VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Patice Holland of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black in Roanoke.  Patice is a graduate of George Mason University and Stetson University College of Law.  During her years as a member, Patice has been a frequent speaker at VADA conferences and seminars on topics germane to her areas of expertise.

1.         Where were you born?

Roanoke, Virginia.

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

I am single.  No children, spouse, or pets.  Although, the COVID-19 pandemic has made me strongly consider getting a dog.  I live in Roanoke County.  I have been with the Firm for 15 years and am the first African American female Principal in its more than 125-year history.  I am licensed to practice law in Virginia, Florida, and the District of Columbia.

I attend Loudon Avenue Christian Church where I sing on the Praise Team and serve on the General Board.  I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  I serve on Roanoke City’s Equal Empowerment Advisory Board (EEAB), and chair its Trust Committee.  I also serve on the Board of Apple Ridge Farm, along with some other local boards.   

I love to sing and, if I was not practicing law, I would be a singer.  I love anything water (beaches, lakes, pools, etc.).  I enjoy traveling, watching movies, playing cards, hanging out with my family and friends, and getting spa treatments.  2023 is the year of ME.  Self-care (mental + spiritual + physical) is my new priority.  This should be particularly important for all lawyers.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

            Labor and Employment

            Railroad Litigation

            Landlord Tenant

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

I have been a member since October, 2008 – 14 years. 

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

I have enjoyed attending the VADA conferences and meeting other Virginia defense attorneys.  I have benefitted tremendously from my contacts through the VADA and from the useful information it provides to its members.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

I enjoy most that the law is constantly changing, as am I.  There is always something new on the horizon or an interesting statute or area of law to learn.  For me, practicing law has been a walk in the park and not a walk on the treadmill.  I feel that, in my practice, I am constantly moving forward and never standing still.  The day I feel that I am no longer learning or moving forward is the day that I need to hang my hat/rest my heels.

7.         Who inspires you and why?

My parents inspire me.  I am a first-generation college and law student.  However, the best traits and abilities that have made me a good (I’d say great) lawyer have come from their teachings.  They are God fearing (believing in someone greater than themselves), hard-working, creative and dedicated parents and individuals.  They have taught my brothers and I to be innovative and to always think outside the box.  The biggest lessons that they have continuously whispered in my ear throughout my education, and through my 15 years of practicing law, is to: (1) always use my common sense; (2) stay rooted in who I am—don’t forget where you came from; and (3) be kind to folks!  You cannot go far in this profession without these qualities.  They were right.

8.         What was the year, make, and model of your first car?

1997 Honda Accord.

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

How colorful, fun, and inviting it is – I love fashion and art!

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

Traveling to all of my “dream list” of places without having to deal with work/emails.  Translation: Retirement with a generous travel budget?

11.       What was your favorite subject in school?

History (all of it!).

12.       What was your first job?

Sales associate at Movie Starz Video (best job ever).

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

Go home.

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

A professional singer.

15.       What is your favorite type of music?

Tie:  Gospel and R&B.

16.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Any island in the Caribbean.

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

Maybe singing …

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

Unfortunately, I have not gone in a bookstore in years.  Most everything I order or get online.  If I stopped by the bookstore, you would find me in the fiction section.

19.       What is the last live concert you attended?

Patti LaBelle.

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

Professionally, I cannot live without the Outlook app.  Personally, I cannot live without the Amazon app!