Mary Commander

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). Her article was selected for publication in the University of Richmond Law Review in the Summer, 1981 edition.

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.