Unsung Legal Heroes

Saluting Virginia’s Unsung Legal Heroes

unsung.jpgWe are pleased to recognize 15 individuals who are “Virginia’s Unsung Legal Heroes” for 2007. Lawyers in Virginia do great work. But at the commonwealth’s law firms, you’ll find any number of dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes and don’t always get the recognition that they deserve. Hence the “Unsung Legal Heroes” awards. We are recognizing five different categories of people in this tribute: Legal Secretary/Assistant, Law Librarian, Paralegal, Firm Administrator and IT Professional. Sarah Rodriguez compiled the information and prepared this special feature. Congratulations to you all!

Paul E. Fletcher
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

LEGAL SECRETARY / ASSISTANT

Becky Lugar

Gentry Locke Rakes Moore
Roanoke

For the past five years, Rebecca C. “Becky” Lugar has been the legal secretary to attorney S.D. Roberts Moore at Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore in Roanoke. She is a part of the firm’s plaintiff’s medical malpractice litigation section. Since Moore does not use a computer, he relies heavily on Lugar to implement and maintain a case management system for nearly 200 active litigation cases. In addition, she handles his calendars, dictation and phone calls as well. “She knows it all, and if she doesn’t she’ll find the answer,” said Melinda Childress, who nominated Lugar. Childress described Lugar’s attitude towards clients and co-workers as happy, pleasant and professional, no matter how demanding the workload might be. “Becky is the heart and soul of our section,” Childress stated. She praised Lugar for “always going above and beyond the call of duty.”

Cindy Conner

LeClair Ryan
Roanoke

Cindy Conner works as a full-time legal assistant for two attorneys in the Roanoke office of LeClair Ryan – in addition to holding two other part-time jobs. Even with such a full schedule, she arrives to the office before and leaves after most others in the firm, often working through lunch. She is asked “for the sun and the moon daily,” according to nominator Shana Saul, and she delivers. In addition to her hard work, she helps with other events within the office, including the organization of two food drives. “Although she may have several projects on her plate, she always takes time to help other assistants and attorneys,” said Saul, who describes Conner as a burst of energy and a breath of fresh air. Whenever someone helps her out, she rewards them with a small gift. “She is a great asset to this company,” said Saul.

Marilyn Flax

Robert L. Flax PC
Richmond

After 31 years of teaching elementary school, Marilyn Lipsitz Flax began working as a legal assistant for her husband, Richmond bankruptcy attorney Robert L. Flax. She maintains a busy schedule, assisting clients with bankruptcy petitions, taking calls, writing letters and scheduling. Because her husband is a sole practitioner, she often works with him during weekends and evenings. “She rarely complains,” Bob said in his nomination. In 2001, Bob suffered a mini-stroke and underwent a heart operation. “During my months of recuperation, her responsibilities increased exponentially,” said Bob. “She helped me return phone calls from the intensive care unit so much that I broke the phone.” Nowadays, Marilyn assists by driving Bob when he has court out of town, and accompanies him to bar and association meetings.

Belinda Wright

Hunton & Williams
Richmond

Belinda Wright works as a professional assistant in the Richmond office of Hunton & Williams. For over 20 years, she has provided support for lawyers and administrators, helping with numerous trials and longterm projects. “What makes Belinda singularly praiseworthy is her unmatchable professionalism, dedication to her craft and grace under fire,” Hunton & Williams’ senior communications administrator, Kristen Chatterton, said in her nomination. Wright works hard to assist attorneys within the firm, Chatterton noted, seeing their work product as a reflection of herself. Wright is frequently called upon to train and mentor other assistants, and her helpfulness and polite attitude has earned her the respect of colleagues and clients alike. “Belinda’s most telling attribute is the universal regard in which she is held both inside and outside the firm,” said Chatterton.

Lisa Millhorn

Kilgore & Smith
Fredericksburg

For 14 years, Lisa Millhorn has worked as a legal assistant for Kilgore & Smith, a small family firm in Fredericksburg. Her job duties range from office manager to bookkeeper to IT department. And the list goes on, according to Leila A. Kilgore, who nominated Millhorn. Millhorn is the “scheduler, supply orderer, receptionist, copy-repair person, incredible mother, institutional memory, sometime bug killer, coffee maker and finally the glue that keeps everything together,” Kilgore remarked, noting that she could continue going on and on. “We couldn’t live without her and we love her.”

LAW LIBRARIAN

Frosty Owen

Hunton & Williams
Richmond

As library services manager for Hunton & Williams, Frosty Owen oversees and manages libraries in all 19 of the firm’s domestic and international offices. Owen is responsible for overseeing the library’s Web site, handling the firm’s electronic subscriptions and helping implement document management software. Owen was elected president of the Virginia Association of Law Libraries in 1998, and is involved with professional development activities for the American Association of Law Librarians, according to Hunton & Williams’ senior communications administrator, Kristen Chatterton. In her nomination, Chatterton describes Owen as “an active volunteer” in his community. He devotes time to helping at retirement communities, elementary schools, homeless shelters and hospitals. Owen has worked for Hunton & Williams for nearly 30 years.

Heather Buchanan

Suffolk Circuit Court
Suffolk

Heather Buchanan is the law librarian for the Suffolk Circuit Court law library. She does legal research for all levels of government, as well as for Suffolk city employees. In addition to her extensive research, Buchanan also organizes continuing legal education programs for attorneys, as well as for the public. According to JoAnn Featherstone, who nominated Buchanan, the Suffolk Circuit Court law library receives no funding from the city, or from the local bars. Buchanan runs the library only on filing fees, and everything in the library is free, from copies of documents to coffee. “She helps everybody,” said Featherstone.

PARALEGAL

Melissa McConnell

Penn Stuart & Eskridge
Abingdon

Melissa McConnell joined the Abingdon office of Penn, Stuart and Eskridge as a paralegal in 2004. She has been a great motivator and positive role model ever since, according to attorney Anne Musgrove, who nominated McConnell. “When employee morale is low, it is often Melissa who steps out of her role as a paralegal,” said Musgrove, who attributes many an office birthday party, pot luck or shower to McConnell’s efforts.“She has even planned a wedding for a co-worker.” McConnell also heads the firm’s Relay for Life Team, a group who takes part in the American Cancer Society’s fundraising event. McConnell’s hard work and enthusiasm has increased participation and raised a record-breaking amount of money, Musgrove noted. “Whenever something truly good happens here,” said Musgrove, “Melissa always seems to have something to do with it.”

Merle O’Donnell

Robert L. Flax PC
Richmond

Merle O’Donnell is an independent paralegal who assists solo and small firm lawyers, including bankruptcy and domestic relations attorney, Robert L. Flax of Richmond. She also focuses her career on personal injury cases, and provides assistance with electronic filing to attorneys and pro bono legal services. “She demonstrates diligence, tact and empathy with our clients who are often under a great deal of stress,” reported Flax, who nominated O’Donnell. Flax described O’Donnell as an energetic mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother who often puts in 12-hour days and is quick to assist with client emergencies, even if they come at night or on weekends. “She has served our clients exceptionally well,” said Flax.

Teena M. Pickerel

Patricia McAdams Gibbons, PC
Lynchburg

For the past 12 years,Teena Pickeral has worked as a paralegal for Lynchburg domestic relations attorney, Patricia McAdams Gibbons. While handling the business aspects of running the office, she also devotes her time to case research and follows up on all court-related matters. She’s often worked into the evening helping prepare for trial. “What really distinguishes her is her wonderful attitude, her dedication towork hard and her ability to get things done ‘right,’” said Gibbons in her nomination. Gibbons depicted Pickeral as a role model for other paralegals who often come to her for advice, and noted that her efficient work manner is wellknown by other attorneys and judges in the Lynchburg area. “She is very intelligent and has a very sharp mind,” said Gibbons, who further described Pickeral as kind and intuitive.When helping clients involved in divorce and custody cases,“she knows when to be soft and when to be stern.”

FIRM ADMINISTRATOR

Laura Osbourne

Hirschler Fleischer
Richmond

Laura Osborne is the director of administration for Hirschler Fleischer. Recently, she was in charge of moving the firm’s downtown Richmond office to the Edgeworth Building. She handled the budget, development, construction and everything from “color, décor, furniture, workflow, technology, office assignments and move scheduling,” according to Jim Dempsey, one of three people who nominated her. The firm was successfully relocated in 48 hours, said Mindy Meredith of CSC Leasing Company, another nominator. “I was thoroughly impressed with her dedication, excruciating long hours, and the willingness to do everything it took to ensure success, including many personal sacrifices,” Meredith added. “She has been able to implement many of [her] great ideas and visions,” Deborah Froling of Arent Fox states in her nomination,“and has succeeded in making the firm an extremely profitable and growing enterprise.”

Tarrah Piper

Arlington County General District Court
Arlington

Tarrah Piper serves as the legal assistant to the judges of the Arlington County Circuit Court. Her work includes scheduling for civil commitment hearings and tours of the court, managing the court’s budget and finding substitute judges to sit in the court, often at the last minute. “She is relentless in her search,” Chief Judge Karen A. Henenberg said in her nomination, and “always manages to find a substitute judge to assist us in serving the public.” Judge Henenberg described Piper as a “can-do” person who is successful, polite and well respected throughout the Arlington Courthouse community. “She is truly the ‘glue’ that keeps our court together and running in a professional, efficient and user-friendly manner,” Judge Henenberg stated.

Catherine J. Patton

Barnes & Diehl
Chesterfield

Catherine J. Patton first began to work for Edward Barnes as a secretary 29 years ago. She is now firm administrator for the Chesterfield law firm of Barnes & Diehl. She supervises all non-lawyer personnel in the office, oversees billing and deals with client management. “She is a large part of the firm’s public relations,” said Barnes in his nomination.“Many of the clients, who have spoken to her before they meet with an attorney in the office, have already made a decision to retain our firm based on their conversation with her.” Barnes depicts Patton as an inspiration and an advocate for all employees, past, current and future. She is a team player, said Barnes, willing to pitch in and help those at the firm handle any work-related or personal need. She has implemented creative ways to provide job incentives for staff members, including giving Friday afternoons off on a rotating basis. “Her empathy, caring and respect for others is infectious,” Barnes said of Patton. “In short, she is inextricably connected with the culture and character of our law firm.”

IT PROFESSIONAL

Chris Schenack

Hirschler Fleischer
Richmond

Chris Shenack is the manager of information technology at the Richmond office of Hirschler Fleischer, but serves in a much larger capacity, according to nominator Jim Dempsey. “Chris is part visionary, part help desk and part sounding board,” Dempsey said. Although he enjoys working in the background, he is a very likable guy who is always willing to listen and help with any IT issues, stated Dempsey. During the Hirschler Fleischer’s move to its current location in downtown Richmond, Shenack introduced an innovative computer-based telephone system to the office. He was in the new space almost every day making sure the installation was moving forward. “Chris also contributed on hundreds of other details, from technology issues to workflow esthetics,” said Dempsey.

Christopher Gauldin

Barnes & Diehl
Chesterfield

Christopher M. Gauldin serves as the internet technology director for the Chesterfield law firm of Barnes & Diehl. In addition to maintaining and updating computer systems for the firm’s multiple offices, Gauldin also manages the firm’s Web site and trains personnel in Microsoft Office and practice-specific programs. “He has improved and upgraded our services to ‘state-of-the-art’”, said president and CEO of the firm, Edward D. Barnes, in his nomination. Gauldin also creates Web sites for various local, state and national law organizations in which Barnes is involved or helps lead.Within the firm, he handles travel arrangements for business and bar association activities, places advertisements and notices, and coordinates with technology vendors. Barnes describes Gauldin as having an infectious cheerful, “can-do” attitude, and as someone who is well-liked and depended upon within the firm. “He has stepped up above and beyond what you would expect an employee would do and has become a distinct, known personality outside of our firm,” said Barnes.

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