VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Daniel Sarrell of Woods Rogers in Roanoke.  Daniel is a graduate of North Carolina State University and the University of Richmond School of Law.  He has served a member of VADA’s Board of Directors and as Chair and Vice-Chair of VADA’s Medical Malpractice Section.

1.         Where were you born?

I was born in Milton, Florida, where my dad, a Navy pilot at the time, was stationed.

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

I have been married to Kimberly Sarrell for 18 years.  She has taught middle school English in Roanoke since we moved here in 2008 after I finished law school.  We have two daughters, Emmeline (13) and Margaret (11)—also a miniature golden doodle (Bailey) and a temperamental cat (Lilly), whom we can easily and happily rehome at a moment’s notice.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Medical malpractice defense with sporadic exceptions.

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

Since 2008.

5.         What do you like most about practicing law?

When it happens, an appreciative and relieved client after a jury win or dismissal of a case is pretty cool.  Going to work and winning at something is a uniquely appealing part of doing litigation/medical malpractice work.  Less so when it goes the other way.  I also like the ability to work an irregular schedule when not in depositions or trial.

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

Tapping the collective wisdom of the VADA membership, particularly the wise owls in the Medical Malpractice Section.  My second favorite thing is interrupting Matt Kelley presentations with irrelevant questions and observations. 

7.         What book is currently on your bedside table?

Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk.

8.         What is your favorite food and drink?

Lamb meatballs, Bismark pizza, and rye stingers in the Fall with my friend Stephen at Fortunato in Roanoke.

9.         What was your first job?

Landscaping and grounds maintenance at Christ School, a boarding school outside of Asheville, North Carolina.

10.       Last concert you went to?

Drew and Ellie Holcomb at the Harvester in Rocky Mount, VA.

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Maui, Hawaii.

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

I’m not really sure and have no bucket list to speak of.  Traveling with my wife and kids to Italy would be fun.

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

Piles of medical records.

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

TV Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm.  Movie: A Few Good Men.

15.       What is your courtroom walkup music?

“Telegraph Road” by Dire Straits.  Would be a long walk.

16.       What talent do you wish you had?

Keeping my opinions to myself.

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

Hang out my wife, kids, and friends.  I play golf occasionally and on Thursday evenings, I teach poker to a group of beginners.  

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

I really don’t know.  I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age.  Maybe something outdoors involving manual labor, which is more and more appealing the longer I work in an office.  So, landscaper or stone mason.

19.       Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?

Ric Flair.

20.       What is your definition of success?

Raising kids who know their maker and become well-adjusted adults—and who want to voluntarily spend time with their parents when they become adults.