BRBA: Where are you from?

JV: I was born in the Philippines, immigrated to New York City, moved to Meraux, Louisiana, evacuated to Palm Beach, Florida due to Hurricane Katrina, and eventually settled in Baton Rouge. If I had to pick one, I’d say Baton Rouge feels most like home.

BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?

JV: I am the staff attorney for Judge Lisa Woodruff-White of the Family Court in and for the Parish of East Baton Rouge – so, I don’t technically practice.

BRBA: How long have you been practicing law?

JV: I was admitted to the bar just over a year ago.

BRBA: Where did you receive your education?

JV: I graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School, attended LSU for my undergraduate degree, and Southern University Law Center for law school.

BRBA: What made you want to become an attorney?

JV: It has always been a dream of mine. Working for my father-in-law, Paul Billingsley, inspired me to finally grasp that dream.

BRBA: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?

JV: I wish I would have known of the full extent of the toll completely committing to my studies would have on my personal relationships. I would have better warned my friends and family.

BRBA: If you didn’t practice law what would be your profession?

JV: I would have become a marine biologist working to save the loggerhead sea turtles. I still donate to conservation efforts.

BRBA: What motivated you to join the BRBA?

JV: I love being involved and serving my community. The BRBA is a great place to do that. The BRBA also provides great exposure to other areas of the law and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.

BRBA: How are you involved at the BRBA?

JV: I am a member of the publications and pro-bono committees.

BRBA: Are you involved with any other organizations or causes?

JV: I currently serve as the ABA-YLD District Representative for Louisiana, as a junior council member of the Louisiana State Law Institute, as a member on the LSBA’s Access to Justice Committee, and as the socials chairperson of Forum 225.

BRBA: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

JV: In addition to volunteering and mentoring, I love spending time with my family, facetiming my nieces and nephews, and looking for new places to have dinner and a well-crafted cocktail.  

BRBA: Is there anything else you would like to add?

JV: Due to my positions on the ABA/LSBA YLD Councils, I also serve as the ABA-YLD Disaster Legal Services Liaison for Louisiana. I am currently focused on providing disaster assistance and helping recruit volunteer attorneys to render civil legal aid to disaster survivors affected by Hurricane Ida. If anyone is interested, please let me know.