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Diane Toscano Selected 2022 Influential Women of Law

Jun 09, 2022
Virginia Lawyers Weekly Named Diane Toscano an Influential Women of Law

Virginia Lawyers Weekly has named firm founder Diane Toscano one of 2022's "Influential Women of Law." From their profile:


Where are you from and how did growing up there impact you? 


I grew up in Danville in Southside, Virginia. I have great memories, but the community suffered from rampant unemployment due to the decline of the textile industry. Both of my parents were on disability and I saw them struggle, not only with their health but also with the healthcare system. We didn’t have a lot of money but we had enough. Seeing people in my family and community facing struggles motivated me to become a lawyer and fight on behalf of those whose backs are against the wall. 


What was your first job and what did it teach you?


I did a lot of odd jobs when I was young to earn money and to help pay my way through college, including working on an assembly line in a factory in Danville. I’ve always known the value of hard work: no job is too small – it’s hardly ever glamorous – and every job should be done thoroughly. As a mom of five kids, I’m constantly reminded of this.    


Please share a war story from your legal practice.


It’s tempting to brag here about not guilty verdicts, but a true war story? Well, life as a trial lawyer means being adaptable, ready for anything. Last year, I was hired by a client who wasn’t happy with his counsel and was facing serious federal drug charges in a case one week away. So, I petitioned the court to substitute in and moved for a continuance. But the judge denied the motion to continue, meaning I had only one week to prepare a federal jury trial involving a death with no previous knowledge of the case! I went into over-drive and was ready with my opening and a comprehensive defense of my client one week later. The facts weren’t in our favor, but the jury deliberated for two days. I was proud of the aggressive and respectable defense we mounted in such short order.     


What advice would you give to a woman about to begin her legal career?


Fight for equal pay and women-friendly conditions. But if you don’t like the pay or hours or another aspect of your employment, remember, you can start your own law practice and set your own terms. I did, and I’ve never looked back. And although business success hasn’t come easy – with a lot of determination – your career can transcend those early professional battles.  


What has been your proudest accomplishment so far in your career?   


There’s no feeling in the world like exiting a courtroom with a verdict of “not guilty” on a murder charge – I’ve had three. But establishing a sustainable, lucrative law firm that employs six people – and growing still – is my proudest accomplishment. 


If you had the power, what would you change about law practice?          


For attorneys, the operation of courts and jails reminds me of the old-DMV – a lot of sitting around and wasting time. We need to modernize our justice system’s scheduling for efficiencies to maximize the time of all the parties involved. It’s an industry that needs disruption. Uber for dockets, anyone?   


What has been the biggest challenge of your legal career?


Growing a successful law firm – administration, human resources, marketing, etc. – while also practicing law at a high level.  


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