The award recognizes outstanding lawyers and judges who are making a significant difference in the legal profession, their communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Honorees will be recognized at an awards event at John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond on February 27.

Since joining Reed Smith in 2016, Brenner has become a go-to resource for clients and lobbyists and is widely recognized as a leading public policy advocate. She assists clients with creative solutions to a wide range of issues at all levels of Virginia state government, and is highly regarded by state legislators, agency heads, and other executive branch officials.

Brenner manages a significant administrative practice before all 50 state agencies, as well as her legislative and lobbying practice before the Virginia General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General. She partners with clients on drafting legislation in all 50 states, creating and implementing legislative strategies, testifying before legislative committees, lobbying legislators and other government officials, and developing solutions to resolve issues with state and local governments.

In addition to her practice, Brenner is actively involved in the Women’s Initiative Network of Reed Smith (WINRS) and served as the Richmond office’s ReturnRS liaison. In this role, she was instrumental in the inclusion and design of a “mothers’ room” in the firm’s new Richmond office. A dedicated mentor, she guides other attorneys on professional and career development, and is actively involved in the firm’s recruitment efforts.

Brenner also dedicates significant time to pro bono work. She provides legal representation to the Pamunkey Indian Tribe on all legislative and executive interactions with the Commonwealth of Virginia. She also serves on the Board of the Political Action Committee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Brenner was recognized by the Virginia Access to Justice Commission for her pro bono legal counsel to residents on housing matters through the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Housing Clinic.

In addition to pro bono work, Brenner is a member of The Junior League of Richmond, supports her undergraduate alma mater, Mary Baldwin College, and serves as a lay liturgical minister and lector at St. Bridget Catholic Church.