2014 Virginia Legal Elite – Young Lawyers
Published
Photo by Mark Rhodes
Elaina Loreal Blanks-Green
Norfolk Southern Corp. Norfolk
Title: General tax attorney
Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y., but I grew up in Hamilton, N.C.
Education: Bachelor’s degree (with honors), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; law degree, University of Virginia
Spouse: Trevor Oliver Green
Children: Elijah Oliver Green
Hobbies or pastimes: I sing alto in my church choir for Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake and have been doing so since 2003. I play both league and travel softball with various women’s and coed teams. I mentor a 13-year-old young lady with Girls with Goals Alliance. I serve on the board of directors for both the YWCA of South Hampton Roads and the Community Tax Law Project. I am a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoy yoga (although I haven’t been too active in those lately).
Fan of: University of North Carolina Tar Heels — any sport but, of course, basketball, football and baseball — Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens (only because my husband likes the Ravens)
Recently read books: I am currently reading “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini. I loved his other two books — “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns.”
Career mentor: R. Braxton Hill III, Elizabeth J. Atkinson, Lewis W. Webb, J. Douglas Sorensen, D. Lindsay Russell
What advice would you give to a college student thinking of applying to law school?
Meet with college advisers and consider taking classes that require 1) detailed analysis in order to solve problems, 2) the written and oral defense of a position and 3) the clear communication of an idea or thought. Find willing mentors for your law school career and law practice who will stress the importance of 1) building an excellent reputation, 2) being knowledgeable in your practice area and 3) giving back and personally investing in your community.
What are your responsibilities as chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Virginia Bar Association?
As chair, I oversee the implementation of the various YLD activities and serve as a member of the VBA Board of Governors and executive committee. For example, the YLD’s activities, which are located throughout the commonwealth and are headed by various YLD members, include the Legal Food Frenzy, Model Judiciary Program, Lawyers for the Arts, Law School Councils, Wills for Heroes and Mentor Resource Program. Additionally, I organize periodic meetings of our approximate 1,400-person membership.
Complete list of 2014 Legal Elite Young Lawyers
