VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Danielle Giroux of Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman in Alexandria.  Danielle is a graduate of James Madison University and the George Mason University School of Law.  During her years as a member, she has been a frequent speaker at VADA conferences and seminars on the ethical and effective use of social media, investigating and defending traumatic brain injury claims, and other issues germane to her areas of expertise.

1.         Where were you born?

Worcester, Massachusetts.

2.         Spouse? Children? Pets?

I have an amazingly supportive and patient husband, Jared, and three dogs: Moxie Crimefighter, Lexie Luthor, and One-Eyed Willie.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

My practice is broad, but mostly brain injury litigation, products liability, and premises liability.

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

Since 2003.

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

Crowdsourcing from a group of talented, intelligent, and ethical attorneys.  Having a forum for shared ideas and experiences is invaluable.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

Problem-solving.

7.         Who inspires you and why?

My husband, Jared.  I could not do what I do without him.  He also reminds me when it is time to put down my phone and close my laptop.

8.         What is the last movie you saw in a theatre?

Knives Out on February 1, 2020.

9.         If someone was to write a book about you, what would be the title?

Working Title.

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

I want to invent something so practical that everyone will wonder why they didn’t think of it first.

11.       What was your favorite subject in school?

I did not like school until law school.  Before then, I often skipped class to go to the library to do research for the debate team.

12.       What was your first job?

Cast Member at the Disney Store.

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

Do jigsaw puzzles.  You will always find one on my dining room table.

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

A true crime podcaster.

15.       What is your favorite type of music?

Wholly mood-dependent.

16.       What is your favorite travel spot?

I love to travel and I’ve been to all seven continents.  It is hard to pick a favorite spot, but the Pacuare River Lodge in Costa Rica is a special place.  

17.       What secret talent do you have that no one (at least until now) knows about?

I can spin pens around both thumbs at the same time.

18.       In what section of a bookstore would someone be most likely to find you?

At the Starbucks.

19.       What is the last live concert you attended?

Not the last, but the best: The Lone Bellow at the Bowery Ballroom on NYE 2016.

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

Accept that you don’t know what you don’t know. Seek out mentors and ask questions.