On a shelf in the family library sits a tattered middle school journal with the words, “When I grow up I want to help people be happy.” While there are many different avenues for accomplishing this goal, mine was specifically to become a lawyer. That dream stayed with me for years.

As the daughter of an N&W (now Norfolk Southern) railroad worker and the granddaughter of a Naval Officer, a fondness for the railroad and maritime industries came at a very early age. Growing up, I remember frequent trips with my father and grandfather to the railroad and the Norfolk Navel Shipyard. I also remember how hard my father worked and the toll it took on our family when his on-the-job injury ended his career with the railroad. Effective, stalwart legal representation was imperative during that time.

Shortly after graduating from high school, at the age of 17 I met and married my husband. Our family started right after I turned 19 and by age 23 I had given birth to our fourth child. Although becoming a lawyer was still a dream, I knew that doing both was nearly impossible so I gave it up to raise them. However, in 2003 our youngest daughter started pre-school and the fire within me was reignited. The strong desire to help others through a legal career could no longer be ignored. I enrolled in a private college and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies in three years, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. I immediately applied for law school, was accepted and spent another three years obtaining my Juris Doctor degree.

From the first day I became eligible to practice law until the day I retire, I remain committed to changing the way the public thinks about lawyers. Being able to provide a personal experience for each client, consistent communication, and hope for better days ahead are of upmost importance. After all, my J.D. degree was never for me anyway; it was always for helping others to be happy again.