Young Lawyers

Published November 30, 2016 by Virginia Business

Faith A. Alejandro

Sands Anderson PC
Richmond

Legal specialty:  Employment law
Birthplace: Richmond
Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia; law degree, University of Richmond School of Law.
Spouse: Christopher E. Nixon
Children: My husband and I have been blessed with a spirited toddler girl and a sweet baby boy.
Hobbies or pastimes:  Spending time with my kids, singing with the Richmond Symphony Chorus, cooking, visiting farmers markets, listening to public radio.
First job as a lawyer: Law clerk for the City of Richmond Circuit Court.
Favorite vacation spot: Los Angeles
Recently read book: “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Career mentors:  The Hon. Beverly W. Snukals, the Hon. Walter W. Stout and Professor Margaret Bacigal.

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
Ever since my parents’ contentious divorce, I became fascinated with alternative dispute resolution and learned about mediation and restorative justice in college.  While working for a mediation company after college, to my delight, I met amazing attorneys dedicated to helping their clients creatively solve an array of problems.  I decided then that I could become a lawyer similarly dedicated to serving my client’s best interest.

What advice do you have for students who will graduate this spring from law school?
Take ownership.  Whether it is a tricky legal question, a client relationship or a mistake, take responsibility and learn something new.  If you show initiative to plan a way forward, dive into the issues and recommend creative solutions to finish the job, you will develop a reputation as being trustworthy and skillful.  This is the best way to attract clients and great mentors — whose advice you should embrace as you follow your own career path!