VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Glenn Williams. Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Glenn is a graduate of The College of William & Mary and Washington & Lee University School of Law. He is a partner at Frith Anderson + Peake in Roanoke and has served the VADA as a member of our Annual Meeting Committee.

 

1.       Where were you born?

I was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia.

2.       Tell us a little about yourself. 

My family is from Roanoke. My Mom was a First-Grade teacher and my Dad was a local government attorney. Growing up, I saw how they worked with and helped many different people in our community. I knew I wanted to do something where I could learn people’s stories and help them solve problems.

After earning my undergraduate degree at William and Mary, I worked for two years in the legal department of the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection in Washington, D.C. I was in the litigation section where I interviewed and worked with consumers who had been victims of fraud. My experience at the FTC solidified my desire to be an attorney.

After leaving the FTC, I earned my J.D. at Washington & Lee University School of

Law. I had a wonderful experience there. W&L is a small law school which emphasizes individual responsibility, engagement, and a sense of community. W&L’s small size gave me a chance to really get to know my professors and classmates and learn a lot, not only about the law, but also myself. I enjoy practicing law in Virginia with my colleagues at Frith Anderson + Peake and the VADA.

3.       What type of law do you practice?

I practice general civil defense litigation. Our firm has experience in many different areas, including insurance coverage, general property and casualty, professional liability, medical and professional malpractice, and commercial litigation.

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

Since 2020.

5.       What do you like most about practicing law?

Learning to work with and help many different people. I find it especially rewarding when a client reaches out to us with a difficult or unique legal situation and we are able to help them successfully resolve their problem. Practicing law allows me the opportunity to have a rewarding career and to have a positive impact in my community.

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

I have enjoyed meeting and working with other defense attorneys from across Virginia. The VADA has a great sense of camaraderie.

7.       What book is currently on your bedside table?

The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly.

8.       What is your favorite food and drink?

Spicy tuna sushi and unsweet iced tea.

9.       What was your first job?

Camp counselor.

10.      Last concert you went to?

Turnpike Troubadours.

11.      What is your favorite travel spot?

Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

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

Go to a FIFA World Cup Final.

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

My W&L Law Walking Stick.

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

Seinfeld.

15.      What is your courtroom walkup music?

Bruno Mars.

16.      What talent do you wish you had?

Painting.

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

Run on the Greenway, play golf, and get together with friends to listen to live music.

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

Trying to earn my PGA Tour card.

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

The Dalai Lama.

20.      What is your definition of success?

To me, success is a healthy balance between personal and professional life embodied in Thomas Jefferson's idea of a “citizen lawyer.” Briefly, a citizen lawyer is a lawyer who combines a successful legal practice with active community involvement. This concept recognizes that our coworkers, clients, judges, and jurors are all neighbors sharing the same community. A citizen lawyer strives not only to be the best attorney he or she can be but also strives to be a good citizen in his or her community.

For me, this idea is especially meaningful today where the practice of law is not just a 9 to 5 job, but rather a career. That perspective sustains me through difficult days and motivates me to do my best personally and professionally.