VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Allen Kidd of Sinnott Nuckols & Logan, PC, in Midlothian.  Allen is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Richmond School of Law.  He has been a frequent speaker at, and contributor to, VADA publications and seminars on topics germane to his areas of expertise.

1.     Where were you born?

Midlothian, Virginia.

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

Married to: Ali Kidd

Pets:    Harris – Golden Retriever – 12 years old

Benjamin – Havanese – 10 years old

Hampden – Goldendoodle – 8 months old

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Insurance Defense.

4.         What do you like most about practicing law?

Solving problems for clients and the relationships we develop with our fellow members of the bar.

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

Sixteen years.  (Oof, I’m old.)

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

Meetings and happy hours are always an enjoyable time spent with colleagues.

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

Tides Near Me.  Need to know what the tide is doing!

8.         Who is your favorite television or movie celebrity?

I am not much of celebrity guy, but James May is definitely a favorite.

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

The Fifth Element.

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

I’ve achieved them all!

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Deltaville, Virginia.

12.       What was your undergraduate major?

Economics.

13.       What was your first job?

Working at a mini-storage.  It was a great way to learn about human nature and how to deal with a truly wide variety of often difficult people you encounter in life and in this profession.

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

We spend most of our weekends in Deltaville – boating, fishing and relaxing.  We also do a lot of off-roading in our various old, dented up Land Rovers – with the Rover Owners Association of Virginia and other Land Rover organizations in other states.  During the week, I spend a lot of time fixing old, dented up Land Rovers … .

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

I literally have no idea.  We are very fortunate to have such an interesting and rewarding profession.

16.       If you were to walk into my office, one of the first things you would notice would be …

Hampden (the goldendoodle).  He will require your attention before you can speak to me.

17        What is the last live concert you attended?

Jimmy Buffett.

18.       What book is currently on your bedside table?

The Book That Wouldn’t Burn – Mark Lawrence.

19.       In what section of a bookstore is someone most likely to find you?

I do all my reading on a Kindle these days, but the Fantasy section.  Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence are favorites.

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

Your reputation is everything.  It takes a lifetime to build and a moment to squander.  Do the right thing for the right reason, and you will be fine.  Tied into this is your relationship with your colleagues.  Virginia is a small place.  Your good relationship with opposing counsel is often the single largest value you can provide to your client.