Meet the Team
About Joan Fine
When working with her business clients, Ms. Fine uses a team approach. The team can include the business owner, Ms. Fine as the business attorney, the business’s banker, CPA, and insurance agent.
Ms. Fine listens to business owners, presents options, and helps them to decide on the path forward. She likes to work with people who take responsibility and are thorough and logical. She also enjoys working with business owners who have long-term goals and who plan the growth of their businesses.
She has advised businesses from their formation through their growth, advising them on options; drafting and reviewing contracts such as employment contracts, non-competition agreements, and buy-sell contracts; and, ultimately, working with businesses either for a sale of the business or on a succession plan. She is a business attorney for a business owner’s every business need, including—when necessary—litigation and court appearances.
EDUCATION
- J.D. Boston College Law School
Articles Editor, Law Review - B.A. Ohio Wesleyan University
The will to compete is a constant in Joan Fine’s business and in her personal life as well. She ran her Labrador Retriever, Candlewood’s Ruffian, in AKC field trials over a ten year period, achieving Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion titles. They were one of fourteen teams who were finalists in the 2008 AKC National Amateur Retriever Stake.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts: 1982
- Commonwealth of Virginia: 1990
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts: 1983
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia: 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals (1st Circuit): 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals (4th Circuit): 1990
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia: 1990
- Supreme Court of the U.S.: 1989
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Winchester-Frederick County Bar Association
Past President - Virginia State Bar
- Virginia Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Member, Business and Litigation Sections
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
- Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia
Former Director - Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce
Former Director, Winchester-Frederick County Chamber
Past President and Former Director, Berryville-Clarke County Chamber - Piedmont Environmental Council
Former Director - Blue Ridge Association of Realtors
Affiliate Member
The will to compete is a constant in Joan Fine’s business and in her personal life as well. She ran her Labrador Retriever, Candlewood’s Ruffian, in AKC field trials over a ten year period, achieving Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion titles. They were one of fourteen teams who were finalists in the 2008 AKC National Amateur Retriever Stake.
Shania Ring, Firm Administrator/Paralegal
Shania, onboard since 2020, helps to ensure our clients’ needs are met. She works tirelessly in managing the firm’s caseload, assisting in case and documents preparation, and overseeing milestone dates for all clients each step of the way.
Shania earned her J.D. degree from the University of Virginia, after a double major in undergraduate school during which she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology, with a minor in philosophy. She is currently enrolled in a master’s program in Legal Studies with UMGC. She worked in law for a brief time in the 1990s, then purchased a construction business which she operated for a decade. She worked with the West Virginia Department of Education for the next decade, then, deciding to put her legal education back to use, she joined the team at Joan Fine Law.
EDUCATION
- Juris doctorate from the University of Virginia
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Philosophy
- Currently enrolled in a master’s program in Legal Studies with UMGC
Lorie Norton, Receptionist/Secretary
Lorie is the first contact our clients have with the firm and is a critical player on the team. Coming aboard in March 2023, Lorie answers the phones, greets visitors, manages client intake, and handles office needs as they arise.
Lorie has more than fifteen years of experience in professional executive support. The team counts on Lorie for her organizational skills, excellent work ethic, and commitment to our client’s needs.
