VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Taylor Brewer of Moran Reeves Conn in Richmond.  Taylor has served VADA as Chair of our Medical Malpractice Section in 2018-19.  Since 2019, she has served on VADA’s Board of Directors.

1.         Where were you born?

Norfolk, Virginia.

2.         Spouse? Children? Pets?

My husband, Charlie, is a lawyer at Hunton Andrews Kurth.  We have two daughters: Lilly (4) and Molly (2), and a baby boy on the way.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

My focus is medical malpractice defense.  I occasionally handle automobile and trucking liability matters, as my dad is a personal injury attorney and I have to be able to talk shop with him.

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

Six years.

5.         What is the last book you read?

“The Chicken Sisters” by KJ Dell’Antonia.

6.         What is the one item you cannot live without?

Chocolate.

7.         How would you explain to a three-year-old what you do for a living?

I have experience with this!  I tell my daughters I help doctors and nurses resolve arguments when accidents happen with their patients.  At the end of the day, I hope they simply remember that Mom helps people.

8.         What do you like most about practicing law?

I enjoy the counseling part of law.  Like most defense attorneys, I often meet clients when they are at their most vulnerable – questioning their competence, wondering whether they should pursue their livelihoods, and still intensely upset over whatever happened to cause the lawsuit.  I enjoy being able to educate clients on what to expect during the litigation process, while helping them re-gain their confidence and remember why they do what they do as health care providers.

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

The annual meetings are always fun, because the best part of the VADA is its people.  I have loved becoming friends with so many attorneys I look up to and admire. 

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

One of my fitness goals is to run at least one half-marathon a year for as long as I can.  Also, I would love to learn to scuba dive.

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

My mom and I cruised the Greek Isles several summers ago and it was bliss!

12.       What is your favorite food?

Italian dinners shared with friends.  I spent my 21^st birthday in Florence and had one of the best dinners of my life that night.

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

Plan activities for my children and watch their faces when they see or experience something for the first time.

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

An interior designer.

15.       What was your favorite subject in school?

I took several very small classes (10 people or less) towards my Spanish major at Davidson.  I loved the academic debate and the freedom to think and talk outside the box, in a different language.

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

My family would give me a hard time if I even suggested I know how to turn on our TV.  As for podcasts, I love Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.  Also, Dr. Death was fascinating.

17.       What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I had any artistic ability!  My mom is an artist, and my brother inherited her talent.  I did not.

18.       What is your favorite type of music?

On a run – hip hop.  Around the house – jazz or classical.  With friends – country.  In the car – any of the above.

19.       What advice would you give to someone new to VADA?

Get involved!  Go to the meetings and sign up for volunteer and leadership opportunities.  Write an article for the Journal of Civil Litigation.  You will not regret active engagement with this group.

20.       What is your definition of success?

I think success is different for everyone.  To me, success is being happy, fulfilled, and financially sound in your position in life, whatever and wherever that