Meet
Vera Hailey
Judiciary Certified Mediator
Conflict Coach
Group Facilitator
Restorative Justice Practitioner
Hello and welcome.
After more than 20 years serving as a magistrate, I gained a unique front-row perspective on conflict, communication, and human nature. That experience taught me that many family, interpersonal, and civil disputes are best resolved through skillful mediation, thoughtful guidance, and practical problem-solving rather than prolonged courtroom battles.
Today, clients benefit from both judicial experience and a calm, approachable style focused on helping people create workable solutions and move forward with clarity and dignity. I am certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia to mediate cases in all courts of the Commonwealth, including Circuit Court, with particular focus on marital separation and matters involving custody, visitation, co-parenting, and child support.
I also facilitate Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Households, an interactive Zoom seminar approved by the Supreme Court of Virginia and offered regularly online.
Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler, a lover of all things British, a volunteer docent, local history enthusiast, and someone who enjoys renovating historic properties.
I’m glad you’re here, and I hope this site provides helpful information, resources, and a path forward.
Co-Parenting Educator
Training & Experience
Supreme Court of Virginia Certified Mediator qualified to mediate cases in General District Court, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, Circuit Family Court, and Circuit Civil Court throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Magistrate, Supreme Court of Virginia (1996–2018) with more than two decades of experience addressing high-conflict situations, crisis intervention, family disputes, and complex legal matters
Facilitator for the Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Restorative Justice Community Conferencing Pilot Program
Advanced conflict resolution and peacebuilding studies through the Eastern Mennonite University Center for Justice & Peacebuilding Summer Peacebuilding Institute
Selected by the American Bar Association as a Competition Judge for the National Invitational Representation in Mediation competitions
Certified Court Manager and Certified Court Executive through the National Center for State Courts
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorders Trainer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Graduate of Blue Ridge Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training focused on mental health crisis response and de-escalation techniques
Specialized judicial training through the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence in the dynamics and handling of domestic violence cases
Parent Educational Advocacy Collaborative Leader Training through the Virginia Department of Education
Therapeutic Foster Parent and Foster Care Mentor for Shenandoah Valley Social Services
Therapeutic Options (TOVA) Instructor trained in behavioral intervention and crisis management strategies
Real Estate Investor and Property Manager for more than 25 years, including recognition as an Airbnb Superhost, providing additional practical experience in negotiation, communication, and problem-solving across diverse situations
MC3 Certified
MC3 certification represents a rigorous and highly respected credentialing process that goes beyond basic mediation training requirements. The organization evaluates mediators on advanced education, ethical standards, practical experience, and understanding of court systems and dispute resolution policy. This distinction reflects a demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity, continuing education, and excellence in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Affiliations
Professional & Community
Vera has been actively involved in numerous professional, civic, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to advocacy, conflict resolution, accessibility, education, community service, and historic preservation throughout the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
Central Virginia Community Justice Advisory Council
Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation
Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse
Augusta County Historical Society
The Arc of Augusta
Ride With Pride
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
Mediators Beyond Borders International
Virginia Mediation Network
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Advisory Council Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Member
Member
Member
Volunteer Advocate
Meet
David I. McCaskey
Judiciary Certified Mediator
David McCaskey brings more than 40 years of broad legal experience to the practice of mediation and conflict resolution. Over the course of a long and respected general practice of law, he has worked with individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations across a wide range of legal matters requiring practical judgment, careful analysis, and effective problem-solving.
His background as a farm kid, military officer, attorney, and community leader shaped a thoughtful and grounded approach to conflict resolution. David is particularly drawn to mediation because it focuses not on “winners” and “losers,” but on communication, understanding, and helping people reach practical solutions they create themselves.
Outside of his professional work, David paints, welds sculpture, repairs old fiddles, researches local history, keeps bees, restores historic buildings, and rides a Ural motorbike with his dog in the sidecar. His preservation projects include the restoration of the Fannie Thompson House in Greenville, Virginia, home of a formerly enslaved woman listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
David brings to mediation a unique combination of legal experience, creativity, patience, and real-world perspective.
Training & Experience
Supreme Court of Virginia Certified Mediator qualified to mediate cases in General District, Juvenile & Domestic Relations, Circuit Family, and Circuit Civil Courts throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Facilitator for the Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Restorative Justice Community Conferencing Pilot Program
Formal mediation training through the Fairfield Center
More than 40 years in private law practice (1979–2020), representing individuals and families across a broad range of legal matters
Extensive experience in criminal defense, wills and estates, and Social Security Disability representation
Juris Doctor, William & Mary Law School
B.A. in Independent Studies/Corrections, University of Virginia
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County, Virginia (4 years)
Captain, Field Artillery, United States Army Reserve (inactive service, 1977–1979)
Admitted to the Virginia State Bar and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Guardian ad Litem for incapacitated children and adults
Affiliations
Virginia State Bar
Virginia Mediation Network