MC

Mary Commander

Attorney & Mediator

“Child Custody & Visitation Mediator”

Norfolk, Virginia
44+Years Exp

Core Practice Areas

4 Verticals
✓Family Law Mediation
✓Divorce & Separation
✓Child Custody & Visitation
✓Child Support Disputes
✓Certified Neutral
✓Court-Approved ADR

About & Mediation Philosophy

Neutral Profile

Mary Commander was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1956, and graduated magna cum laude graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where she served as an elected member of the University Senate. In 1981, she graduated with honors from University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Virginia. During law school, she was a member of the Law Review Staff (chosen based on grades and a writing competition); Moot Court Board (chosen based on brief writing and oral argument competition) and McNeill Law Society (honorary academic society). Following graduation, Mary served a one year judicial clerkship (1981-82) with The Honorable John A. MacKenzie, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk, Virginia. Since 1982, she has been engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas. For 18 years, Mary served as an Administrative Hearing Officer for the State of Virginia in addition to her regular practice. She conducted hearings and decided cases involving employee grievances and terminations. For 7 years, Mary served as a substitute judge sitting in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts and General District Courts throughout the Hampton Roads area on a regular basis. Mary is certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia as a mediator in family cases in all Virginia courts and as a mediator mentor. She also is certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia as a guardian ad litem for children and as a guardian ad litem for incapacitated persons.

Credentials & Institutional Standing

Primary Verifications

License

Certified Mediator (Supreme Court of Virginia)

Education

University of Richmond School of Law

J.D. · Law

Class of 1981

Old Dominion University

B.A.

Class of 1978

Work History

3 Positions

Judicial Clerk

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

1981 – 1982

Clerkship with The Honorable John A. MacKenzie, Chief Judge.

Administrative Hearing Officer

State of Virginia

Served for 18 years conducting hearings and deciding cases involving employee grievances and terminations.

Substitute Judge

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts / General District Courts

Served for 7 years throughout the Hampton Roads area.

Honors & Recognition

No honors on file.

Fees & Availability

Rate Schedule

Standard rates. Contact for custom arrangements.

No rate information on file.

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Hourly rate

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Minimum fee

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