Attorney Profiles
Client Reviews
Notice: The client quotations above are not to be construed to guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by any attorney of the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. Each case result depends upon a variety of factors unique to each case and client.
Founding Attorney William R. F. Conners
Attorney William (“Will”) R. F. Conners has a proven track record in resolving legal disputes in areas including Family Law, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and other matters. In addition to his experience as a long-time, prominent Leesburg and Loudoun County lawyer, Will draws upon his diverse, past service in the public and private sectors to find novel, cross-disciplinary solutions to his clients’ legal dilemmas. His mission is to represent clients with the same loyalty and passion he would for a family member.
Prior to practicing law, Will served in the public and private sectors in a range of high-profile positions. He formerly served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia, as a senior Senate of Virginia aide, as a political aide to a prominent Congressman, and as a political consultant. Will is also an experienced entrepreneur having advised and represented and consulted for internationally renowned corporations and governmental entities in high-profile business negotiations and projects.
Will is an instrument-rated (FAA) airplane pilot. His hobbies also include extensive international travel and enjoying the outdoors while downhill skiing, hiking and white water rafting. Will resides locally and has called Virginia home for nearly a lifetime.
Senior Associate Attorney Tzena (pronounced “zay-nah”) Canter
Tzena began her legal career as founding member of her own law firm. She practices in the areas of criminal law, family law, agricultural and equine law among others.
Ms. Canter has a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Women’s Studies from The George Washington University, a M.S. in Justice, Law, and Society from American University, and a law degree from Hamline University School of Law where she was a member of the Hamline Journal of Public
Law and Policy. Additionally, Ms. Canter possesses a Certificate in Advocacy and Problem Solving from one of the top five American law school dispute resolution programs. She is a member of the Virginia State Bar, Virginia Bar Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Loudoun County Bar Association, and the Fairfax Bar Association. Ms. Canter is also a member of the VWAA and is the current Secretary and Historian for the Loudoun Chapter. Additionally, Ms. Canter has had her scholarly articles published in 2010 and 2013 and has presented at the annual Law & Society Conference.
Ms. Canter was born and raised in a small town in Northern Wisconsin. Her interest in agricultural, animal, and equine law stems from her exposure to family dairy farming and lifelong love of animals. In her free time, she enjoys playing ice hockey, quilting, participating in equestrian activities and spending time with family. Ms. Canter and her husband Mark live in Loudoun County with their dog and their horse.
Associate Attorney Elizabeth (“Betsy”) McGowan
Elizabeth (“Betsy”) McGowan began her law career as a legal editor for the Bureau of National Affairs, a publisher of reference books and other resources for attorneys. She then worked as a contract attorney for the U.S. Government, first working on a large litigation project and late rjoining the FBI’s Legal Forfeiture Unit.
Betsy has been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 2006. She graduated in 2006 from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, where she enjoyed working at the school’s legal clinic. She received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh. Betsy lives in Ashburn, VA, with her husband and their two sons.
Associate Attorney Shianne Sutherland
Shianne Sutherland began her legal career at the Law Office of William R. F. Conners, P.C. Before being admitted to the Bar as a practicing attorney, she served as a law clerk with a criminal defense law firm.
Ms. Sutherland has a B.A. in Government and International Politics from George Mason University with Minors in Legal Studies and Criminology and a law degree from George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. Shianne was born and raised in the small community of Madison County, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys walking trails, kayaking, seeing the latest movies, and spending time with family. Ms. Sutherland lives in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Staff Profiles
Office Assistant Laurie Rohrer
Laurie began her career as a Fairfax County elementary school teacher before leaving the profession to stay home and dedicate her time to raising a large family. She graduated from James Madison University with a B. S. in Psychology and went on to attain a Master’s of Education with an elementary and middle school teaching certificate for K-8 instruction from Marymount University.
Laurie’s 4 children, ages 19 to 27, continue to bring joy and remain a priority in her life. Her other hobbies include spending time with her friends, hiking, reading and taking trips to the beach. Laurie was born in Hampton, Virginia and moved to the Northern VA area during high school. She currently resides in Ashburn, VA.
Legal Assistant Lauren Rose
Lauren Rose started her professional career with the Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shepherd University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Hospitality Management.
Lauren is an avid baseball fan who also enjoys photography, spending
time with family, practicing yoga, saltwater fishing, and perfecting her gluten-free baking skills. A native of Loudoun County, Lauren currently resides in Clarke County,
Virginia.
Contact the Law Office of William R. F. Conners, P.C. and bring the knowledge, experience, and insight of the Firm to your Family Law, Personal Injury and other case.
Consultations offered by appointment • Credit cards accepted • Fee charged for consultations relating to Divorce and all Family Law matters