VADA Member Spotlight

This month’s spotlighted VADA member is Marc Peritz of Flora Pettit PC in Charlottesville.  Marc is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law.  Marc chaired VADA’s Policy Coverage Section from 2007-08.  He also has served as a member of VADA’s Long Range Planning Committee.

1.         Where were you born?

Brooklyn, New York.

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

My wife, Hope, is a public health nurse who spends her days making the world a better place.  We have two sons – Andrew is 28 and recently moved to Richmond from New York, and William is 24 and living in Northern Virginia.  Our golden retriever, Yogi, spreads his warmth and hair throughout our house.

3.         What type of law do you practice?

Insurance coverage, medical malpractice, trucking, commercial litigation, and other miscellaneous areas of civil litigation when the need arises. 

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

I joined VADA in 1999, shortly after returning to Charlottesville after practicing for a few years in Washington, D.C.

5.         What do you like most about practicing law?

I enjoy helping people solve their problems.  Maybe that’s getting a win, and maybe that’s finding a creative solution that gets my clients what they want and need.  Our legal system isn’t perfect, but it provides the best opportunity for people with adversarial points of view to resolve their differences.

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

The best part of VADA has been interacting with such an impressive group of people.  Participating gives me substantive legal knowledge, practical tips for improving my practice, and interesting and fun events, all while fostering the highest standards of professionalism.

7.         What was your favorite subject in school?

I really liked math, which may sound strange coming from a lawyer.  As I look back, though, I wish I had taken more history courses when I was in school. 

8.         What is your favorite food and drink?

I have quite a sweet tooth and a love for many things that I shouldn’t.  My favorite drink is probably a good Old Fashioned with good company.

9.         What book is currently on your bedside table?

The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914, by David McCullough.

10.       What is your favorite type of music?

I’m a child of the ‘80s, and most of my favorites from then are still my favorites today.

11.       What is your favorite travel spot?

Various places in Europe.  I’d love to return over and over to many places I’ve been, but I also like exploring new places.  I wish there was enough time to see it all.

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

My bucket list is filled with travel destinations that I haven’t visited yet – Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Antarctica, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, too many to mention.

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

Stacks of paper all over my desk.  It looks disorganized, but I know where everything is.  Really.  No, really.

14.       What is the last live concert you attended?

It’s been a little while, but my last live concert was Bruce Springsteen in Virginia Beach.  I’ve seen him many times, and he’s one of my favorites.

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

Back to the Future, The Karate Kid, and the first four Rocky movies.  My wife is embarrassed by this.

16.       What was your first job? 

I was a short order cook at a restaurant and ice cream shop in my hometown of Freehold, New Jersey.  To this day, I can make a perfect soft serve cone.

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

Spend time with my family, read, watch college sports, travel, and plan upcoming travel.

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

I’d like to be writing or teaching, but I’d probably be doing something in finance, my undergraduate degree.

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

Judge Harry Michael, for whom I clerked after law school in the federal district court in Charlottesville.  He was charismatic and wise, he knew everyone, and he had an amazing background of interesting and diverse experiences.

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

Be worthy of the trust that others place in you.  Look for mentors, and never stop learning.  Find things to do that interest and challenge you, and do them as well as you can.