VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is John Dunnigan of Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman in Richmond.  John is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond School of Law.  He has served as Chair and Vice-Chair of VADA’s Products & Toxic Torts Section.  John currently serves on VADA’s Board of Directors.

 

 

1.         Where were you born?

Newport News, Virginia.

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

My beautiful wife, Kristin, and I have been married since 2019. We got married in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It was a blast. We have a 17-month-old son, Luke, and a 3-week-old daughter, Meredith. It is a hectic time right now in our house.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Products liability, trucking, construction, and general liability matters.

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

I have been a member of VADA since 2019.

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

The people of VADA have been the best part. The relationships I have made with my VADA colleagues have been personally and professionally rewarding.

6.         What made you decide to become an attorney?

I wanted to become an attorney because of the intellectual challenge. I wanted to advocate for others and help people solve their problems. As a lawyer, you are exposed to so many different issues within society. It is a profession that gives you access to work and clients in diverse industries.

7.         What book is currently on your bedside table?

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. My son wants my wife and me to read it every night.

8.         What is your favorite food and drink?

That’s tough. I love seafood. I would probably say crabs. I enjoy a nice bourbon as well.

9.         What is your favorite movie or television quote?

“That’s as good as money, sir. Those are I.O.U.’s. Go ahead and add it up, every cent’s accounted for.” – Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber.

10.       What is the last live concert you attended?

Twenty-One Pilots in the Capitol One Arena in DC. I could not have picked seats farther from the stage. It was pretty funny.

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

I would love to travel to Europe and visit Italy, Greece, and Spain. I want to try all their authentic foods and visit their beaches.

12.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Turks & Caicos. You cannot beat that water. Great restaurants as well.

13.       What was your undergraduate major?

Political Science with a minor in Philosophy of Law.

14.       What is your courtroom walk up music?

There are a couple. Public Service Announcement – Jay-Z and That’s All She Wrote – Eminem.

15.       If you were to visit my office, one of the first things you would notice would be … 

Probably the framed photographs of the basketball and hoop patents on my wall.

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

Work out, spend time with my family, try to get outside as much as possible.

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

In investment and financial services.

18.       What is your idea of the perfect weekend?

It would be a short visit to Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks. I’d wake up and have a nice run on the beach. Then I’d sit on the beach in warm weather under an umbrella for the rest of the day. This would be followed by a seafood-filled dinner.

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

The most famous person I met was (now retired) NBA player Dwyane Wade. He gave me a high-five at a basketball camp in 2006 after he won his first NBA title. I was hoping he would ask me to join the Miami Heat that day, but surprisingly I did not get the call.

20.       What is your definition of success?

Success to me in the legal profession means building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with clients while also delivering favorable results. It is not just about winning or losing a case, but about becoming a reliable, go-to attorney and resource.