Jenny is a thoughtful trial attorney who represents clients in complex civil litigation matters in state and federal courts across the Commonwealth. Having clerked at both the trial and appellate court levels, Jenny has a unique understanding of local rules and a tact for tackling problems with judicial considerations in mind. Along with her team in the Litigation Practice Group, she also serves as local counsel for matters litigated in the Norfolk and Newport News divisions of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Outside the courtroom, Jenny has leadership roles in legal organizations such as the Legal Aid Society of Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, and the James Kent American Inn of Court. Jenny also gives back to the community through her service on the Board of the Chesapeake Humane Society and as a coach to Special Olympics athletes. In 2018, Jenny received the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association’s prestigious Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award. And in 2019, Jenny was honored by her alma mater as the Taylor Reveley Award recipient in recognition of her service, leadership, and qualities as a citizen lawyer.

Career Highlights

  • Obtaining a defense verdict for maritime employer in federal court trial brought by a former employee alleging negligence and having the defense verdict affirmed on appeal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
  • Prevailing on dispositive motion to dismiss premises liability case against facility owner.
  • Briefing, arguing, and obtaining partial summary judgment for an employer limiting its liability for the tortious actions of its employee.
  • Prevailing on dispositive motion to dismiss landlord from million-dollar lawsuit based on lack of duty owed to plaintiff.
  • Serving as part of a local counsel legal team for patent clients in a multi-week federal court jury trial.
  • Serving as part of local counsel legal team for an AMLAW 100 firm and a generic pharmaceutical company in patent litigation.
  • Winning judgment for single parent against landlord for failure to provide an essential service in pro bono landlord-tenant trial.

Thought Leadership

with Allison M. Mentch, “Will the Expanded Jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals Finally Give Contributory Negligence Some Teeth?,” VBA Journal, Vol. L, No. 1 (Spring 2023)

with David W. Lannetti, “The Untapped Potential of Attorney Mentorship to Increase Job Satisfaction, Promote Civility, and Improve the Legal Profession,” Journal of Civil Litigation, Vol. XXXIV, No.4 (Winter 2022-2023)

Attorney Perspectives

Recognition