Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association

05/24/2023

Do not miss out on VWAA Annual Ethics CLE! With esteemed judges and attorneys, CLE credits, and a breakfast, it's everything you need on May 31! Deadline to RSVP is May 26 so get your RSVP in soon!!

03/24/2023

Ever been curious about a career in the Eastern District of Virginia?? Join us for an amazing panel of federal court judges and practitioners in that district! Following the panel, a chance to mingle with the panelists and other participants. Event is April 10, 2023 and RSVP deadline is April 5, 2023.

01/17/2023

In need of a happy hour with some gal pals? Look no further than this Sip n' Shop Galentine's Day Event hosted by Masterman Krogmann PC on February 13, 2023!!! We will have drinks, apps, and curated fashion finds including eyewear, jewelry and other chic apparel from all women owned businesses. Don't miss out on this fun event exclusive for VWAA members. RSVP to Alex Ribe at [email protected] by February 3, 2023

11/29/2022

Join us on Tuesday, December 6th at the Barns at Wolftrap for our Annual Holiday Party back in person!!!! If you still need to RSVP or would like to sponsor please email [email protected] by the end of today!

09/22/2022

Join us for "Brunch with the Judges!" This special event will take place on October 23, 2022 at the Honorable Judge Henenberg's house. RSVP to attend.

08/15/2022

We still need volunteers to sort food for the Arlington Food Center on August 20. If you are free please consider joining us!

07/25/2022

Please consider volunteering for this event with the Arlington Food Center, co-sponsored by ABAPA and NVWAA. The NVWAA is already contributing a monetary donation but could use your help. Details below!

05/25/2022

Please join us for the VWAA Annual Luncheon and Meeting on June 17th in Virginia Beach!

05/16/2022

Don't miss out on our first in person Happy Hour all year. Come have drinks and reconnect!! See you all tomorrow.

05/05/2022

Join us May 17th for our first Happy Hour of the year!!

04/13/2022

VWAA Judicial Screening for Fairfax County General District Court Vacancy. Applications due by April 30, 2022. See Flyer for More Information!

03/03/2022

Don't miss out on the NVVWAA's 2022 Annual Ethics CLE on March 22, 2022. Registration ends March 16, 2022 so RSVP asap!

12/09/2021

Attention! A member spotlight! Jill Seiferth of Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C. is our fabulous attorney of the month. Learn more about her here:

What field of law do you practice in? Family law
Why did you decide to practice law? I clerked for a domestic relations judge and fell in love with family law.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Getting a puppy after years and years of begging for a dog.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Buy Amazon stock.
What experience changed your outlook on life the most? Studying abroad in Australia.
What do you do to relax after a long day at work? Netflix and chill.
What is the last song or album you have listened to? Adele, 30.
What is the one food or dish you can’t live without? Bread, all the kinds.
What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? Knitting.
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Wars
What habits/activities have you picked up (or ditched!) during COVID-19? Walking, I walk outside a lot more now.
What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Real Housewives of New Jersey.
If you could invite 3 non-lawyer people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why? Teresa Giudice, Caroline Manzo, Andy Cohen.

11/20/2021

Don't miss the VWAA virtual wine tasting holiday party on December 8, 2021!!

11/17/2021

Looking for volunteers to serve on the Arlington JDR Screening Panel - November 18, 2021!

11/09/2021

VWAA Judicial Screening for Fairfax County GDC - seeking applicants and interviewers

09/21/2021

09/10/2021

Please see below information regarding applications/interviews for the anticipated vacancy on the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Deadline is Sept 16! Please also consider applying to be on the judicial screening committee.

05/17/2021

It's time for another Member Spotlight! Today we highlight the amazing Michelle Kaminsky of Hite Kaminsky Family Law & Mediation, PLLC! Learn more about her below!

1. What field of law do you practice in? Family Law

2. Why did you decide to practice law? As I was adopted, I developed in interest in law related to adoption, which led to me eventually attending law school.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory? In general, summers in Tucson. Hanging by the pool and playing summer baseball at night and listening to and watching the monsoon thunderstorms.

4. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Be more confident – think about what YOU want out of life and go for it!

5. What experience changed your outlook on life the most? I think the totality of the experience of being adopted by my parents and growing up with a dad that had a great sense of humor from whom I learned to always try to find the humor in what is happening, even when things are at their worst.

6. What do you do to relax after a long day at work? Go for a run or watch a mindless tv show. Pre-COVID – meet friends for a good meal and drinks!

7. What is the last song or album you have listened to? Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

8. If you had a musical “anthem,” what song would it be and why? “I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens because I love my dog!

9. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Keep your eye on the ball!” My dad used to say this to me in the context of baseball and softball, but also in life in general.

10. What is the one food or dish you can’t live without? Chocolate

11. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? Imitating an angry Donald Duck

12. Star Trek or Star Wars? Definitely Star Wars

13. What habits/activities have you picked up (or ditched!) during COVID-19? I’ve picked up Peloton and binge watching shows, and considering Uber Eats to be my own personal chef.

14. What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Embarrassing, but any of the Real Housewives shows.

15. If you could invite 3 non-lawyer people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why? My dad and my brother because they have both passed away and I would love to spend time with them again. And then, of course, my mother, so we could all be together.

05/13/2021

Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend, but do not close out the week until you reach out to Tiffany Burton, our incoming President of NVWAA, about getting involved with our amazing Board!

Volunteers Needed! If you are interested in serving on the Chapter Board for 2021-2022 (beginning July 1), serving on a committee, or otherwise getting more involved, please contact Tiffany Burton, [email protected], as we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming year.

05/03/2021

If you are an early bird, a yoga enthusiast, or just want a change of pace, join Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association for our first "Yoga and Wellness" CLE! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/5etpn8jn

04/22/2021

It's time for another Member Spotlight! Today we learn about Christie Leary of Leary Law, PC!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - CHRISTIE LEARY

1. What field of law do you practice in?

Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation

2. Why did you decide to practice law?

I originally wanted to go to law school in order to be in the FBI. My dad was an FBI agent and I found his career fascinating. Once I was in law school and had the opportunity to intern with Judge Klein in the Circuit Court, I became interested in being a litigator.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memories are holiday and beach trips to visit my large extended family. Every year, our group of 30+ come together to rent a large beach house in Hilton Head.

4. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Work hard, dream big and always take a little time to center yourself and appreciate the journey.

5. What experience changed your outlook on life the most?

Becoming a parent changed my outlook on life the most.

6. What do you do to relax after a long day at work?

To relax, I like to take long walks with my gigantic puppy – a 1 year old, 90 lb Bernese Mountain dog - or play street hockey with my son.

7. What is the last song or album you have listened to?

Thunderstruck. I play the music at my son’s hockey games. Lots of hockey music lately.

8. If you had a musical “anthem,” what song would it be and why?

Lose yourself, Eminem. The message of this song is always inspiring to me. Seize the moment and always do your best.

9. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve received?

Best advice I have received – the motto of the Little Engine that Could - “If you think you can, you will” is a phrase I often heard from my dad growing up.

10. What is the one food or dish you can’t live without?

Chips and Queso

11. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?

Crafty things. I have a Cricut, a closet full of craft supplies and I love Pinterest.

12. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Tough one. I love both but Star Wars probably has the edge.

13. What habits/activities have you picked up (or ditched!) during COVID-19?

During COVID, bike rides and roller blading became a staple in our house to keep our sanity. We even got our friends and neighbors to participate in street hockey games on roller blades in nearby empty parking lots. It was a fun way to enjoy the weather and forget about the pandemic.

14. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

Three way tie - Cobra Kai, Formula One and Bridgerton.

15. If you could invite 3 non-lawyer people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why?

Brene Brown – I recently listened to her famous Ted Talk and finished one of her books. I find her to be a very thought provoking and inspiring author

Joanna Gaines – I love her show Fixer Upper and have recently finished binge watching the whole series. She is very creative and it would be fun to speak with her one on one to hear her thoughts being a designer, business owner and entrepreneur.

Oprah Winfrey – I attended a seminar a few years ago that she put together in which she assembled speakers to inspire people to be their best self.

04/13/2021

Last call to register for the 2021 Annual Ethics Seminar - Virtual Edition! Please RSPV by April 20, 2021 by sending your registration to Theodora Stringham at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

A reminder that the VWAA is hosting the 2021 Annual Ethics Seminar - Virtual Edition, on April 27! There is still time to register, and below is a registration form, or you can obtain a copy from Theodora Stringham at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

03/26/2021

A reminder that the VWAA is hosting the 2021 Annual Ethics Seminar - Virtual Edition, on April 27! There is still time to register, and below is a registration form, or you can obtain a copy from Theodora Stringham at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

03/25/2021

We had such a good time at "Lunch and Learn" this past March 8th. Thank you Planet Depos!

03/04/2021

Please join us for the 2021 Annual Ethics Seminar - Virtual Edition, hosted by the VWAA! Below is a registration form, or you can obtain a copy from Theodora Stringham at [email protected]. We hope to see you there!

02/26/2021

Members,

Don't forget to register to our March 8, 2021 Lunch and Learn Presented by VWAA's Northern Virginia Chapter and Planet Depos!

"ZOOM REMOTE DEPOSITIONS: THE BASICS, BEST PRACTICES, & HOW TO AVOID AND HANDLE IMPROPER WITNESS COACHING" LUNCH AND LEARN WEBINAR

APPROVED FOR 1.5 CLE CREDITS.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021!!!!

Please join us and feel free to pass along our flyer or invite friends and colleagues. Members attend for fee and the cost for nonmembers is only $20.00!

Date and Time: March 8, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Registration Link: https://planetdepos.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C-DzGwMwTMG4Cr7cF9pLiQ

Additional information can be found on the attached flyer.

02/23/2021

How Women Can Ditch the Guilt When Juggling Careers and Family

A great read for not only the members of NVWAA, but all women struggling to balance these spinning dishes.
EDIT: If you hit the WSJ paywall, you can check out a detailed book review of "Power Moms" here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-295490-9
and another article, here: https://jacobm.medium.com/power-moms-advice-for-professional-women-their-families-and-their-employers-7ae6414120c1

In a new book, “Power Moms,” mothers who reached the top of the corporate ladder explain why feeling guilty over work and family is both futile and a waste of energy.

02/22/2021

Today, get to know ALEXANDRA RIBE, a Senior Attorney at Murray Osorio PLLC and NVWAA Board Member!

1. What field of law do you practice in? Immigration

2. Why did you decide to practice law? I emigrated from Russia so immigration law was a personal fit. I also am a huge extrovert and love working with people and going to court.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory? My parents used to host huge parties with our family and friends and we would spend all day playing ping pong and barbequing and all night singing songs by the fire

4. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? Travel more

5. What experience changed your outlook on life the most? Living abroad. Every time I lived in a new country – Australia, South Africa, India, Italy – I came back feeling like a part of me was fulfilled

6. What do you do to relax after a long day at work? Drink a glass of wine and tickle my toddler

7. What is the last song or album you have listened to? Finally by Cece Pen*ston because that was the last song during my Peloton class

8. If you had a musical “anthem,” what song would it be and why? Alanis Morisette – You Learn – everything in life is worth going through because that’s how we learn

9. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve received? Make decisions and then go for them

10. What is the one food or dish you can’t live without? Pasta

11. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? Being able to fall asleep instantly anywhere – on trains/planes/cars/floors/bars – anywhere.

12. Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Wars

13. What habits/activities have you picked up (or ditched!) during COVID-19? Cooking a lot more inventive dinners for my family

14. What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Beat Bobby Flay

15. If you could invite 3 non-lawyer people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why? My dad, my husband, and my husband’s dad. Both our fathers died when we were young. Obviously they have never met so if I could bring people back from the dead then I would bring us together for a dinner party.

02/16/2021

Our March 8 CLE now has approved CLE credit! Be sure to register online at the address below and join us for a great joint presentation with Planet Depos Court Reporters and Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association!

Register Online At: https://planetdepos.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C-DzGwMwTMG4Cr7cF9pLiQ
Please Direct Questions to: Liz Soc at [email protected]

02/11/2021

TRIVIA TONIGHT! THERE IS STILL TIME TO RSVP!

Come one, come all! We are hosting a virtual trivia night next week. Flex those brain muscles and try to win a prize! RSVP to Kabara D Korth Praskavich at [email protected]!

02/08/2021

Remember that trivia is happening this week! RSVP to Kabara D Korth Praskavich at [email protected]! There will be fun and there will be prizes! 😄

Come one, come all! We are hosting a virtual trivia night next week. Flex those brain muscles and try to win a prize! RSVP to Kabara D Korth Praskavich at [email protected]!

02/01/2021

Come one, come all! We are hosting a virtual trivia night next week. Flex those brain muscles and try to win a prize! RSVP to Kabara D Korth Praskavich at [email protected]!

01/26/2021

We like to share the people behind the Board and let you learn a bit more about us. Today, get to know NVWAA Board Member:
MELISSA DRAGONE of Masterman Krogmann PC

1. What field of law do you practice in?

I practice Domestic Relations law

2. Why did you decide to practice law?

I am a rule-follower, so this just seemed like the right career path for me.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?

When I was a kid we used to get in the car after a big rainstorm and drive through all the puddles.

4. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Relax.

5. What experience changed your outlook on life the most?

The birth of my first nephew, Dominic.

6. What do you do to relax after a long day at work?

I cuddle with my two kitty-cats, Meatball and Vader.

7. What is the last song or album you have listened to?

“I’ll make a man out of you” from the Mulan Soundtrack.

8. If you had a musical “anthem,” what song would it be and why?

‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia Keys because it reminds me that with passion and hard work anything is possible.

9. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve received?

Best piece of advice: wear a mask. Worst piece of advice: It’s just like the flu.

10. What is the one food or dish you can’t live without?

French Fries

11. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?

I can stay seated in the same position for 8 hours without getting up or moving.

12. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Wars

13. What habits/activities have you picked up (or ditched!) during COVID-19?

Chess!

14. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

The Great British Bakeoff

15. If you could invite 3 non-lawyer people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why?

My three sisters, Jessica, Christina, and Alexa, because the four of us do not stop laughing whenever we’re all together.