VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Lori Bentley of Johnson Ayers & Matthews in Roanoke.  Lori is a graduate of the University of Richmond and the University of Richmond School of Law.  She has been a member of VADA since 1997.

1.         Where were you born?

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

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

Husband: Scott Bentley; Two kids: Virginia (19) and Colin (16).

Two crazy dogs: Daisy and Gunther.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Civil litigation, with a focus on real estate litigation and eminent domain.

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

Since I began private practice in 1997.

5.         What do you like most about practicing law?

The ability to help clients at a difficult time in their lives.

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

Meeting attorneys from all across the state who understand what you do and are always willing to help.

7.         What book is currently on your bedside table?

Washington Black.

8.         What is your favorite food and drink?

Homegrown tomatoes and sweet tea.

9.         What was your first job?

Lifeguard.

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

1977 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham.

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.

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

Trip to Japan.

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

My antique law books, including Volume 1 of 3 of the U.S. Code from 1796.

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

NCIS.

15.       What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who tell you they are going to do something, but don’t do it.

16.       What talent do you wish you had?

I really wish that I could dance.

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

Garden.

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

An archeologist.

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

My grandfather, who started working after his mother died when he was in the second grade. He was not a well-educated man, but he was the smartest man I ever met.

20.       What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar?

The most important thing you can learn as an attorney is to know just how much you don’t know and to always ask questions. I have never regretted a question I have asked, but I have often regretted not asking for help when I needed it.