VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Dawn Boyce of McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C., in Fairfax.  A graduate of the College of William & Mary and the George Mason University School of Law, Dawn served from 2008-2011 on VADA’s Board of Directors.  She served as Potomac Regional Director from 2009-2011.  Since 2012, she has been a member of the Board of Editors of VADA’s flagship publication The Journal of Civil Litigation.  Dawn also is a past Chair of VADA’s Auto and Premises Liability Section.

1.         Where were you born?

Maysville, Kentucky, in the Hayswood Hospital that was eventually abandoned and is believed to be haunted!

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

My husband and I have two adult sons and are currently empty nesters.  I now spoil to my heart’s content our miniature labradoodle, Gilly.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Insurance defense, coverage, and workers’ compensation, with some municipal and school law cases.

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

Since approximately 1991.  It is hard to believe I have been practicing for 35 years!

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

The people.  We are truly lucky to be part of a group with so many professional and talented people.

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

Advocating a position. 

7.         What was your favorite subject in school?

Algebra.  I had a great teacher.

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

To hike in Switzerland.  I plan to check this off the list next summer.

9.         What is your favorite travel spot?

The mountains anywhere, preferably on a body of water.  I like to be out in the woods, surrounded by nature.  It is hard to beat hiking in Colorado.

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

Best sellers in fiction.

11.       What is your favorite TV or movie quote?

That is a tough one.  My Cousin Vinny and A Few Good Men come to mind, but I have always liked the President’s speech in Independence Day:

"We will not go quietly into the night!

We will not vanish without a fight!

We're going to live on!

We're going to survive!"

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

The poem If by Rudyard Kipling.

13.       What is the best live concert you have ever attended?

Hands down, Paul McCartney.  I have seen him twice and both times were fantastic.

14.       What is your courtroom walk up music?

“We Will Rock You” by Queen.

15.       If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

16.       What is your definition of the perfect weekend?

Hanging out by the river with my husband and dog.

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

Hike, kayak, spend time with my family and friends.

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

A Park Ranger.

19.       What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I wish I had a photographic memory.

20.       What is your advice to someone who just passed the bar?

Become involved in the Bar and legal associations like the VADA.  The people you will meet and the things you will learn will be invaluable to you in your careers.