VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Rosalie Pemberton Fessier of Timberlake Smith in Staunton.  Rosalie is a graduate of Keene State College and the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.  She has served VADA as Vice-Chair of VADA’s Young Lawyers Division.

1.         Where were you born?

Richmond, Virginia.

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

My husband and I have been married for almost 24 years.  We have two sons: one at VCU and one a high school senior.  We also have a Rottie and four cats to keep us outfitted in animal hair.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

I defend constitutional officers and public officials in civil rights and medical malpractice suits.

4.         What do you like most about practicing law?

I like being in court in person.  Arguing motions via Zoom is for the birds.

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

Over 25 years.

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

I appreciate the connections and mentorship we provide each other. The VADA has been an invaluable resource.

7.         Who is the most fascinating person you ever met?

My grandparents were incredible individuals.  I miss them.

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

The most valuable app is my calendar.  The most annoying app is the parent portal from the school.

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

Returning to all the “points of interest” we skipped during past family trips just to keep to the schedule.  A bonus would be if the kids (who are now too cool to hang with the parents) came with us.

10.       What is the one movie or TV show you can watch over and over again, no matter how many times you have seen it?

Any Star Wars movie or TV show.

11.       What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could sing well.

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

Hang with the kids when they let me; otherwise, I like to travel to weird places my husband picks out.

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

Probably healthier and better rested?  Otherwise, possibly a book editor.

14.       If someone were to walk into my office, one of the first things they would notice would be …

All the paper, despite my commitment to going paperless.

15.       What was your first job?

Cashier at a CVS drugstore and chair side dental assistant for my dad.

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

Are bookstores still a thing?  I read (on my Kindle) non-law related novels or whatever depressing book my book club picks for the month.  

17.       What is your favorite travel spot?

The Outer Banks, or just about any beach.

18.       What is the last live concert you attended?

The Eagles.  It has been a while.  I prefer plays to live music.

19.       My favorite way to unwind after a long day at work is …

Having dinner with the family when they are all at home, which is rare these days; otherwise, having a glass of wine and enjoying the mountain views from our patio or deck.  The Shenandoah Valley is a great place to live.

20.       What is your definition of success?

I declare success whenever I complete my time sheets before I leave the office for the day.  Success in the broader sense is making enough to do the things that bring us joy and raising children who are confident and kind.  I am still working on all of the above.