Mediator | Attorney

Elena Patarinski is a licensed attorney and mediator based in Richmond, Virginia.  After ten years in litigation, she founded CALEMM (cal-umm) MEDIATION to help individuals and businesses resolve disputes outside of the courtroom.  She is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator for General District Court Civil cases (Certification No. 3260). 

Legal Background

Elena started her legal career in civil practice handling matters ranging from drafting contracts, business formation documents, and wills—to negotiating personal injury claims, administering estates, conducting residential and commercial real estate closings, and litigating debt collection and landlord-tenant cases for both plaintiffs and defendants.  During this time she also served as a guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults and children.  Elena then spent several years defending auto manufacturers in product liability-related claims and lemon law suits.  Most recently, Elena litigated construction and property damage claims as well personal injury claims arising from auto, trucking, and premise liability accidents, among others.  In 2021 and 2022 “Best Lawyers” listed her on its “Ones to Watch” list of honorees. 

Other Info

While awaiting bar results, Elena worked for a mass settlement administration firm reviewing and analyzing financial and tax information for small businesses.  Before law school, she spent three years in residential property management in Charlottesville, Virginia.  In addition to the J.D. she earned from the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia, Elena earned a B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  When she is not mediating, Elena enjoys taking photos, painting, and traveling with her husband and two kids.