Neutral Spotlight – Hon. Beverly W. Snukals (Ret.)

With 81 distinguished Neutrals—including retired judges and experienced attorneys—serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, The McCammon Group is proud to introduce our “Neutral Spotlight” series, a regular feature highlighting the expertise, experience, and unique backgrounds of our Neutrals. Through this series, we aim to provide insight into the individuals dedicated to facilitating fair and effective dispute resolution. Stay tuned as we showcase the professionals who make The McCammon Group a trusted leader in alternative dispute resolution.

1. What was your first job?  House painting in the summers during high school and working in a paint and wallpaper store. 
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?  In 9th grade social studies class, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. I didn’t have any practicing attorneys in my family, I didn’t know any attorneys, and I never stepped into a courtroom. However, once I made that commitment, I never looked back. A few special professors in college supported me and prepared me for a legal career. 
3. If you weren’t a lawyer or judge, what other career might you have pursued?  A business consultant.
4. What’s a hidden talent or hobby that most people might not know about you?  Tap dancing. 
5. Do you have a lucky charm?  A small mirror that my son gave me when he was 5 and I still carry it around every day. 
6. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?  My mother frequently reminded me that happiness is not a “state of being.” It is reflecting on a few special moments each day for which you are thankful. 
7. How has your experience as a judge shaped your approach to mediation?  I always researched and read the briefs before hearings so that I was prepared to make most decisions without delay. I learned to quickly identify the issues and find common ground when appropriate. 
8. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in your role to be an effective neutral party?  The most important quality for a neutral is being personable and empathetic. It is so important to connect with the parties and be sincere about your interest in helping to resolve their disputes. It is helpful to find something in common to talk about, other than the case, to break the ice. 
9. How do you handle situations where both parties seem unwilling to compromise?  Most attorneys and litigants come to mediation in good faith. If it looks like the parties are entrenched in their positions, I remind them of the unpredictability, stresses, and costs of trial. Also, I urge them to keep going as long as each side is making some movement. 
10. What advice would you give to lawyers about preparing for mediations?  In preparing for mediation, attorneys should discuss with their clients the meaning of “compromise” and how different mediation is from trial. I encourage attorneys not to come with a fixed settlement number because mediation is an evolving process and new information and arguments can shape the ultimate resolution in the case.
    

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The Honorable Beverly W. Snukals joined The McCammon Group in 2021 after twenty-three years of distinguished judicial service in the Richmond Courts, most recently serving twenty years as a Judge on the Circuit Court including two years as Chief Judge. Prior to her judicial career, Judge Snukals enjoyed a successful private practice in Richmond. She is a Past President of the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association and a recipient of their Women of Achievement Award. Judge Snukals is a Former Chair of the Judicial Education Committee for the General District and Circuit Courts of Richmond, a Former Chair of the Judicial Section of the Virginia Bar Association, and a Member of the Lewis Powell Inn of Court. Judge Snukals now brings this record of devotion and accomplishment to The McCammon Group to serve the mediation, arbitration, judge pro tempore and special master needs of lawyers and litigants throughout the Commonwealth.