Discovery with Cecilia B. Paizs

My nickname is … Ceecee.

I can’t go a day without … a kiss from my husband.

If you were in my office, you’d … notice how relaxed it is. 

My colleagues would be surprised to know that … I am a national gold medalist from when my over-60 women’s soccer team won the Adult Soccer Association’s national tournament.

When I was a newbie lawyer I … worked for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C.

The lawyer I most admire is … retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She pursued her career at a time that was difficult for female lawyers and paved the way for myself and others.

The quality I most like in a lawyer is … empathy.

My pre-trial routine is … to settle the case if at all possible. Otherwise it is a detailed development of my trial book. 

When I started, I wish I knew … marrying a military man would mean multiple bar exams: the Maryland Bar Exam in 1980, the Florida Bar Exam in 1987 and the Virginia Bar Exam in 1992. I passed each one the first time.

My career high point (so far) has been … the development of my reputation as a person, lawyer and mediator.

If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be … a photographer. People inspire me, particularly when caught in a candid shot, like someone in the middle of a good laugh.

A different practice area that intrigues me is … corporate transactional law.

On weekends I … enjoy family, friends and my husband’s cooking. I am lucky to have a husband who loves to create new food combinations.

Nothing cheers me up like … chocolate.

My favorite podcast is … Everyman Law, hosted by Bob Clark, through Howard Community College.

My goal is … to work toward a more collaborative communication process so that problems are resolved, not just debated without either side listening for potential options for resolution.