VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Sarah Knarzer of Christan & Barton in Richmond.  Sarah is a graduate of James Madison University and the American University Washington College of Law.  She currently serves as Chair of VADA’s Auto & Transportation Liability Section.  She also has served as Chair and Vice-Chair of VADA’s Young Lawyers Division.

 

1.         Where were you born?

Fort Knox, Kentucky. I am an Army brat!

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

I got married last year to my wonderful husband, Tyler. We have a cat named Ruth B. Ginsburg and a dog named Goldie. I am also very close with my two sisters who followed me to Richmond over the last couple of years!

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Civil defense for mostly complex business matters, contracts, financial disputes, and intellectual property.

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

Since I passed the bar in 2021!

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

VADA was an amazing resource for me as a new attorney—the Young Lawyer Bootcamp was my first real introduction to litigation and I still go back to my materials from that program when I have a question come up. My being someone who didn’t attend law school in Virginia, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as I’ve navigated my early career and become a part of the Virginia legal community.

6.         What is your favorite travel spot?

My dad lives in Arizona and I love to get out there to visit him and the national parks around him.  Sedona is an absolute favorite.

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

Get on and win Survivor. Or travel to New Zealand. Or both!

8.         What made you decide to become an attorney?

Growing up, my family used to tell me I’d be a great attorney (which in hindsight, I think was just code for being a bit argumentative…), so after undergrad I started to look into it more seriously. In truth, I do not have any lawyers in my immediate family to base it off of and so I don’t know that I fully appreciated what I was getting myself into, but I’ve always loved engaging the strategic and competitive parts of my brain, so I’m happy to say that it worked out!

9.         What is your favorite movie or television quote?

“What, like it’s hard?” – Legally Blonde

10.       What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who leave their grocery cart in the parking lot!

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

I would love to learn how to play piano.

12.       What is something you have tried that you will never try again?

Tax law.

13.       What was the make and model of your first car?

Toyota Prius!

14.       What was your first job?

I was a cookie delivery driver when I was in undergrad at JMU.

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

Probably my mini-monstera plant or my mom’s artwork on the wall.

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

Puzzle, crochet, and go to the farmer’s market--- I know, really exciting stuff!

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

A zookeeper for penguins.

18.       What is your favorite food and drink?

Dumplings, and iced coffee. (Not together.)

19.       What is your idea of the perfect weekend?

No travel, no plans—just nice weather, good food, and my dog on my lap. The house is already clean and the laundry is already done and I already have everything done on my to-do list for the week!

20.       What is your definition of success?

As long as my family is proud of me, I’d call that a success.