The Young Lawyers Section is dedicated to building relationships between young lawyers themselves as well as with senior lawyers and judges in the Fairfax area. Membership in the Young Lawyers Section allows attorneys to become acclimated to the practice of law in Fairfax, meet their new colleagues, and learn about the activities of the bar association. The YLS sponsors informative seminars relevant to the issues facing attorneys new to Fairfax practice, provides resources to help them establish roots in the legal community, and promotes collegiality through a variety of social gatherings. The YLS offers numerous opportunities to participate in activities to meet other lawyers and provide services for the community. Activities include networking happy hours; interaction with the judiciary with a judicial breakfast/dinner; Newly Admitted Attorney Orientation; Lawyerpalooza; and a Toys for Tots Holiday Gift Drive.

Young Lawyer Section membership is automatic for any active attorney member in good standing with the Fairfax Bar Association who is under thirty-six (36) years of age OR who has been licensed to practice less than five (5) years. If you are not already a member, join now.

Young Lawyers Section Officers

President Hannah Malone Littlefield MWM Legal Group PLLC 703-237-0027	Vice-President M. Barkley Horn Blankingship & Keith, P.C. 703-691-1235	Immediate Past-President Kaley Duncan Ward BrigliaHundley PC 703-883-9106

Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors

Samy W. Abdallah Berenzweig Leonard, LLP 703-570-8010	Sogand Falahatpour Kelly, Byrnes & Danker & Luu, PLLC 703-224-0888	Kiana Gilcrist Fairfax County Circuit Court Judicial Law Clerk
Marcus N. Greene Roop Xanttopoulos  Babounakis & Klam, PLLC 703-442-0040	Hannah C. Merrill Briglia Hundley, P.C	Triston Chase O'Savio Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig PLLC 202-595-4430
Dianya "Dani" Pu McCandlish Lillard 703-934-1195	Nicole K. Rocha Fairfax County Circuit Court 703-246-3199	Jamie R. Shaw Cooper Ginsberg Gray PLLC 703-943-1480
Lily Smith Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP 703-957-2577	Aimee Solano Blankingship & Keith, P.C 703-691-1235	Joanna E. Thomas Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh 703-680-4664
Law Clerk Liaison S. Mohammad Fawad Fairfax County Circuit Court Fairfax Circuit Court 703-246-2221	Staff Liaison Courtnie L. Norris Executive Director, FBA 703-246-2732

Events & Programs

Happy Hour

Held monthly at varying locations, happy hours provide an opportunity to meet other young lawyers in a casual social setting.

Breakfast with the Judges

Presented annually, Breakfast with the Judges provides young lawyers the opportunity to enjoy interaction with judges in an informal, yet professional setting. The event objective is to encourage interaction between young lawyers and the judges before whom they appear, and to support the professional development of young lawyers.

The program consists of simultaneous roundtable discussions, preceded by a brief social reception at 8:00 AM. Pastries, coffee, and juice will be provided.

Cocktails with the Court

Cocktails with the Court is an informal gathering that promotes communication among the young lawyers and the judges. It also serves as an excellent opportunity to meet other attorneys and to network.

Newly Admitted Attorney Orientation

Take your first step toward a successful practice in Fairfax. This informative orientation program tailored to new lawyers addresses the administrative process of the Fairfax Circuit, General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, the role of an attorney as an advocate and officer of the Court, and Service of Process in Fairfax County. Additionally, attendees are given a tour of the Fairfax County Courthouse. Featured speakers include Judges from the 19th Judicial District and Circuit, representatives of all three Clerk’s offices, and the Fairfax County Sheriff. Attendees will receive the Fairfax County Circuit Court Policies and Procedures Handbook and the Administrative Procedures of the Fairfax County General District Court Handbook. These books contain filing procedures, fees, docket procedures, civil and criminal, land records information and many frequently used forms.

The program includes 2.0 MCLE Credits and is followed by a happy hour at a nearby restaurant.

Toys for Tots Holiday Gift Drive

Young Lawyers Continue Their Tradition of Giving Back.

Members of the FBA’s Young Lawyers Section support Toys for Tots by sponsoring and hosting a holiday toy drive. In addition to promoting the campaign at Bar events throughout the holiday season, gifts were collected at numerous Fairfax law firms, as well as the FBA office. Dozens of new, unwrapped toys are collected for the cause.

Lawyerpalooza

Since 1995, the Young Lawyers Section has hosted “Lawyerpalooza” as an opportunity for members of the Northern Virginia legal community and their families to enjoy a casual fun-filled afternoon together. The event features an afternoon complete with backyard games, catered barbeque, music, and door prizes for all of the legal community to enjoy.

All net proceeds from Lawyerpalooza will benefit The Honorable David T. Stitt Scholarship Fund for George Mason School of Law. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the FBA office.