Staff Spotlight – Judy East

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman’s Staff Spotlight for January is Judith East. Judy has been a paralegal at Harman Claytor for six years, but has been in the legal industry for 39 years total.

1. Where are you from originally? — That’s a complicated question. I am an Army brat. My mother is German. I was born in Savannah, GA. Our family moved around a lot. Typical military life. My dad was stationed in Germany for most of my childhood until we moved back to the States, and he was stationed at Ft. Lee where he retired after 25 years of service.
2. What is your employment background? — I started as a legal secretary and worked in Petersburg for a short while. I married young and moved around to several states including North Carolina and Georgia. I was fortunate to further my legal career in both states. Of note, I tried waitressing once…that ended badly. I was a certified aerobics instructor for 10 years while I lived in Georgia and enjoyed doing that part-time. I eventually moved back to Virginia to be with my family.
3. What is at the top of your bucket list? — All-inclusive in Aruba so I can visit my favorite bird, the flamingo. If you ever come to my cube, you’ll see I’m a fanatic.
4. Years down the road, how would you like to be remembered? — As a kind and caring person.
5. What’s something surprising/fun that not many people know about you? — I sing karaoke and I’m pretty good. I’ve won a few contests. Also, I’m a good bartender.
6. What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far? — Being a mother.
7. You’re happiest when… — I am spending time with my husband and my family. Oh, and summertime at the pool!
8. Do you have any pets? — We have a rescue dog who is 12-13 years old and a rescue cat who is 3-4 years old.
9. What is your favorite joke? — I don’t have a favorite, but I will say that laughing is therapeutic, and we should all laugh and not take life so seriously.
10. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? — At the moment, I would like to go back to Germany and visit my family.
11. What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why? — Cruise to the Caribbean. It’s warm there.
12. What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love? — The Notebook. It gets me every time.
13. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? — We love to entertain and have happy hours at our house as often as we can. Oh, and the summertime pool thing again.
14. What’s a cause that you are passionate about? — Humanitarian projects and our Veterans. Anyone who serves this Great
Country should not have to struggle for anything.
15. What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn? — I have a vision of having a food truck and feeding those that are less fortunate.
16. What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? — First, I would take care of my family. Second, I would buy an RV and travel the United States. Third, I would buy a jet and travel the world.