William R. F. Conners

Founding Attorney

Attorney William (“Will”) R. F. Conners has a proven track record of resolving legal disputes in Family Law and other complex legal matters to the advantage of his clients. Will is a long-time, prominent Loudoun County and Leesburg lawyer and entrepreneur. He is a passionate litigator who seeks non-court solutions where possible but who skillfully litigates his clients’ best interests with absolute determination. Since there are no second chances to negotiate or litigate a case properly, Will represents clients with the same vigor, loyalty and empathy that he would commit for a family member. He is dedicated to the goal that every Family Law case should provide the client, and their loved ones, a better future.

Will draws upon his diverse, past service in the public and private sectors to find novel, cross-disciplinary solutions to his clients’ dilemmas. 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 has advised internationally renowned corporations and governmental entities in global, high-profile business negotiations and projects.

Will earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School and has a Political Science undergraduate degree. He is also an instrument-rated airplane pilot (FAA). His hobbies 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 his entire lifetime.

Tzena Canter

Senior Associate Attorney

Tzena (pronounced “zay-nah”) 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.

Elizabeth “Betsy” McGowan

Associate Attorney

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.

Shianne Sutherland

Associate Attorney

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.

Kevin M. Walsh

Associate Attorney

Kevin began his career working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., advancing to serve as a staff assistant to a U.S. Senate committee. After his public service, Kevin clerked for a criminal defense law firm in Fairfax, Virginia for two years. Kevin enrolled at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School in August 2021. After his first year of law school, Kevin worked for a Washington, D.C. firm that represented Veterans and their families in complex disability compensation appeals and military records corrections cases. Kevin is licensed by the Virginia State Bar.

Kevin was raised in McLean, Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, majoring in International Affairs. In his free time, Kevin enjoys playing golf and avidly following his alma mater’s basketball team. Kevin lives locally with his wife and daughter.

Staff Profiles

Laurie Rohrer

Office Assistant

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.

Lauren Rose

Legal Assistant

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.