Building on Relationships

I believe in these amazing organizations — what they stand for, what they advocate, and their efforts to better our community."

Keeping a pulse on developments in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County region seems to come naturally to this land use attorney and mother of two. Valerie Long makes time to serve as chair of the Free Enterprise Forum, a public policy organization addressing land use issues, in addition to serving on three boards: the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area, and the Smart Beginnings Leadership Council. Smart Beginnings is a public-private platform for the promotion of early learning and school readiness.

The firm encourages and supports Valerie’s volunteer work with these groups, which also keeps her close to the macro issues affecting the community and her clients. She gains unique perspectives from local leaders like school superintendents, sitting delegates and bank presidents, and likewise ensures that the voice of her clients is included in discussions about larger business issues within the community.