VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Lisa Frisina of Penn Stuart in Richmond.  Lisa is a Past-President of VADA, serving as our President in 2011-12.  In addition to being the first female to serve as President of our Association, Lisa has served on VADA’s Board of Directors and as Chair and Vice-Chair of VADA’s Workers’ Compensation Section.

1.         Where were you born?

Olean, New York.

2.         Spouse? Children? Pets?

Three children (Nick, Olivia and Audrey), two grandchildren (Finley and Landon), a cat (Penelope), and a guinea pig (Cookie Dough, aka Bunny).

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Workers’ compensation.

4.         How long have you been a member of VADA?

Forever.

5.         What have you enjoyed most about your time in VADA?

The fact that the individuals I looked up to as a young lawyer have become great friends and mentors.  And the dinners …  I always look forward to dinners with my VADA family.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

The gratitude displayed by clients when I am able to help them through the litigation process.

7.         What is your least favorite thing about the practice of law?

The billable hour.

8.         What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without?

Headspace.

9.         What is at the top of your bucket list?

A month (or more) in the Mediterranean, in a house large enough for family and friends to come and go as they please.  A very close second is a few weeks in the Cook Islands (without the family and friends J).

10.       What was your undergraduate major?

Marketing.

11.       What was your first job?

Sales associate at AM&A’s Department Store, selling stockings and accessories to the loveliest elderly ladies in town.

12.       What talent do you wish you had?

The ability to function on two hours of sleep.

13.       When I am not at the office, I like to …

Spend time with family and friends, work on DIY projects, and try not to think about work.

14.       What is your favorite movie, TV show, or podcast?

HUGE Brené Brown fan …

15.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Anywhere, truly.  If I had to pick one special place, there’s this cenote near Chichen Itza … Magical!

16.       In what section of a bookstore is someone most likely to find you?

Travel section.

17.       If I wasn’t practicing law, I would be …

Maybe teaching full time?

18.       What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate.  Always, chocolate.

19.       What advice would you give someone who just passed the bar?

Always: Do what is right.  Treat everyone with respect.  Be grateful for your opportunity to help others.   At the end of the day (and at the end of your career), that is all that matters.