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.
About Lauren Carnill
Lauren E. Carnill is an Associate Attorney with experience in corporate, real estate, regulatory law, and litigation. She has joined the firm after interning and working as a paralegal for Kaye Scholer LLP, now Arnold & Porter LLP, an international law firm, interning for the DOJ and FCC, and graduating from Georgetown Law. She prides herself on being professional, adaptable, and approachable to clients.
Ms. Carnill focuses her practice on probate and estate planning, business law, landlord/tenant disputes and contract litigation. She seeks to understand her client’s goals in each situation, to provide options, and to explain the process so the client is in the know at all stages. Ms. Carnill recognizes that finding thorough answers to legal questions without an attorney can be difficult. When representing her clients, Ms. Carnill takes the time to ensure they fully understand their options and potential consequences, and zealously advocates for their decision.
Ms. Carnill, a Winchester native, graduated summa cum laude from Hollins University with a dual degree in History and English Literature. While at Hollins, she completed multiple internships with law firms in New York City, competed in the Ethics Bowl, and captained the trail running team. She now lives in the City of Winchester with her husband and their rescue dog.
EDUCATION
- Hollins University BA
- Georgetown University Law Center J.D.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Commonwealth of Virginia: 2021
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Virginia State Bar
- Virginia Bar Association
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
City of Winchester Social Services Advisory Board
Member
About Elaine Jarvis
Elaine is a well versed attorney, having spent many years focusing on corporate, business, landlord/tenant and bankruptcy. law. She has practiced with firms in New York City and the District of Columbia (D.C.). Elaine is knowledgeable and fights for her clients. She is also an accomplished writer.
EDUCATION
- Juris doctorate from William and Mary School of Law 1997
- Magna Cum Laude Graduate of University of Maryland, College Park
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- VCTSA and VCTE Certifications: 2018
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
- President of Strays Welcome Interfaith Ministries (2015-Present).
- Member, Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity, (Winchester, VA) 2020-Present.
- Secretary of Roof Over Their Heads of Front Royal (ROTH) (2017-2020).
- Secretary of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. (2018-2019).
