes take on more than I can handle.

Terri Hall
Controller
Kaufman & Canoles
Norfolk

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I took an aptitude test in high school and my guidance counselor told me I had a lawyer mindset, but I enjoyed finance much more and took that path in college.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love overseeing the operation and working with a bunch of brainiacs. Every day’s a puzzle, like an epic brain workout that keeps me on my toes.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I have managed the complex accounting landscapes, ensuring financial health and compliance across many industries including real estate, computer training, theme park management, and legal.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My aunt’s flower shop. I learned the intricate workings of a small business, from accounts and inventory to providing top-notch customer service and a lot about romance. Who knew flowers could teach you so much about life and business?

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Being outside, at the beach, and cruising around in my convertible. I like fresh air!

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The Outer Banks, Florida Keys and wineries.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I worked full-time and went to college to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. I also have a pond in my backyard stocked with koi and goldfish. It’s my Zen zone after crunching numbers all day.

Taj Henley Sr.
Director of Intake & Referral
Geoff McDonald & Associates
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I aspired to make a positive impact on people’s lives during their moments of need.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I find great satisfaction in my job because it allows me to continually learn and grow, while working with talented individuals. I love the fact that my job has a meaningful impact on the overall success of our firm.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

One, successfully leading one of the top personal injury intake teams in the country.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

At 16, I was the crew leader at Burger King. I learned leadership skills and hard work.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love spending time with my family and the RVA Bulldogs. I am blessed to have a wife and two amazing sons.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I love traveling back to Ohio to visit friends that became brothers through our college experiences.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I am terrified of cats, and I love to sing.

Elizabeth Hogan
Paralegal
Roop, Xanttopoulos, Babounakis & Klam
Tysons

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I come from a large family of lawyers. A job at a large international firm where everyone worked crazy hours convinced me that although I liked the field, I wanted more work-life balance.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Making Excel spreadsheets! I have a bizarre love for them. But more seriously, connecting with clients and the variety that brings. Family law is incredibly personal.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

More than some big, complex court case that I helped win, I feel accomplished each time I help a client avoid court and come to a resolution that benefits their family, children, and future mental health.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

A bagger at a local grocery store. It was mundane work, but it taught me about teamwork, adaptability and making a positive impact. Small kindnesses can go a long way toward making someone’s day.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Traveling, hiking, spending time in nature.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The next one on my list! I’ve been focusing on National Parks the past few years.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I worked as a U.S. Census-taker in 2010. And I once spent two weeks tent-camping in Kenya and Nairobi.

Bernadine Huff
Client Specialist
First Truth Law
Smith Mountain Lake

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

My first job was working at a small law firm in Pennington Gap. My mentor left a positive impression on me and I decided to dedicate my life to the field. I wanted to be just like her!

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy getting to know our clients and encouraging them to remain positive. Additionally, working remotely allows me to share my love for my dog, Spencer, with my co-workers!

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I am proud to have served as judicial assistant to Ret. Justice Cynthia D. Kinser. She’s respected within the legal profession and her dedication to the rule of law. I never tire of proofreading draft opinions.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first job was working for the small firm of Sergent & Lewis in Pennington Gap. In working with Ret. Judge Birg Sergent and the late Ret. Judge Richard Larry Lewis, I learned how the legal system benefits everyone.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Spending time with family and working in my wildflower garden.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The mountains!

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I have an identical twin, Bernadette, and I am a serious Scrabble player.

Amanda Leake
Senior Litigation Paralegal/Practice Development
MichieHamlett
Charlottesville

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I have always been interested in crime/law enforcement. After graduating from college a year early, I decided to work for a law firm for one year so I could decide if I wanted to go to law school (with hopes of becoming a prosecutor) or if I wanted to continue my education so that I could teach criminal justice. I interviewed with MichieHamlett and said I was looking to work here one year … 16+ years ago!

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The people, the ones I work with and for.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

The growth I’ve had in my 16 years here. I started fresh out of college with no experience and have worn many hats since then, including adding practice development this year. I’m very proud of each success along the way.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first real job was with MichieHamlett!

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love the mountains, Burn Boot Camp and spending time with my friends & family.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The mountains!

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I was the first person to reach 1,000 workouts at Burn Boot Camp Charlottesville and I’m

Beverly Mantz
Receptionist
Bean, Kinney & Korman
Arlington  

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

After working as a personnel director in a mental health facility for 14 and a half years and then as executive director of the National Association of Women Judges, I recognized that each career prepared me to be a part of the legal world.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Working with people and helping them in whatever capacity I can.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Helping people throughout my very long career in mental health, the legal filed and community volunteering in all the many cities I’ve lived in.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

As personnel director of a mental health facility in Philadelphia, I learned how to be patient, respect the people I worked with, and remember that they have personal and important lives outside of work.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Reading, working in the missionary society at my church, volunteer work, dining with friends.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The L.A. area, New York City and Martinique.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I like to cook. I enjoy classical music and museums. I also enjoy my quiet time and am family and friends-oriented. I am blessed to spend time with them.

Tobey Martin
Accounting Specialist
Blankingship & Keith
Fairfax  

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

After my first law firm position back in the late 80s, I found the work enjoyable, interesting and always challenging.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Successfully processing work on month and having a clean reconciliation at the end.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

During COVID, transitioning invoice processing to electronic v. printed. It was a feat to complete with most of the staff working from home. Training on the new process was all done through a training packet that I prepared and which we continue to use.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

Purchasing agent for a large bank. Working with budgets was the start of my strong interest in working in the accounting environment.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I have a butterfly and bee-friendly garden. And of course, spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Banff in Alberta, Canada, and Nairn, Scotland.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I grow milkweed specifically for monarch butterflies so they can lay eggs on it and for the caterpillars to then eat.

Jacqueline Mountjoy
Billing Specialist
MercerTrigiani
Alexandria

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

It chose me. I was fresh out of high school and a family friend worked for Hazel, Beckhorn & Hanes.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The connection with my co-workers. Pia and David both work hard to achieve a cohesiveness that allows each of us to grow. We are a family.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I started out working in a cubicle and have advanced to my own office. I have also taken on many roles outside of the bookkeeping/accounting realm. And of course this award!

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first job was with Hazel, Beckhorn and Hanes. My biggest take away was that I could keep advancing with hard work and determination. I had a great mentor, Sally Montrey, and a group of ladies, and we are still friends.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love to exercise. Bring outdoors, hiking, playing with my grandkids, spending time with my family, friends and Church family all help me to stay grounded.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I love the ocean and the mountains. Jamaica and Jackson Hole both take my breath away!

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I love riding dirt bikes and sharing my faith, which has included going on mission trips.

Maria Paoletti
Firm Administrator
Odin Feldman Pittleman
Reston

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

When I joined WilmerHale in 1984 as a legal secretary, the last thing I expected was to find myself there 33 years later. But over time, I learned to read between the lines to understand dependencies between practice groups, client matters, firm policies, etc., to encourage successful outcomes. I found myself in increasingly more challenging roles where I could call on that blend of knowledge.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

No two days are ever the same, which keeps it challenging and engaging! And I’m blessed to work with a tremendous team..

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

One was adapting to manage the firm’s operations during Covid. I had to learn other people’s jobs while trying to create a cohesive team.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

If I worked, I got my own money!

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love discovering new wineries, reading at home while enjoying the wine!

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The beach; however, I think if I ever get to Italy, that will be it.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I was quarterback for the flag football champions at the University of Maryland. I also love country line dancing, two stepping, etc., and used to compete.

K. Danielle Payne
Executive Director
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Richmond 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

A series of serendipitous events led to me working for Kristie L. Kane, Esq. while I was in college. After I graduated, I became her paralegal. When she became VACDL president in 2008, the board asked me to serve as Executive Director.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Spending time with members at seminars and social events, discussing the challenges they face and brainstorming ways for VACDL to provide support and assistance.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I am incredibly proud to have worked with 15 different presidents and countless board members to ensure the continued growth of VACDL.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

A daycare summer camp, in charge of kindergarten graduates. I learned to be patient, quickly pivot, that we all have different personalities, and to always bring back-up shoes — all lessons that continue to be helpful.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I read, work out daily at Burn Boot Camp and enjoy lots of time hanging out with my daughters, family and friends.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere with sun, sand and water.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I love growing plants, especially more finicky ones like orchids and violets. I sang solos at church as a little girl and played piano and French horn for many years.

Kimberly Pillsbury
Litigation Paralegal
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
Fredericksburg

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I felt it would be both continually interesting and personally fulfilling. I enjoy helping people and problem-solving. I’ve found that my unique skillset and attention to detail are very useful for proficient case handling. I also felt I’d enjoy the camaraderie of working in a law office.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The variety, daily challenges and opportunity to learn new things. I find it rewarding to see the results of my time and efforts.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

My good reputation. On several occasions during my years of employment as a paralegal, attorneys have specifically requested me to assist them with their caseload. It makes me proud that my work ethic, work product and professional demeanor are valued by my superiors.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

I worked for two partners at a very small law firm, as one of only three staff members. I learned how a law office works, and how personal injury cases are handled.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My family goes every year to the beach in Emerald Isle, N.C., so I guess I would have to say that’s my favorite. I also love Disney World.

Brenda Ramirez
Legal Assistant
Blankingship & Keith
Fairfax

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

The legal profession in general combines my passion for law and helping people. I was lucky to join the personal injury team at Blankingship and Keith that encompasses both of my passions.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Being a part of making a difference in a client’s life, by helping them through the process of a case from start to finish and, of course, seeing positive outcomes.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Obtaining my paralegal certificate after taking courses while working full-time at the firm, which I had joined three months earlier with limited experience..

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

An insurance broker. It taught me how to effectively communicate with clients, strengthened my critical thinking skills, and improved my multitasking skills.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Punta Cana in Dominican Republic.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I am a private investigator. I have visited 10 countries and hope to add more to my list in the near future.

Marty Ring
Senior Deputy Clerk, Dispositions
Court of Appeals of Virginia
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I’d always been interested in the legal field and when I got the chance to work at a local Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, I realized it fit my personality perfectly.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love that I am constantly learning new things. Each day is a new challenge and opportunity.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

I am proud of the fact that I have worked at the court for almost 35 years and have always been dependable and hard working.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

As a teenager, I worked as a cashier at a shop at Kings Dominion. It taught me people skills, the tiny bit of patience I have, and that working can also be fun.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The Outer Banks. We’ve been going for years and I put it on the calendar as soon as we get back so I can look forward to it all year.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I love Jimmy Buffett – I’ve been a fan for years. And college football.

James Roe
Salesforce Administrator
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I was fortunate enough to be “found” by the legal field. My background is in technology, but I was fortunate enough to be recruited by the Allen Law Firm.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy knowing that I wasn’t brought to the firm to fix computers; I was asked to join so that my expertise could support the firm’s mission of helping the injured.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

The small things: the thanks I receive from the legal professional whom I helped sort through mass tort case information, or the relief on someone’s face when I show how a new system transforms an ordeal into a single click.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first job involved optimizing systems to achieve better sales. I learned how to interpret data and make it actionable, and the importance of having a mission you can believe in.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Learning new things. I’m currently learning to play the piano and enjoy feeling my hands get a little “smarter” each day.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I’m originally from California and love going back when I can.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I still have all my college textbooks and occasionally break them out to brush up on math. And I am the chef of the house.

Sharon Roseberry
Paralegal, Gentry Locke
Roanoke 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I initially thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but I realized what I really wanted to do was digging into documents and facts, trying to understand it all and piece the puzzle together.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I absolutely love the people I work with and for, and that there’s always something new to learn.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Finally making the official change two years ago from legal assistant/paralegal hybrid to full-time paralegal. It’s given me the opportunity to dive even further into paralegal work and start to learn additional skills. Part of my ability to commit to this full-time role was the addition of Megan Worley to our team. She cheerfully and capably stepped into the legal assistant role, and I am grateful for all her help.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Spending time with family, my cats, reading, walking outdoors, doing puzzles, watching every nerd thing that involves superheroes or Star Wars, etc.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Mebane, N.C. I love visiting and being with family there.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I have read DC and Marvel comics since I was a kid and still love them. And I would quit my job in a heartbeat if I could be Bono’s personal assistant.

Peggie Eliot Stinnette
Litigation Paralegal
Quinn Law Centers
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

Fresh out of college with no real direction, I answered a want-ad for a job with my first law firm, and got hooked on the exciting and ever-changing world of law.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

It’s about “who,” not “what” I enjoy most: all the people I am privileged to have worked with and continue to work with.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

It isn’t a single thing, but what I strive to accomplish for each client: to guide and be there for them as best I can. Service to others is why I stay in this legal profession.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

I flipped hamburgers as a teenager. The biggest takeaway was the knowledge that teamwork, morale and humor are essential to a company’s success.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Adventures with my main squeeze that frequently involve 1700s reenacting/events (and yes, I dress the part!) and weather permitting, gardening.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Iceland or any of our beautiful Virginia trails for backpacking spots on top of mountains!

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I play, compose and love classical piano. I participated in a four-day survival course in the backwoods of Pennsylvania.

Deborah Uitvlucht
Senior Deputy Clerk
Court of Appeals
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

My undergraduate degree was in history, and I always enjoyed the research and discussion involved in that area of study. It seemed like a natural choice to move to the legal field for the research and analysis side of the law.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Working with colleagues both inside and outside of the court.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Keeping the court’s docket moving and on track during the pandemic. The creative ingenuity and cooperation that was brought to bear by everyone to make that happen was one of my greatest accomplishments and rewards.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

My first job, in high school, was as a cashier at a chain department store. It taught me how to work with the public in an efficient and professional manner.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy baking, knitting and hiking (especially through a museum).

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I have two favorites right now: the Florida Keys and Whidbey Island, Wash.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I am the child of a career naval aviator, and a Monty Python fan from their beginnings.

Sylvia Watkins
Legal Assistant/Office Coordinator
Butler Snow
Richmond 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I wanted to learn and experience the law field and gave it a shot. Fifteen years later, I’m still invested. It’s a great career and I have no regrets.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge and the opportunities that our firm offers.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

My biggest professional accomplishment would have to be coming into law and having zero experience, but learning very quickly and growing into the role I’m currently in now.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

Well, my very first job was at a daycare. That alone speaks for itself. I was young and enjoyed having my own money, but I learned quickly (first day employed) this is not my forever job. HA! (I do love kids though.)

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

When I’m not working, I enjoy making crafts, walking/running and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I love the beach, any beach!

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I live on a farm with many animals and I go hunting during hunting season.

Anne Wroniewicz
Administrative Coordinator
University of Richmond
Richmond 

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

I started and, importantly, stayed in the legal field because I saw how deeply intimate our work can be during some of our clients’ most stressful times, and I am honored by the trust the clients and attorneys put in me as a part of their team.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Seeing our clients find a positive resolution to their cases and our students grow as they find meaning and joy in helping others.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Helping clients who otherwise might not have had legal representation, and in so many different types of law, from trademark to family law to criminal work. With the variety comes the chance to learn so much and work with the smartest, most compassionate people. To be nominated for this award is beyond humbling.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

Waiting tables. It taught me how to multitask and think on my feet, as well as how to listen AND connect with people.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Being goofy with my kids.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Any place with a good sunset.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

If I weren’t a paralegal, I’d be a midwife.

Abigail Yawn
Senior Legal Secretary
Office of the Attorney General
Richmond

Why did you choose a career in the legal field?

In 1979 I was hired as a receptionist in the Richmond Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Working with the attorneys, judges, police officers, victims and witnesses gave me a different outlook on the law and how it works.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The people I work with are awesome. Everyone is willing to help whenever needed.

What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment and why?

Over 40 years of experience in the legal field that has afforded me the knowledge and dedication needed to perform my job efficiently.

Tell us about your first job and what you learned from it.

District 19 Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Board, an organization that dealt with people with mental and drug abuse issues. It was my first job right out of high school and it was quite an eye-opener. I learned to not judge people on how they look because you don’t know what they are going through. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I love spending time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are the joy of my life.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

New Orleans.

What are two things about you that not many people know?

I love to read and take long walks.