Dear MRWBA Family,

We’re halfway through Women’s History Month – the perfect time to stop and reflect on the many women who inspire us and helped us get to this point. If you haven’t done so already, please join me in donating to our 51 for the Future Campaign, as we celebrate the women who brought us here—and invest in those who will lead us forward. A donation to this campaign not only honors a special woman in your life, but also ensures that this organization is financially strong for the future.

This year, I am honoring two women: my mother and one of my earliest legal mentors. My mom has always been someone to whom I look for guidance because she raised my sisters and me to be strong, to help others, and to always believe in ourselves and our goals. In her own career, she has been the definition of success, leading multiple non-profit organizations and serving on community boards. Despite being successful and ambitious in her own career, she was always present for those who needed her at home, and she remains one of the kindest and most generous individuals I know. As a part of the 51 for the Future Campaign, I am honoring my mom, Patti Jackson – one of my earliest mentors and my forever champion.

I am also honoring one of my first mentors in the legal profession. When I was a law student, she was my mentor through MRWBA and has continued to support me throughout my career. Although we were often on opposite sides of the courtroom when I began practicing law, she was always kind to me and guided me toward success. Now, she serves as a judge, and I continue to admire her work, her ambition, and her leadership. As a part of the 51 for the Future Campaign, I am honoring the Honorable Devika Davis, one of my first legal mentors and my continued friend.     

As a wise person once said, "Behind every leader, dreamer, and change-maker is often a woman who saw potential before anyone else did.” This month, and every day, may we honor the many women who brought us along, showed us what we could accomplish, and continue to inspire us. I hope you’ll consider donating to the 51 for the Future Campaign, and I hope to see you next week at the Spring Mentorship Luncheon and Phoebe P. Hall Award Presentation.

Cheers,
Katy

Katy Groover
2025-2026 MRWBA President

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Member Spotlight

M.R. Litman - Litman PLLC

What type of law do you practice? 
I am an estate planning attorney and fiduciary litigator. My practice focuses on estate planning, estate and trust taxation and administration, and litigation involving wills, trusts, and fiduciaries. I truly enjoy splitting my time between transactional work and litigation, which gives me the opportunity to both proactively plan with clients and advocate for them when disputes arise.

How long have you been a member of MRWBA? I have been an MRWBA member since 2018.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA? I have really enjoyed connecting with attorneys outside of my practice area and being part of a majority-female professional organization. Trusts and estates can be a male-dominated space, so I value the opportunity to build relationships with other women attorneys and learn about different areas of practice.

What do you like most about practicing law? I love sitting down with families and helping them talk through some of the most personal and sensitive aspects of their lives: finances, family dynamics, and long-term planning. There’s a lot of trust involved in that work, and I take it very seriously. On the litigation side, I’m drawn to the strategic problem-solving and advocacy that comes with navigating complex family and fiduciary disputes.

What is at the top of your bucket list? I don’t really have a bucket list! I tend to focus more on enjoying the stage of life I’m in rather than checking off big items. Relationships are the most important to me, so I look forward to any opportunity to travel and spend time with family and friends. I take every opportunity to visit my hometown of Lewisburg, West Virginia, and would love to own a home there someday.

What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? Marco Polo. I use it daily to stay connected with close friends who live all over the country. My sister lives in Mississippi, and it allows us to “see” each other all the time. It was especially meaningful during COVID and has remained part of my daily routine.

What book is currently on your bedside table? I’m an avid reader. Right now, I’m reading Born Lucky by Leland Vittert and The Favorites by Layne Fargo.

When I am not at the office, I like to ... needlepoint, read, and play Mahjong and tennis. I’m also a big Bravo fan!

 If I weren’t practicing law, I would be… a therapist or a professor. 

What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar?
Say yes to opportunities to work with different attorneys and explore your practice area broadly. Pay attention to gaps. Find a niche within your field that isn’t being fully covered in your firm or professional community, and then become the go-to person for it. Developing depth in a focused area early on can set you apart in a meaningful way. And find a mentor. Early in my practice, a senior attorney took me to all of his meetings and court appearances, even though I was brand new. More than anyone else, he taught me how to be a lawyer.

Board Member Spotlight

Jackie Cipolla - Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

What type of law do you practice? 
I am an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Richmond! I currently am assigned to our Drug Team and to our Crash Team. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, I was a law clerk to Judge Randy Bellows in Fairfax Circuit Court.

How long have you been a member of MRWBA? I have been a member of MRWBA since law school. This truly is such an incredible organization, and I am thrilled to be a member of the Board this year as the Mentorship Chair.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA? I love getting to connect with other incredible women attorneys in other practice areas and with law students. I have some awesome mentors in my office who are MRWBA members, and now it’s great to pay it forward to the law students at U of R.

What do you like most about practicing law? I love getting to advocate for those who don’t have a voice in the criminal justice system.  Richmond has a diverse community, and our neighbors from all backgrounds who have been harmed by crime deserve someone to advocate for justice. It is a privilege to be in that role as a prosecutor. 

What is at the top of your bucket list? I’m not a big traveler, and I really don’t like flying, but I always have wanted to visit the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Moulin Rouge is one of my favorite movies and musicals, and I am determined to see the real thing one day!

What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? I know it’s bad for you, but I love Instagram! It’s a great way to keep up with friends and long-distance family members, and to share pictures of what’s going on in your life. On my Instagram, you will find plenty of pictures of my cat, Maverick, and the random things I like to cook!

What book is currently on your bedside table? I currently am reading People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. I love a good Rom-Com and anything Romantasy. I can’t wait for the new ACOTAR in October!

When I am not at the office, I like to … I absolutely love going out to dinner and enjoying all the amazing restaurants in RVA. The spicy vodka rigatoni at Gersi is my personal favorite!

If I wasn’t practicing law, I would be… a history professor for sure! I was a history major in college and love all things Tudor and Romanov.

What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar? One of my favorite movie quotes is from the Sound of Music: “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.” While rejection can be difficult, it’s also an opportunity for redirection. The right opportunity will come!