After receiving her B.A. from Westhampton College of the University of Richmond, Cheryl first worked as a school teacher and later as a legislative research associate at the Virginia Division of Legislative Services. In the latter role she developed her interest in the legal field. She went on to receive a J.D. degree from T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, at a time when women were a definite minority in America's law schools.She worked as an assistant attorney general for the Commonwealth of Virginia before entering the private general practice of law with her husband, Andy, in 1981 in Richmond. Her practice focuses on commercial and residential real estate transactions and closings, business law and estate planning. Cheryl is admitted to practice in all Virginia state courts and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.The right choicesCheryl says, "I chose to specialize in areas that would allow me more time in the office than in court, so that I would be in a better position to raise our sons, and those choices have worked out well for me. I enjoy each one of my specialties and over the years have been able to develop a strong mastery of each."She adds that both sons have become attorneys, one practicing as an associate with Wood & Wood and the other with a law firm in Portland, Oregon. She happily notes that the son and daughter-in-law in Portland will soon present the Woods with their first grandchild.In addition to anticipating that happy event, Cheryl's outside interests include travel, antiques, gardening and reading. She has been an active volunteer in community projects and private organizations.