Farewell and Welcome
The fiscal year for the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association runs from October 1 to September 30. At the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2020, three members transitioned off of our board of directors, and we would like to recognize their service. As we say goodbye to our exiting board members, we are excited to welcome our three new members.
The Chapter Thanks Porter, Holmes and Harris
Bill Porter of Blankingship & Keith served on the board from 2013 to 2020. Over the years Bill held several positions, culminating in his role as President of the Chapter in 2018 to 2019. After his term as Immediate Past President ended on September 30, 2020, Bill stepped down in accordance with our by-laws. Among other things, Bill organized the annual Torrey Armstrong Lecture and took ownership of other events hosted by our Chapter. Bill took on tremendous responsibility through the years, and we will miss his leadership.
Kathy Holmes of Holmes, Costin & Marcus served on the board from 2013 to 2020. As one of the longest-serving board members, Kathy’s counsel was highly valued on the board. Kathy worked tirelessly in many roles during her service on the board. Kathy has been instrumental in our Introduction to the Courthouse and Nuts and Bolts programs, which are among our most significant events, especially for new lawyers in our area. It will be hard to fill her shoes going forward, as her influence touched so many of our important activities.
Stacey Rose Harris of Dimuro Ginsberg was a board member from 2017 to 2020. Stacey served on the Chapter’s Membership Committee, and as our Treasurer. Stacey was a strong contributor to our Chapter’s professionalism and collegiality, and she will be missed.
We thank our past board members for their service to our organization.
The Chapter Welcomes Kirkland, Farlow and Gopenko
Laurie L. Kirkland of Blankingship & Keith. Laurie is a former law clerk for the late R. Terrence Ney of the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia. She practices in the fields of business litigation and employment law.
Robert J. Farlow of Holland & Knight. Bobby is a former law clerk to United States District Judge Anthony J. Trenga, and United States Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. He maintains a commercial litigation practice.
Daniel R. Gopenko of Fish & Richardson. Dan is an intellectual property litigator. Previously, Dan clerked for Randall R. Rader of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and for Susan G. Braden at the United States Court of Federal Claims.