by
by Mary A. Tobey
Found in AUGUST 2006 • Vmagazine for Women | Click Here to Download the Article
As a lawyer, Colleen Marea Quinn, Esq. is a superlative representative of Lady Justice, standing straight and tall with strength and dignity, holding the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other. Her résumé and her life, however, portray the image not of a woman standing still, but of a woman of action. As a trial lawyer at Cantor Arkema, P.C., where she is also director and equity owner, Colleen works tirelessly to keep the scales of justice in balance. She represents clients in all aspects of personal injury, including motor vehicle accidents, product liability cases, assaults and batteries, and sexual assault.
Colleen is proud of her profession, and touts the impact that trial lawyers have in making our nation a safer place to live. “Unfortunately,” she says, “the public doesn’t hear about all the good work being done—and all the wrongs or injustices that are being set right—by trial lawyers. The best and most egregious cases typically settle under confidentiality provisions, so the public doesn’t usually hear about the meritorious cases; they only hear about the frivolous or outrageous ones.”
In addition to her successes in individual cases, Colleen has achieved success within the legal profession. She received the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer,” is “av” rated in ability and ethics by Martindale Hubbell, and was elected to the “Legal Elite” in 2005 by Richmond Business magazine. She is a frequent speaker, and involved in numerous bar and professional activities. In addition to her passion as a trial lawyer, she also practices adoption law, helping to connect eager parents and their new adopted children.
Another part of Colleen’s work at Cantor Arkema is the Women’s Injury Law Center (WILC), through which she provides representation for clients who can benefit specifically from female representation, including issues of special interest to women. “I created the Women’s Injury Law Center,” Colleen explains, “because I saw a need out there for women (including moms and their children) to receive legal representation by other women and moms…. We understand the things that are important to women and their self-esteem.”
All of that is not enough for this impassioned professional woman. She also wants to be proactive to prevent problems for women. “My partner Stephanie [Grana] and I also feel that it is the mission of WILC to ‘inform, educate and empower women to protect themselves and their loved ones from injury.’” To achieve that goal, they present programs that educate women on issues such as avoiding sexual assaults, purchasing adequate auto insurance, and ensuring the safety of their children through helmets, proper car seats, and so on.
That still isn’t enough. Colleen is also active in community service, as a single parent of twin boys, and as fitness enthusiast—she is aerobics instructor, scuba diver, and soccer coach, among other pursuits. Civic activities include the YWCA, Leadership Metro Richmond, and Destination Imagination. Colleen
received the “Top Forty under 40” award from Inside Business in 1999 for her civic involvement and professional achievements.
The serenity of this lady lawyer, who could easily pose for the statue of Lady Justice, seems to belie the active life she lives. Perhaps that’s because Colleen Quinn believes so deeply in her work. The most gratifying part of her job, she says, is “knowing that I made a difference in the lives of others.” V
Found in AUGUST 2006 • Vmagazine for Women | Click Here to Download the Article