Tonya founded Shield Legal, PLLC., a selective, boutique law firm to serve clients in Virginia as well as federal employees and contractors both nationwide and globally to help defend federal careers, challenge unfair actions, and help clients secure the second chances they deserve. Tonya is licensed to practice law in Virginia and admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Before entering the legal profession, Tonya was a teacher after earning her M.A. in History from Old Dominion University and an M.S.E.D. from Black Hills State University. That foundation continues to shape her approach today by being able to explain complex issues, guiding clients through uncertain and stressful circumstances, and ensuring they understand both the risks they face and the possible strategies used to defend them.
Prior to founding Shield Law, PLLC., Tonya spent nearly four years at The Griffin Law Firm in Norfolk, VA, first as a law clerk and later as an associate attorney. During that time, she developed focused experience in federal employment defense, national security clearance matters, and administrative litigation. She successfully negotiated favorable outcomes in EEOC cases, defended security clearances through persuasive written advocacy, and represented clients in DOHA hearings and DCSA AVS appearances – helping to secure determinations that protected client careers and restore their ability to continuing serving in their sensitive federal employment roles.
At Shield Law, Tonya provides strategic, compassionate, and zealous advocacy in high-stakes federal matters involving security clearance defense, TSA TWIC credentialing, and helping clients with responses to adverse federal employment matters. She is known for her disciplined, detail-orientated approach and her ability to navigate complex federal processes with precision, discretion, and confidence when it matters most.
Tonya is also a Navy spouse, a homeschooling mom, and loves to run and walk in her spare time. She brings a personal understanding of service, sacrifice, and resilience to her practice. Clients trust Tonya not only for her legal skill, but for her unwavering commitment to standing with them during challenging moments – especially when their careers and futures are on the line.
If you’re facing a federal employment issue, security clearance denial or revocation, or a TWIC appeal or waiver, early action can make all difference, whether you’re in Virginia, nationwide, or a federal employee serving abroad.
Take the first step in protecting your career. Schedule a confidential consultation now to discuss your options and next steps. We accept a limited number of matters to provide each client with strategic representation.
