VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Anthony Cottone of Byrne Canaan Law in Richmond.  A graduate of Syracuse University and Widener School of Law, Tony currently serves as Chair of VADA’s Medical Malpractice Section.  He also has been a frequent author and speaker at VADA seminars and events on topics germane to his areas of expertise.

        

1.         Where were you born?

Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

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

I’m married to my beautiful (but Steelers/Penguins fan) wife for coming up on nine years.  I grew up in Philadelphia and am a diehard, 4 for 4 Philadelphia Sports fan.  I grew up in the suburbs, lived in South Philly through law school, and my wife and I lived downtown in Old City right after we got married.  We moved down to Richmond in 2019 and have loved every minute!  We have two fun and crazy young boys and a very large Bernese Mountain Dog named Rocky.  It’s a fun gang and there’s never a dull moment!

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Medical malpractice litigation.

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

Close to four years now.

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

VADA is such a great organization. While the opportunities to write, speak, and lead are rewarding, the relationships I’ve made with my colleagues through VADA events have been the most enjoyable.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

I most enjoy helping my clients through very difficult times in their lives and the feeling of partnering with them to achieve the best result. A close second is that every day of my career, I learn something new.

7.         If you could have dinner with anyone famous, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I like to laugh and hear fun stories when I go out to dinner with folks so I think I’d pick Charlie Kelly from Always Sunny.  I think he’d check both boxes there and who knows … maybe we could be buds after.

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

Spotify. If I can’t play the Encanto soundtrack or “Who Let the Dogs Out” on command for my kids, I’m in big trouble.   I also like to listen to some calming music while I work.  You can imagine how interesting my “Spotify Wrapped” is at the end of every year.

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

A hole in one or a perfect game.

10.       What is your favorite television or movie quote?

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.  Someone should write a song about that.” -Andy Bernard, The Office

11.       What was your first job?

Landscaping/Hardscaping, which pretty much continued through high school, undergrad, and law school when I could get the time.

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

I fill my free time with golf, bowling, running/exercising, reading (mostly fantasy and dabble in comics), and time with family/friends.

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

Probably trying to work in sports. I worked for the NBA for three years before I went to law school trying to chase that dream.

14.       What would your courtroom walk-up music be?

I don’t wanna reveal too many secrets so … I plead the Fifth.

15.       Who is your real-life superhero?

My mom.

16.       What is your favorite travel spot?

The Outer Banks.

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

Sci-fi/Fantasy.

18.       What is your favorite food and drink?

Food: Pizza.

Drink: NA – Coke Zero; A – Bud Light.

19.       What was your favorite subject in school?

Astronomy.

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

The work has only just begun. A legal career takes hard work, thick skin, persistence, and patience. Go forward with confidence because of what you just achieved, but remain humble and eager to learn and grow.