Hirschler Fleischer Partner Earns Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming Title

Hirschler Fleischer, an AGC of Virginia member, recently announced that its partner Courtney Moates Paulk has completed the third and final leg of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, making her the 78th person in the world and the first female attorney in Virginia to earn the title.

On Sept. 10, 2013, Paulk swam across the Catalina Channel, a 20.2-mile course in Southern California. She completed the crossing in 11 hours and 50 minutes, averaging 60 strokes per minute in the icy channel waters. Paulk completed the first two legs of the three-part challenge over the past two years, swimming 21 miles across the English Channel between England and France, and 28.5 miles around Manhattan.

"We are extremely proud of Courtney and the dedication she has displayed in accomplishing this elite feat," said James L. Weinberg, president of Hirschler Fleischer. "She demonstrates the same fervent enthusiasm and focus as a partner in our firm, and we are honored to support and congratulate her on this amazing achievement."

Paulk, whose journey is documented on her personal blog, took on the challenge in an effort to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association.

"I am extremely grateful to my clients, colleagues and friends who supported me in the Catalina Channel leg of this endeavor, both financially through donations to the American Heart Association and through well wishes and encouragement on my blog," said Paulk. "My purpose in all of this is to raise awareness for heart disease, particularly among women. I am honored to have this opportunity to bring attention to organizations like the American Heart Association and its steadfast mission."

Paulk, who serves as shareholder-in-charge of hiring and a member of Hirschler Fleischer's board of directors, compares the endurance and persistence required to earn the Triple Crown with that needed to maintain a successful litigation practice. She represents some of Virginia’s largest public and private owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals in construction and real estate transactions, contracts, claims and disputes.

Inclusion in the elite Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming requires successful completion of a three-course, open water ultra marathon. The conditions of each swim are challenging, and athletes often encounter dangerous sea creatures and extreme temperatures. More information on the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming is available online at http://www.triplecrownofopenwaterswimming.com/.

Hirschler Fleischer is a multispecialty law firm engaged in a diverse and sophisticated legal practice. Hirschler Fleischer attorneys serve corporate, governmental, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the United States from offices in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Va. The firm approaches legal work with an entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to the community. 

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