Sarah Goding
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
United States
Profession(s)
LawyerOther than my time in law school, I have worked solely in the Family Law area for over ten years. While attending law school, I represented clients starting non-profits and low-income cooperatives in the Community Development Law Clinic. During my time in law school, I also participated in the Juvenile & Special Education Clinic, where I represented children and parents, primarily in special education matters in Washington D.C. schools.
Before becoming a licensed attorney, I was a Paralegal for over 13 years in Fairfax, Virginia. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University, where I majored in Criminal Justice and received a minor in Psychology. I received my Juris Doctor from The University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law.
When not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two sons, and my dog, Nicco.
Professional Activities
Member, Virginia State Bar Association Member, Fairfax Bar Association (Family Law Section; Young Lawyers Section; Family Law Committee; Circuit Court Committee; Juvenile Court Committee) Member, Loudoun Bar Association Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationUndergraduate Education
Old Dominion University
Postgraduate Education
University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law
Professional Education
Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, 16 hours, 2019
Managing Client Expectations About the Collaborative Process, 1.5 hours, 2019
Collaborative Boot Camp: An Experiential Day of Refining Skills and Deepening Team Cohesion, 5 hours, 2019
What's IACP Got To Do With It?, .5 hours, 2019
Comments
While litigation is very much a part of my practice, I have always enjoyed mediation and negotiations much more. I find that these types of resolutions in family law cases get both people closer to what they want to achieve than anything that a court can do. There is definitely a time and a place for litigation, but I believe that many cases never need to see the inside of a courtroom. Collaborative Law allows more flexibility than other choices of litigation alternatives, and allows the people at the heart of the matter to make creative decisions that will work best for them and their families. I believe that being in control of such decisions is best for a changing family dynamic and allows the parties to move forward with their lives feeling that they had control over the outcome of this very difficult time in their lives.