Criminal Defense; Attorneys . Experienced & Aggressive Representation. At the intersection of this issue are women of color who are attorneys, specifically Black women. Founded in 1985, The Law Offices of Howard J. Weintraub, P.C. I did not get too many replies but the ones I did get were so very helpful, and I am grateful for this avenue to be able to reach out and find the appropriate attorney for me. Atlanta, GA 30350. Criminal: $202: Elder Law: $510: Employment/Labor: $341: Family: $279: Government: $241: Immigration: $281: Insurance: $159 . Get your free case evaluation now! tude.refreshAdsViaDivMappings([ { targeting: { Its team of criminal justice attorneys near Atlanta assists in criminal cases involving DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, probation violations, and stalking. (December 4, 2015), Served as organizer and panel moderator for GABWAs Annual CLE: Succeeding in Family Law Hearings & Jury Trials. Bill did a. Meg Strickler meg@cs-lawyers.com . Atlanta, GA 30303. Serving the Atlanta Metro Area, GA & Statewide Georgia, GA. Renown U.S. law firm advocating for human, civil, workers, and women's rights to inspire public awareness and social change. It is also important to note that black lawyer associations . House Bill 404, which now moves to the state Senate, would . Two-year-old Zaniyah Hinson died after being left inside a scorching hot van A house fire claimed the life of a father and his son, Mr. Crump handled a medical malpractice lawsuit in Miami involving a 48-year-old Ben Crump is known for righting the wrongs and fighting for the under-served, often collecting millions of dollars for victims and their families. These institutions allowed Black students to pursue higher learning when they were refused entry into other established colleges and universities due to racist policies against integration. (866) 592-1296. He also holds memberships in the State Bar of Georgia and the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys - Family Law Chair . Unfortunately, innocent people go to prison all the time. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.comandmust meet similar selection criteria as otherlawyers. At the same time, she and her team also handle pro-bono and low-fee matters for aspiring entrepreneurs. After going with my first Lawyer I found searching Google and costing me and my family over $30,000.00 for joint custody of my child that never went any where intge end, I was lost and at my ends. Best Immigration Attorneys in Atlanta! Some criminal charges come with administrative penalties like a suspended driver's license or loss of school scholarships. Copyright 1999-2023 LegalMatch. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Serving Atlanta, GA (Serving Atlanta & Surrounding Communities). According to the Left Out and Left Behind study conducted by the ABA, women of color make up 15% of all law firm associates. A retired US Army veteran was awarded over $411 million for the injuries he sustained and lifelong physical complications he will endure as a result of a 2018 multi-vehicle accident on Floridas I-10. Atlanta Criminal Defense Team | Sabbak & Izmaylova,P.C. As a trial attorney, Tamika Sykes conducted over 75 bench and jury trials. He and his firm also prevented the execution of a 15-year-old Black child five days before the scheduled date. OPEN NOW. They also handle family law and personal injury matters. Founder Brown, a criminal lawyer in Atlanta, is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Attorneys and a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. kw: 'mandc,blackgirlmagic,attorneys,lawyers,top-women-in-law', Atlanta, GA 30305 Macon Office: 544 Mulberry Street, Ste 319 Macon, GA 31201 The appointment made him one of the highest-ranking Black men in government and his signature appeared on all currency issued by the federal government. We cater to the "Working Class" out there with job related issues; even if you are unemployed at this time. Heres how were helping victims. degree from the University of Georgia. As the purpose of the ASALH is to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community, the Association may be a good place to begin your search for a Black attorney. Serving Atlanta, GA (Lawrenceville, GA) Connect with a local Atlanta, GA attorney with proven experience helping clients with Georgia criminal defense issues. Before discussing how to find a Black lawyer, it is important to discuss the current and historic representation of Black lawyers in the legal field. McNally employs the knowledge he gained as a former Assistant District Attorney in both the Coweta and Cobb County judicial circuits to defend his clients in court proceedings. With four locations in the state, Kohn & Yager LLC is a criminal defense law firm serving the residents of Atlanta. L. David Wolfe; Bingzi Hu . Tamika Sykes interacted with artists and executives and learned firsthand the legal issues affecting both sides in the entertainment industry. Skilled & Experienced. He served as law clerk to United States M. Byron Morgan, Attorney at Law, is a criminal defense practice. Atlanta criminal law firms know the local laws and enforcement whether you are arrested in Midtown, Buckhead, or elsewhere in Fulton County and beyond. Aug. 11, 2022. He handles cases in the following practice areas: When your spouse, child, parent, or other family member dies because of anothers negligence, you could have a wrongful death claim and receive compensation. We have successfully represented people in lawsuits involving a variety of claims, including arrests, seizures, use of deadly force, excessive force, vehicle pursuits . During her time as a prosecutor her colleagues fondly referred to her as The Hammer., As a prosecutor, Tamika Sykes worked as an Assistant Solicitor General for Fulton County, the states largest populated county. The firm provides criminal defense and representation for individuals under investigation or accused of drug crimes, assault and battery, misdemeanor and felony charges, violent crimes, and theft. Tevis Law Firm, LLC, caters to clients throughout Atlanta and the surrounding metros. It is important to note that all clients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race. cat: 'career', We Do What's Right & Take Care of Our Clients. What makes her a top black female attorney:Many years ago, Gordon confided in her father, a police officer for Orlando, F.L., about her dreams of becoming an attorney. Steven Morgan Frey, the firm's founder and principal attorney, defends offenders with criminal charges involving matters such as drugs, DUI, domestic violence, and theft. Copyright 2019 GABWA | Term of Use | Privacy Policy. Through technology, it has become easier to find a Black lawyer. , which provides networking opportunities for black lawyers in the state. is an Atlanta, Georgia criminal defense law firm. Some examples of the most popular Black bar associations in the country include: It is also important to note that black lawyer associations can be found in many states and large cities, including: As previously mentioned, a Black person experiencing legal issues may prefer to work with a Black attorney for the reasons discussed. She attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from Atlanta University. Langston then went on to help institute the law department of Howard University. The firm was featured in U.S. News & World Report's 2017 Best Law Firms publication. . Additionally, shes a chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Bankruptcy Law Committee and was selected as a 2016-2018 ABA Business Law Section Fellow. Benjamin Black Alper is a valuable asset to the team of Atlanta criminal lawyers at our firm. Sales Partnership Solutions That being said however, the term African American will be used when directly quoting sources that use the term, or when quoting a person who wishes to be identified as such. Now, several of them are now walking and reaching milestones their parents never thought they could achieve. Interested in a Judicial Appointment or Running for Public Office. Year after year we are recognized as AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated (Martindale-Hubbell), Georgia's Top . 3575 piedmont road ne bldg 15, suite 1040 atlanta, ga, 30305 phone: Association Of Black Women Attorneys; Subscribe to Newsletter The firm defends all state and federal felony and misdemeanor cases, in the Atlanta metropolitan area and throughout the State of Georgia and elsewhere, including: drug trafficking and possession cases; rape and other sexual assault cases; murder and other violent crimes cases, such as aggravated assault and domestic violence; fraud cases including money laundering and Ponzi schemes, and mail/wire/bank fraud schemes; theft cases, including shoplifting; and DUI cases. Individuals, pension funds, unions, and foundations have all been victims of misconduct at the hands of those who were supposed to be responsibly managing their hard-earned money. is a criminal defense firm serving residents in Atlanta. Phone: (770) 934-8000 kw: 'mandc,blackgirlmagic,attorneys,lawyers,top-women-in-law', However, the percentage of law firm partners who are women of color remains below 4%. Im T, I met Mrs Faye at the moment I was down with my disability application! Location: New York City and Washington, D.C. What makes her a top black female attorney:With over a decade of career experience, Horton has worked at top-tier firms on securities and hedge fund matters, earned a second law degreean LL.M. Robinson has also been featured on multiple TV networksFox News Channel, RT America, RT International, Newsmax, and America Trendsas a legal analyst for issues ranging from police misconduct to the legal liability of major corporations for many newsworthy cases. Use FindLaw to identify an experienced Atlanta criminal defense lawyer with expertise in understanding your criminal charge to help resolve your criminal case. url: 'top,10,black,female,attorneys', Melton became the chief justice in 2018. Brown, Barbour, & Thrailkill, P.C., represents clients across Atlanta and the neighboring areas. (October 23, 2015). Attorney profiles include the biography, education and training, and client recommendations of an attorney to help you decide who to hire. Company: Shareholder, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. If you were a teenage Black girl growing up in the Deep South, you werent supposed to amount to anything, she recalled. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The longest jury selection and subsequent trial in Georgia history was the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) cheating case back in 2014. Thank you LegalMatch !!! Attorneys Howard Weintraub and Benjamin Alper will vigorously defend you to insure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Find a Good Black Lawyer Now with LegalMatch. Determine the seriousness of complaints/issues which could range from late bar fees to more serious issues requiring disciplinary action. Joshua Sabert Lowther, Esq. The number of black women in law is steadily rising, with more and more attending and graduating from law school each year. Another association for black law students is the National Black Law Students Association. It is not a referral service, but may be able to provide clients with information on how to contact an attorney. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. For people who are not U.S. citizens, there may also be immigration consequences of a criminal conviction, including removal proceedings and deportation. When big companies act negligently and harm large groups of people, it can appear as if there are few consequences for their actions. env: 'prod', Costs vary depending on the type of lawyer, so review our lawyer rates table to find out the average cost to hire an attorney in Georgia. His firm offers services to remove warrants issued to clients who have failed to appear in court. College Park, GA 30349 . The service can make it easier for potential clients to locate an attorney who understands the systemic barriers they face in obtaining a resolution to their legal issues. 101 Marietta Street NW, Centennial Tower, Suite 3325, Atlanta, GA 30303. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, an accident lawyer with our Georgia firm will fight to help you obtain compensation you deserve. He remained there for nearly 20 years. Hollowell and civil rights icon C.B. Additionally, Kiel drafts Space Act agreements, contracts, cooperative agreements, and other legal documents, including statements of work and specifications, terms and conditions, and regulatory directives. Experience with the judge and prosecutor in your case, Approach to building a strong criminal defense, Ensure the attorney is currently licensed to practice in your state. Contact Bixon Law, LLC Phone Number: (404) 551-5684 Address: 260 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2200 Atlanta, GA 30303. ATLANTA Amid a deepening swirl of federal and state investigations, former President Donald J. Trump has hired a prominent Atlanta lawyer to represent him in a criminal inquiry . Whether you are facing criminal charges such as theft, assault, possession, or any other criminal offense, an Atlanta criminal lawyer can help. Don't live with the stress of dealing with your legal challenges on your own. Frequently King's reception in the courts was markedly uncivil. Phone: (678) 495-0114, Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. baseDivId: 'pb-slot-right-1', She worked at an Atlanta law firm until she became a judge on the City of Atlanta Traffic Court. . Once you complete the search form below, we submit your legal issue to licensed, pre-screened African American / Black attorneys matching your search criteria. It handles cases involving DUI, traffic violations, domestic violence, drug crimes, and juvenile offenses. Call Us Today: 404.586.9848. Pruden was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Kiel represents NASA in administrative hearings, pretrial hearings, trial, and on appeal, while providing legal advice to the chief counsel that is proactive and preventive in nature. Prior to starting his own criminal defense law firm in 1985, Howard Weintraub served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Georgia from 1978 to 1985, and from 1975 to 1978 he was an attorney with the United States Department of Justice's Criminal Division Appellate Section in Washington, D.C. cat: 'career', One of the organizations recognizing and recording the accomplishments and successes of the Black attorney community is the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). She grew up in Savannah, Georgia, her teenage years influenced by the tumultuous social changes of the 1960s. Here are some basic suggestions to help you find an attorney for your case: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are institutions of higher learning that were founded prior to 1964. Gordon previously worked as defense counsel for one of the nations largest insurance carriers, before building her own law firm. Phone: (470) 294-1668. . Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Yeargan & Kert LLC offers criminal law representation to clients accused of various crimes throughout Atlanta and nearby communities. 14. He has experience representing politicians, celebrities, doctors, and pilots. To protect your safety in response to the threat of COVID-19, we are offering our clients the ability to meet with us in person, via telephone or through video conferencing. After graduating, Lyons returned to Georgia and fought to be admitted to the state bar. 75 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Ste 101 From Business: The Law Office of Evan M. Altman, Attorney and Counselor at Law, was founded in 1989 to serve Atlanta-area clients with their bankruptcy, personal injury, and. The firm also defends individuals charged with violence, drug, theft, sex, white-collar, and juvenile crimes. 1000 Peek St NW Tamika Sykes assisted in editing An Introduction to Law in Georgia. ATLANTA - Legislation guaranteeing new rights to renters in Georgia passed the state House of Representatives unanimously this week. Additional Information about our District. She works with Fortune 500 companies and Government Agencies to help them create remarkable campaigns that better connect them with their multicultural and millennial customers. Jury selection for rapper Young Thug begins today. Katryna Lyn Spearman, Esq. U.S. Juris Doctor degree awarded May 1992. Box 4381 | Atlanta, Georgia 30302 (678) 825-5675. GABWA is a bar association formed in 1982 to serve the needs and interests of black women attorneys. While they continue to make big strides and literally raise the bar across all practice areas of law, here are 10 black female attorneys you should know. Allen Yates has been trying cases in state and federal courts for over 10 years. Back in Georgia, where he opened his law practice in the mid-1950s, King was one of only a handful of African American lawyers in the entire state and the only black lawyer south of Atlanta who would take on civil and criminal cases. It handles criminal cases to help individuals reduce the consequences and penalties of their DUI charges. Criminal Law. He succeeded, becoming one of the few Black lawyers to be licensed as a lawyer in the state (fewer than 10 African Americans in any given year were licensed lawyers in Georgia before WWI). Black attorneys may find LegalMatch services useful when attempting to connect to their community. Chicago, IL. Was told by a friend going through the same to give Legal Match a try. } The Atlanta appellate law firm opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday - Friday. When the unthinkable happens, Ben Crump is there for you., From representing clients in serious injury cases, environmental cases, class actions, and other lawsuits to leading landscape-changing civil rights cases, Attorney Ben Crump and his team of attorneys are dedicated to holding the powerful accountable for taking advantage of those who dont have any power. But that was until the current trial of Jeffery Williams - aka Young . Frey has been practicing criminal defense law since 1993. pos: 'right_rail_2', Instead, our Atlanta personal injury, immigration and criminal defense attorneys have all spent countless hours in the courtroom; we are all experienced trial lawyers. Box 3350. Northern District of Georgia, the Criminal Justice Division of the Georgia Attorney General's Office, and the Northern Virginia Capital Defender's Office. Anthony Pete is a great attorney. Conyers, GA 30012 Lyons eventually returned to Georgia and continued to play an active role in politics. Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Also known as a true "Georgia Peach" because she was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Attorney Sykes became apart of the mighty "Bulldawg Nation" when she attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate studies and Law School at the University of Georgia. tude.cmd.push(function() { Talk to aBlack Lawyer. Contact our Atlanta GA Appeals Lawyers at (770) 284-3147. ]); Shes enjoyed helping clients with their overall business goals and legal strategies so much, that she launched a consulting firm to assist clients with creating revenue strategies for their business, in addition to managing their legal matters. She seeks to identify and resolve potential legal and business issues before they become adverse to agency interests. I wouldn't trust any other site for all legal needs. Similar to Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Thomas was the second Black judge appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. A product that millions of people have trusted might have been a known carcinogen for years. What makes her a top black female attorney:As an attorney for NASA, Kiel provides legal services, advice, and representation across a broad range of the areas, including the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Space Act, labor relations, personnel law, alternate dispute resolution, equal employment opportunity, security, and other legal matters. ABOUT Another accomplishment of Stephen was that she launchedhirealadylawyer.com, the only online directory of female lawyers, because sometimes, it takes a womans touch to get the job done. He also handles appeals for defendants seeking to overturn a guilty verdict before state and federal courts. All rights reserved. Instantly after filling out their questionnaire, I started receiving calls from the exact lawyers I needed for my need. 431 Green St NW Atlanta, Ga. Mail Location1700 Northside Drive, Suite A7-532Atlanta, GA 30318, 2021 Company: Robinson Caddy Law. Contact The Georgia Alliance of African American Attorneys. aid: '541405', is the oldest African American . We Do What's Right & Take Care of Our Clients. (708) 803-5029. Thomas C. Nagel. We Protect Your Rights. Historically and often times presently black attorneys will face implicit bias, blatant discrimination, and discordant treatment which directly impact and even stop any effort to increase diversity within the legal field. African American Cancer Injury Lawyers. Georgia State University College of Law and University of Georgia. kw: 'mandc,blackgirlmagic,attorneys,lawyers,top-women-in-law', Also, give beneficial ideas to help save money during these tough times. : Win Court Case Spells In Riyadh,Jeddah Saudi Arabia(KSA) Dismiss Criminal Court Case Spells Divorce Court Case Spells Child Custody Court Case Spells Qatar Kuwait Jordan Oman U.A.E SPELLS TO WIN COURT CASESGET RELEASED FROM PRISON IN Dubai, SPELLS TO WIN COURT CASESGET RELEASED FROM PRISON IN Abu Dhabi, SPELLS TO WIN COURT CASESGET RELEASED FROM PRISON IN . By 1998, he was overseeing the Consumer Interests Section in the Georgia Department of Law. div_id: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-3', (April 29, 2016), Served as organizer and panel moderator for 45th Annual Labor & Employment Institute CLE at State Bar of Georgia. His compassion for my daughter's case went far beyond what any other lawyer has shown. I am impressed by their work, how fast and good they do it. Phone: 404.522.1400 Fax: 404.755.2327 I was sworn into the State Bar of Georgia in 1976. Over 6 million people and business have posted cases on LegalMatch. Learn More Most of us know of or have heard of the Black legal titans such as Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas who broke historical and racial barriers. divId: 'div-gpt-ad-rightrail-2', BE 100s Criminal Law Attorneys Transportation Law Attorneys Medical Law Attorneys. Ben Crump Law Powered by, 2023 All Rights Reserved. She viewed law as a way to make positive change happen. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from prison. Women of Power TECH, PODCASTS }); EVENTS Christine Koehler, Attorney at Law 770-513-0113. Two years later, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Georgia. Bryan Howard is a former prosecutor and has tried cases at both state and federal levels. Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. From the pre-trial process, plea negotiations, criminal trial, and appeals, a trial lawyer can provide the legal representation to give you the best opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction. From our office in Marietta, we represent clients all over Georgia. She is also a contributing editor to the Third Edition of the ABA Sexual Harassment Policy Manual and is currently the co-chairing the ABA Commission on Women Sexual Harassment Toolkit, which will launch early 2017. By researching lawyer discipline you can: At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. When you never had to seek any attorney services before it can get pretty overwhelming and this website made everything so much better. 11. Gain an understanding of his or her historical disciplinary record, if any. Economic Equity & Racial Justice Townhall Series, Elevate Black Podcast sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, 100 Founders of Change by American Express, Chasing Success Podcast by JP Morgan Chase, Black Business Month Sponsored by Nationwide, 2022 Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing, 2021 BE Registry Of Corporate Directors Listing. We aggressively investigate and prosecute corruption by those in public office, government service, and corporate boardrooms. Additionally, it is important to note that much of the community has stated a preference for the term Black, as opposed to African American. About 15% of all DUI traffic stops in GA are for speeding offenses. Attorney Villy S. Stolper has handled cases of drug trafficking, violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, traffic offenses, and cases of armed robbery and aggravated assault. Attorney Sykes has received training in detecting the impaired driver under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Company: Law Office of Merissa V. Grayson, Practice Area: Child Custody & Family Law, primarily Fathers Rights. Company: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Practice Area: Business Bankruptcy and Litigation. J.D., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the legal profession, and she is the first black women to hold the position. They deal with criminal cases such as theft, sex offenses, violent acts, DUI, drug charges, and federal crimes. University of Georgia School of Law University of Georgia Terry School of Business Georgia and U.S. Supreme Court Martindale Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, National Trial Lawyers. Other examples include, but are not limited to: Two of the most notable modern day Black lawyers include the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle Obama. You also have the right to remain silent, the right to a public trial, and the right to confront witnesses. The actor, known for roles in Saving Private Ryan, Twin Peaks, and Shooter, suffered a brain aneurysm on February 18. cnx.cmd.push(function() { Many people think that if they did not do anything wrong, they don't have anything to worry about. FILE - Georgia state Rep. Todd Jones, R-Cumming, speaks about plans for mental health legislation, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at the state Capitol in Atlanta. subcat: '', Contact Attorney Office. This is based on the specifics of the potential clients case, as well as the lawyer's location and area of legal practice. Nancy Rafuse. Former prosecutor and zealous trial attorney, describes Tamika Sykes, Managing Partner of Sykes Law, LLC. Attorneys are members of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Best thing I could have done. She studied law under Attorney A.T. Walden (a notable civil rights and voting enfranchisement leader) while working as his secretary. Murdoch Walker, II, Esq. , whose mission is to promote legal practice opportunities for both minorities and women. This is largely due to the fact that other attorneys who represent the majority of the legal field may not have the same life experiences and compassion to draw upon when assisting their clients. It is not a referral service, but may be able to provide clients with information on how to contact an attorney. It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Former Prosecutor that knows how to fight for you. Discuss your budget first, and ensure the attorney tells you about expected costs before taking action. tude.cmd.push(function() { In fact, according to the American Bar Association, African American men and women make up only 5% of all licensed lawyers. Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP 404-595-7175. Having been there before, Gordon understands just how important obtaining the right counsel can be. It can be very risky to represent yourself when facing criminal charges and saying the wrong thing could result in a guilty verdict. Browse more than one million listings, covering everything from criminal defense to personal injury to estate planning. Atlanta, GA Lawyers in Related Practice Areas: Traffic TicketSex CrimeDUI & DWIFederal & White Collar CrimesDrug CrimeDomestic Violence, Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cities Near Atlanta, GA, DecaturStone MountainMariettaNorcrossLithonia. Attorney Evan M. A, I was in a bind and contacted George's offices very last minute, but they jumped right on defending my case. Even if you did nothing wrong, you have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer if you are taken into custody. Hollowell sued the University of Georgia for racist admission policies. Phone: (404) 816-5000 Fax: (404) 418-6823. Ben Crumps team is renowned for their willingness to fight insurance companies to get compensation for the injured. (404) 255-1600 5855 Sandy Springs Cir. Menu. Attorneys; Northern District of Georgia; Press Releases; . Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Atlanta, GA (Atlanta, GA). From there, she graduated Cornell University, then from Emory Universitys law school in 1980, and finally earning a Master of Laws from the University of Virginia.