VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Noelle Quam of TimberlakeSmith in Staunton.  Noelle is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Washington and Lee University School of Law.

1.         Where were you born?

I was born and raised in New Jersey. 

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

Despite my Jersey roots, I have been a full-fledged Virginian since doing undergrad at UVA.  I just celebrated my 10-year wedding anniversary with my husband, Matt.  I met him in my first week at UVA and have been with him ever since (much longer than 10 years).  We have three kids: Cam (6), Nate (3), and Maddie (2).  We also have 2 cats, but they have become an afterthought after we had 3 kids in less than 4 years. 

3.         What type of law do you practice?

I practice medical malpractice defense.

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

As soon as I joined Timberlake, I was encouraged to join and be active in the VADA.  I attended my first Annual Meeting prior to knowing my bar exam results.

5.         What do you like most about practicing law?

That every day is different. 

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

The people.  Particularly in medical malpractice, we see a lot of the same attorneys on cases when there are multiple defendants.  It has been nice getting to know many of these attorneys outside the context of emails or depositions.  Not only does it create a sense of collaboration, but I also enjoy the work more.

7.         What was your favorite subject in school?

Math.  I somewhat disliked reading and writing.  I am still not entirely sure how I ended up going to law school.

8.         What is your favorite food?

Pasta anything.  Half of the reason I am a runner is so I can justify my pasta intake.

9.         What book is currently on your bedside table?

A parenting book, which I have been meaning to read for 6 years.

10.       What is your favorite type of music?

I would describe my favorite type of music as “calming music.”  Not like meditation music (if that exists), but musicians and songs that evoke a sense of calmness in me (i.e. Norah Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Chris Stapleton).

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

My husband and I love traveling to the national parks.  I am particularly fond of Zion National Park.  That said, after foolishly believing taking 3 kids (ages 5 and under) on a national park trip would be enjoyable, we now stick to the beach. 

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

I would love to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

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

That my office is approximately 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the office.  I could not function without my space heater.

14.       What is the last live concert you attended?

Ray LaMontagne

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

Pride and Prejudice (the movie).

16.       What was your first job?

A music librarian.  My dad was a band director and I was paid to organize and maintain the music library. 

17.       When I am not in the office, I like to …

Run, cook pasta, and be with my family.

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

In this current stage of life, a stay-at-home mom.  But one who still sends her kids to daycare. 

19.       What is your biggest pet peeve?

Maybe not the biggest, but a significant one: voicemails. 

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

Make time to observe more experienced attorneys at trial and in hearings and depositions.  And do not just focus on the substance of the arguments or questions, but also the softer skills like how to interact with the Court and its staff, how to handle aggressive opposing counsel, etc.