VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Nia E. White of Gentry Locke in Richmond.  A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the William & Mary Law School, Nia is the current Chair of VADA’s Young Lawyers Division.  She previously has served as the Division’s Vice-Chair.

1.         Where were you born?

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia.

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

I just got engaged in November 2024; we’re getting married in April 2025!  We met in law school and he practices corporate law here in Richmond.  We share custody of a very handsome Scottish Terrier named Trey with my future in-laws.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

I have a broad civil defense practice, but I primarily work in the transportation industry.

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

Three years—I joined when I started practicing law.

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

The people!  Everyone is wonderful and their passion for being good lawyers is evident in all the programming.  

6.         What do you like most about practicing law?

Being a voice of calm and reason for my clients.

7.         What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?

Becoming a lawyer—it’s what I wanted to be for as long as I can remember.

8.         What book is currently on your beside table?

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia.

9.         What is your favorite TV or movie quote?

“You can’t handle the truth”—A Few Good Men.

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

To see the Northern Lights.

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

My lights are off and my space heater is on high.

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

A food writer and researcher.

13.       What was your favorite subject in school?

History.

14.       What is your definition of the perfect weekend?

Waking up after 9:00 a.m., drinking coffee in bed, taking a walk or a hike, watching a movie, and cooking something more elaborate than a typical weeknight meal.

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

Cook, read, and watch television.

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

The Parent Trap (the Lindsay Lohan version).

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

I wish I could juggle.

18.       What is your biggest pet peeve?

Lack of consideration for others.

19.       What is the last concert you attended?  

Anita Baker at the Greensboro Coliseum.            

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

I’m not too far ahead of that person, but I’d tell them to keep a learner’s attitude: humble, determined, open-minded, and thick-skinned.  Being a good lawyer is an ever-moving target and the best way to keep moving towards it is to keep learning.