The VBA Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Bar Association.
Issue link: http://vba.epubxp.com/i/80228
.YWXMGI ']RXLME ( /MRWIV Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia -RMXMEPP] ETTSMRXIH XS XLI 7YTVIQI 'SYVX SJ :MVKMRME F] +SZIVRSV +ISVKI %PPIR ']RXLME ( /MRWIV [EW IPIGXIH F] XLI +IRIVEP %WWIQFP] X[MGI FIJSVI FIMRK WIPIGXIH F] LIV TIIVW SR XLI LMKL GSYVX EW 'LMIJ .YWXMGI 7LI XSSO SZIV EW XLI WXEXI´W XL 'LMIJ .YWXMGI SR *IFVYEV] What pivotal points in your career led you to the bench? % I had the privilege of clerking for United States District Judge Glen Williams in Abingdon. It was a federal job and I loved that year and certainly enjoyed that experience. After that I aspired to be a judge, but at that point I thought in terms of the federal bench. [When I was a U.S. magistrate judge] I can say that at that point in my life I really did not give a lot of thought to being a judge in the state judiciary, but thankfully that opportunity came along when a vacancy occurred when Justice [Roscoe B.] Stephenson [Jr.] retired and the General Assembly did not agree on his replacement. So at that point the appointment went to Governor Allen and of course it was an interim appointment. Whomever Governor Allen elected, that person would have to be elected by the General Assembly for a full term. Many people encouraged me to seek the position. And I ago- nized over it, because I would be leaving a good job [for that] uncertainty. I have to give credit to my son, Adam, because one night at the dinner table when I was discussing with my fam- ily the pros and cons he just looked at me so matter-of-factly, 'Mom, sometimes opportunities just come along once in a life- time and you just have to take a chance.' And he was right, so that's kind of how I ended up being on the Supreme Court of Virginia. %W :MVKMRME´W ½VWX JIQEPI 'LMIJ .YWXMGI [LEX HS ]SY XLMRO ]SYV TSWMXMSR QIERW XS [SQIR MR XLI PIKEP TVSJIWWMSR# % For not just women but for young people across the Commonwealth, I hope it says to them that no matter what your situation is in life, no matter what your race, ethnicity, or gender, that you can accomplish your dream if you're willing to work hard and overcome whatever obstacles may be placed in your way. You can do a lot to serve your community, this great Commonwealth and our nation. FALL 2012 t 23