Seth Schaeffer, Partner, McGuireWoods 
Artist rendition of Guard Seth Schaeffer playing in a Colgate Red Raiders game
1. Where were you born?
Upstate New York (outside of Albany)
2. Spouse? Children? Pets?
My wife, Carrie, and I have been married for going on 18 years. Carrie is a licensed clinical social worker who, in addition to counseling individual clients grieving a loss, coordinates and facilitates grief therapy group sessions for Full Circle Grief Center. We have three children (Luke 13, Anna 10, and Hal 8) and an Irish Setter (Elena).
3. What is your occupation? If you’re a lawyer, what type of law do you practice?
I am a litigator with McGuireWoods, focusing on consumer financial services and antitrust litigation.
4. Why did you join the GRBF Board?
I was encouraged to learn about and engage with the GRBF by former board member Scott Oostdyk. The mission of the GRBF really spoke to me and fit well with my other interests and causes.
5. What was your favorite subject in school?
High school = math. College = politics/history.
6. What was your first job?
I worked for an Agway store (think Southern States), carrying bags of livestock feed, assembling gas grills, watering plants, and whatever else needed doing—anything to avoid checking people out at the cash register!
7. What is the best book you have ever read?
Tough to pick just one, but if forced, Confederacy of Dunces. Recent favorites: All the Light We Cannot See and The Goldfinch.
8. What is the one item you cannot live without?
Nothing really. But my car, I guess, if I need to answer.
9. What is your favorite travel spot?
While I have only been there twice, I adore Italy. My second time there was for work, and although we worked like dogs for 13 hours a day, I still loved it! As far as a “regular” travel spot, for many years my wife and I went to Wellfleet, MA on Cape Cod and felt like we were in heaven.
10. What is at the top of your bucket list?
A vacation in France.
11. What is the best live concert you have ever attended?
Avett Brothers—not because the music or performance was better than any others, but the atmosphere, company (my wife), and whole scene was just delightful. Also, it was the summer before COVID, so maybe I am romanticizing!?!?
12. What is your favorite movie, TV show, or podcast?
Movie: Royal Tenenbaums, TV show: The Wire or The Walking Dead, Podcast: Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History
13. What is your favorite sports team?
Colgate Basketball (UVA Basketball is a close second)
14. When I am not in the office, I like to …
Now: hang with my family, play tennis. Pre-COVID: travel with my family, play basketball.
15. If I wasn’t an attorney, I would be …
A teacher and/or high school or college basketball coach. Or in some role in a college campus setting.
16. What is something most people probably don’t know about you?
I grew up on a dairy farm in Upstate New York.
17. At the current moment, what are you most looking forward to?
Ummm …. End of COVID.
18. What advice would you give someone who wants to become involved in pro bono opportunities?
Just do it. The opportunities (unfortunately) are endless these days.
About the artist: “My name is Zoe Lindblad. I attend James River High School as a junior. I have lived in Richmond, Va for all of my life, all 16 years. I became interested in art because of my Dad. My Dad is a tattoo artist, and there have been many nights where I have stayed late at these tattoo shops. I was surrounded by art and artists who were creating all the time. This motivated me to create some of my own work. Being able to improve and share my artwork has been such an amazing experience.”