In this blog series, we are introducing the VF&N staff who work behind the scenes to make the work our attorneys do for our clients possible.

They are legal assistants, bookkeepers, receptionists, and office managers (and marketing directors!). If you’ve ever wondered about the inner workings of our firm, we are pulling back the curtain to shine a light on our dedicated staff!

Meet Susan Martin, paralegal

Susan is a paralegal working primarily in the commercial real estate practice. She is responsible for conducting the research that is at the heart of our clients’ legal and business needs, in addition to preparing legal documents, title work, and coordinating with clients.

Prior to joining the VF&N team in December 2016, Susan had managed attorneys at a private student loan company, worked for a nonprofit in D.C., and at an environmental insurance agency in California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Messiah College, and her Master of Science in Law and Public Policy from California University of Pennsylvania. She also has a Paralegal Certification from Georgetown University.

Law runs in the family; Susan’s father is a lawyer, and though she has no immediate plans to pursue a law degree while raising her two young children, she says it has “crossed her mind.”

When asked what she likes the most about VF&N, her immediate reply was, “the people – [VF&N] is the best work environment; everyone here is so helpful and supportive”. Although she had no prior paralegal experience, she says that all the attorneys, especially her direct supervisor, Rick Nishanian, have been incredible mentors, training her “the VF&N way.” When it comes to the work, Susan loves that she sees the positive impact of her work on the community from helping set up new businesses or supporting existing ones: “it feels purposeful,” she says.