Areas of Experience

Medical malpractice, personal injury, premises liability, contracts, defamation, employment, insurance coverage, professional liability, real property, and family law including child/spousal support, custody/visitation, and equitable distribution.

Professional Experience

• Chief Judge, 18^th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, City of Alexandria, 2012-2025; Judge 2005-2011; Recovery Court Judge, 2019-2025.
• Pro Tempore Judge, 18^th Judicial Circuit Court, 2004-2005.
• Substitute Judge, 18^th Judicial Circuit Court, 1991-2004.
• Partner, Zwerling & Kemler, P.C., 1996-2004.
• Commissioner in Chancery, 18^th Judicial Circuit Court, 1985-2004.

Affiliations

• Former Member, Boyd-Graves Conference.
• Past President, Federal Bar Association, Northern Virginia Chapter.
• Member, Alexandria Bar Foundation.
• Honorary Member, Alexandria Bar Association.
• Mentor Judge, Supreme Court of Virginia, 2013-2025.
• Member, Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board.
• Recipient, 2023 Harry L. Carrico Outstanding Career Service Award.
• Recipient, President’s Commendation Award, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
• Frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education programs.

Education

• George Mason University School of Law, J.D.
  • Managing Editor of the George Mason University Law Review
• University of Virginia, B.A.