Daniel P. Lyon, a principal, director and executive committee member of the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, was named among the Greater Washington Legal Elite by Washington Smart CEO Magazine. He was recognized in the category of Labor and Employment Law and Commercial Litigation.
Lyon is a business lawyer with specific emphasis on clients involved in government consulting and information technology. He has litigation experience across numerous disciplines and industries.
He obtained his J.D, with distinction, from the George Mason University School of Law in 1992. He completed his second term as chairman of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in December 2005.
Name: Daniel P. Lyon
Town/Neighborhood: Ashburn.
Number of Years in the Northern Virginia Community: 42.
Number of Years in the Loudoun County Community: 10.
Occupation/Position: As a principal with the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., I provide legal services in litigation, business and information technology. Since I live in Loudoun County, I spend time working in both our Fairfax and Leesburg offices. I have litigated commercial issues on behalf of businesses and individuals at the trial and appellate level in both state and federal courts. Much of my practice over the last six years has concentrated on aiding entrepreneurs and business owners in the formation, operation, growth and sale of their businesses. I prepare agreements and documents to create the most efficient and effective framework for the relationships between business owners, investors, affiliates, customers, employees, vendors and contractors. I also have substantial experience in the creation of joint venture relationships and the negotiation and closing of business sales and acquisitions. My clients include government contractors, technology entrepreneurs, Internet-based service providers, software developers, e-commerce businesses, computer resellers, computer consultant brokers, real estate developers, property managers and brokers, investment advisors, and medical practitioners, among many others.
Achievements: I was honored to be elected as one of Virginia's Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine for the years 2003, 2005 and 2006, in the category of Employment/Labor Law. I was also elected as a member of the Greater Washington's Legal Elite in the August 2006 issue of "Washington Smart CEO," in the category of Employment Labor Law and Commercial Litigation.
I am currently serving a second term as past-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, am a member of the Board of Directors and have been nominated to serve as legal counsel for 2007. I served as chairman of the board in both 2005 and 2001. I have also served the Chamber as legal counsel (2003 and 2004), vice president of master planning (1999), vice president of member services (1996-1998) and director (1993-present). I have served on the Board of Advisors for the City of Fairfax Symphony, and provided pro bono legal services through the Legal Services of Northern Virginia and the Fairfax Bar Association Shelter Outreach and Nonprofit Program. My other community activities have included serving as a business representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors steering committee for Adopt-A-Cause (1993-1995), the Fairfax County Welfare Reform Community Planning Task Force (1995), and the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board and its Finance Committee (2000-2001). I have been an active participant in fund-raising events for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and St. Jude's Hospital for Children. I have also been a member of the Fairfax Rotary since 2004.
Family: Paula Lyon; children: Carl Andrew "Drew" Lyon, 15 and Nathaniel Lyon, 13.
Favorite local restaurant/place: That's a tough one, but I would have to say Tuscorora Mill in Leesburg. It has a lot of character and serves fantastic food.
Sports Interests/Activities/Hobbies: I coached soccer for the Loudoun Youth Soccer Association from 1996-2004, when my sons, Drew and Nathan, played in the Association league. Now, I coach the boys on the golf course. My family and I are members of the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn and enjoy playing together and competing. Much of my family life has centered around the golf course since I grew up playing at the Country Club of Fairfax and captained the Thomas Jefferson High School team. Some of my fondest memories are of golf matches with my family. At 81 years of age, my father and mother still take advantage of all of us on the golf course, and with five boys, daughters-in-law and many grandchildren, that's a lot of competition. I also enjoy reading fiction of all types.
Community Concerns: As a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, a parent and a businessman, I am concerned that some of our business leaders lack commitment to positions of social leadership. Business people need to act as role models for others.
Community Ideas: I plan to remain an active participant in my community and remain a resource for the education and protection of business owners and entrepreneurs. I was taught social commitment by my primary role models, my parents, and will continue to do what I can to be a positive role model for others, particularly the youth, in our community. I enjoy speaking to kids in the public school systems, as well as providing seminars for businesses, individuals and other legal professionals. I am always looking for new ways to serve my community.
Whether you serve on the boards of nonprofit or charitable institutions, coach sports or join a service club such as Rotary, I implore everyone to find an enjoyable way to stay involved in your community. Do something that is consistent with your interests and lifestyle. If you don't enjoy the volunteer work, you won't do it. However, if you commit just a small amount of time to such endeavors, you'll soon find that you are not only enriching the lives of others, you have enriched your own life through "service above self" as Rotary would say.
Personal Goals: I would like to be remembered as someone who made a meaningful contribution to his community.
On a professional basis, I want to continue to contribute to the growth and reputation of my law firm. As an attorney, I value my reputation for integrity, professionalism, service and, of course, knowledge. These are attributes that distinguish you from the ordinary.
My personal goals start with my family, which includes raising two reasonably well-adjusted boys and helping my wife meet her goals. Someday, I also want to write a book. Perhaps that will have to wait for retirement.
What community "hidden treasure" should more people know about?: Our hidden treasures include our chambers of commerce, universities, nonprofit organizations, public officials and local government resources. That's why they're there. For example, the Loudoun and Fairfax County Economic Development Authorities have numerous educational materials and demographic information that most businesses do not even know exist.
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