As a law clerk, one of the first things I learned was that your reputation within the bar was critical. Dishonest? Judges, court staff, and other lawyers would know. Do you fail to deliver what you promise? Are you always asking for extensions? The same: your reputation follows you for better or for worse wherever you go.

We are so fortunate in Virginia to have such a collegial bar. While we remain zealous advocates for our clients, we also do our best to make sure that we are trustworthy colleagues. If I represent something or if I tell opposing counsel something, I have worked hard to ensure that my reputation for delivering what I promise carries through. 

There are many lawyers with stellar reputations in the Virginia appellate bar. We have fantastic advocates in the Commonwealth, and if I can’t take on a case for various reasons, I have a list of lawyers I can refer folks to. 

Similarly, I enjoy writing my blog as an outlet, but also follow other legal writers. While many of you are familiar with Steve Emmert’s blog, I also highly recommend John Koehler’s blog, Julie Porto’s blog, and Norman Thomas’s blog. Fellow appellate lawyers, if I’m missing yours, please reach out!

In my career, I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many trial lawyers as well as appellate lawyers. Trial lawyers: don’t hesitate to call your go-to appellate specialist. We love working with counsel at all stages of litigation–the earlier, the better!