WRVB Promotes Five to Principal

Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black (WRVB) is pleased to announce the promotion of five attorneys to principal: Zachary Agee and Elizabeth Heddleston in Roanoke; Jay Rixey in Norfolk; Karen Stemland in Charlottesville; and Leah Stiegler in Richmond. The newly elected principals serve clients in a range of the firm’s core practice areas, including corporate and business transactions; healthcare; cybersecurity and data privacy, regulatory law, and labor and employment.

“Through hard work and service excellence, Zach, Liz, Jay, Karen and Leah have distinguished themselves as outstanding lawyers,” offered WRVB President Dan Summerlin. “We celebrate their many accomplishments and this important milestone in their exemplary careers.”

Zachary S. Agee (Roanoke, Business & Commercial Transactions)

Zach works with the firm’s business and corporate, cybersecurity and data privacy, emerging growth, and trust and estates practice groups, specializing in contract drafting and negotiation, corporate formation and governance, property rights, and real estate. He represents startup companies, closely held businesses, and public companies.

Elizabeth Barry Heddleston (Roanoke, Healthcare Regulation & Compliance)

As a member of the firm’s health law, cybersecurity and data privacy, and business and corporate practice groups, Liz helps clients navigate the complex legal landscape governing healthcare. Liz provides practical guidance on regulatory, operational, and corporate issues to medical practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations. She specializes in HIPAA compliance and data privacy and is Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC).

James B. Rixey (Norfolk, Business & Commercial Transactions)

Jay concentrates his practice on general corporate matters and commercial transactions. His corporate practice includes advising businesses on a variety of organizational and corporate matters, including business formation, preparation and review of operating agreements and other corporate documents, and contract review and negotiation. Jay’s commercial transactions practice includes experience in the acquisition, development, financing, sale, and leasing of commercial property. He represents small and medium sized businesses of all types, including developers, landlords, and tenants.

Karen M. Stemland (Charlottesville, Litigation and Dispute Resolution)

Karen focuses on civil litigation, construction, real estate, energy, and commercial matters. Karen’s practice includes commercial litigation, risk management, alternate dispute resolution, commercial real estate development and land use, construction contracts and disputes, insurance defense, and insurance coverage.

Leah M. Stiegler (Richmond, Labor & Employment)

Leah advises employers on compliance with employment laws and defends actions before agencies including the EEOC, DOL, and NLRB. Leah has substantial federal trial experience, conducts workplace and board training sessions, and guides managers through workplace investigations. Leah has traveled the Mid-Atlantic region speaking about diversity and implicit bias. She has presented to many audiences, including front-line employees, upper management, and Human Resources Professionals.