Shoun Bach Walinsky & Curran, a family law firm in Fairfax, Virginia 
 4000 Legato Road, Suite 400
Fairfax, Virginia 22033
Telephone: 703-222-3333
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Attorney Profiles

Luke S. Abraham

Albert M. Bonin

Susan M. Butler

Gerald R. Curran

Molly M. Garrett

Roberta K. Henault

Grant T. Moher

Hope F. Rosen

Ryan M. Schmisek

Robert E. Shoun

Edward J. Walinsky

Beverly J. Bach (Retired)

Home > Article Archives > Determining Your Attorney’s Qualifications

Determining Your Attorney’s Qualifications
by Robert E. Shoun

There are several ways to determine the professional qualifications of your attorney and his or her firm.

The nationally recognized Martindale Hubbell Law Directory rates attorneys and firms on their ability and professional attributes. An "AV" rating is the highest. The "A" signifies the "highest levels of legal ability," while the "V" denotes "very high adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence." Other ratings include "BV," "CV," and no rating. Shoun, Bach, Walinsky & Curran, P.C. has enjoyed an "AV" rating for almost three decades.

Inclusion of law firms in the Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers is reserved, as the name suggests, for the "preeminent" practitioners in certain areas of legal concentration, such as civil trial law, criminal law, personal injury law, real estate law, and family law. Shoun, Bach, Walinsky & Curran, P.C. is proud of its inclusion in this register under Family Law.

Ratings in both Martindale Hubbell publications are based on a peer review system compiled from the confidential opinions of practicing attorneys and members of the judiciary.

Four of the law firm’s attorneys’ reputations have earned them inclusion in the nationally recognized The Best Lawyers in America under the category “Family Law.” Seven of the firm’s attorneys have earned recognition by, and inclusion in “Virginia’s Super Lawyers” again under the category “Family Law,” as either the primary designation or as “Rising Stars.” Moreover, four of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized for their leadership within their respective Northern Virginia communities, as well as leaders within the profession of law, by the organization, Ten Leaders.

For more than a quarter century, attorneys at Shoun, Bach, Walinsky & Curran have been primary presenters of Continuing Legal Education family law seminars to other attorneys and to members of the judiciary. Subject areas have included Drafting Separation and Property Settlement Agreements; Equitable Distribution of Civil Service, Military and Private Retirement Benefits; Tax Consequences of Separation and Divorce; Professionalism and Civility Among Attorneys; Drafting Premarital Agreements; and Recent Developments in Virginia Domestic Relations Statutory and Case Law.

The attorneys at Shoun, Bach Walinsky & Curran are also involved in a wide variety of other bar activities, at both local and state levels, having held multiple offices and served as chair of numerous bar association committees over the years. Moreover, the firm was a recent recipient of the Fairfax Bar Associations’ Pro Bono Award as Fairfax County Law Firm of the Year.

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 Practice Areas

Family Law & Divorce

International Family Law

Separation or Property
Settlement Agreements

Child Custody and Visitation

Equitable Distribution
of Property and Debts

Pension, Profit-Sharing
and Retirement

Child Support

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Premarital (Antenuptial
or Prenuptial) Agreements

Adoption

Mediation

Collaborative Divorce

Wills and Powers of Attorneys

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