Phoebe Brannock is a member of the firm’s General Commercial practice group where she focuses on commercial transactions, real estate and land use, and mergers and acquisitions. Phoebe is a native Virginian and grew up riding horses in the Shenandoah Valley. Prior to law school, Phoebe worked in journalism in Iowa and then in policy in Washington, D.C. During law school, Phoebe served as a judicial intern for the Texas Second Court of Appeals and as a research assistant for the Appalachian Citizens Law Center. She is happy to be back home in the hills of Virginia where she is happiest going on long runs and hikes with her hound.
- Dogs named as tributes to American generals
- Universities attended that are older than the country
- Basket case of a hunting fail hound
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Why did you want to become a lawyer?
My father is a transactional attorney, so I feel like I started learning about property law at the dinner table. The way my father is able to use his skills to help people preserve assets, solve family problems, and grow businesses always appealed to me because it seemed both rewarding and interesting. He was one of my biggest influences and best teachers during my law school years.
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You are fascinated with land surveying. Tell us what interests you so much about it.
If I enjoyed complicated math, I think I would have become a surveyor. They spend a good portion of time outside and examine some interesting older maps. The history of surveying is also, largely, a history of the country: battles have been won and lost based on a mapmaker’s skill, the technology of surveying tools has shaped the physical boundaries all around us, and property lines drawn in the 18th century help us understand frontier settlement and still help us interpret certain legal issues today.
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What is on your bucket list?
I have always been happiest when I am outside and surrounded by animals. Some day, I’d like to raise cattle and have a couple of mules. People say mules are stubborn, but they’re perceptive, all-purpose critters that can work cattle and pick through mountain trails quickly.
Education
- Washington and Lee University, School of Law, J.D.
- The College of William & Mary, B.A., summa cum laude
Experience
- Researched, analyzed, and drafted memoranda on corporate, land use, and tax, and copyright issues.
- Drafted leases, deeds, and other closing documents.
- Updated corporate client protocols to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Advised on agricultural, postal, judiciary, healthcare, and budget policy.
Affiliations
- Class Notes Reporter, William & Mary Alumni Magazine
- Member, Junior League of the Roanoke Valley
Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
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News
Dec 2023