VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Sophia Brasseux of Moran Reeves Conn in Richmond.  Sophia is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of Richmond School of Law.  She currently serves as Vice-Chair of VADA’s Wellness Committee.  Sophia has served, too, on VADA’s Annual Meeting Committee.

1.              Where were you born?

Silver Spring, Maryland.

2.         Tell us a little about yourself.  Spouse? Children? Pets?

My fiancé Michael Miller and I live in Richmond with our Vizsla/Lab mix, Bella, and our cat, Marty.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Medical Malpractice defense.

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

2 ½ years.

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

The people. VADA provides so many great opportunities to connect with old classmates and colleagues as well as to make new connections.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

There are many aspects about the practice of law I enjoy, but one of my favorite parts of the profession is that it requires me to constantly learn new things.  Sometimes it is learning about a niche area of law, sometimes it is learning about how a particular medical procedure is, or should be, performed, sometimes it is a CLE totally unrelated to my practice area.  While the abundance of things to learn and know can be overwhelming at times, it also keeps things interesting.

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

Be moving – at yoga, on my Peloton, or outside with my dog.

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

Teaching, ideally at a small liberal arts college in New England.

9.         What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movies are Little Miss Sunshine, Garden State, and 500 Days of Summer.

10.       What was your undergraduate major?

Psychology.

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

Getting a camper or RV and visiting every National Park.

12.       What was your first job?

Babysitter.

13.       What is your favorite food and drink?

Enchiladas and coffee. Never together though.

14.       If you were to visit my office, one of the first things you would notice would be … 

It is sparse. I have no décor aside from my diplomas and a picture from my clerkship with my fellow law clerks and our judges. The picture is a great reminder to try to avoid filing anything that would disappoint them.

15.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Monhegan Island, Maine.

16.       What is your favorite book?

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, followed closely by The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

17.       What is your biggest pet peeve?

Loud chewing.

18.       What is the last live concert you attended?

Leftover Salmon at Maymont in Richmond.

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

Spotify.

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

Ask lots of questions. Even the dumb ones. It is better to ask a dumb question than to make a dumb mistake. Although you will make dumb mistakes as well. They might seem like the end of the world, but they aren’t. Try to take each mistake as a learning opportunity. Try to give yourself some grace as you learn the law and about the profession generally.  And try to make at least a few close friends in the profession. Having people to talk to who just “get it” can make the world of a difference during the tougher times and can make the good times sweeter. Last, but most certainly not least, make time for things outside of work.  Schedule dinners with friends, time to work out, or time for your hobbies on your calendar just like you would a meeting if you have to.  Being a lawyer is an amazing privilege, but all the other parts of who you are are just as important.