About Us

Darren Shoen

Since 1998, Darren Shoen has dedicated his legal career to standing up for those who need it most. He began as a public defender, advocating for underserved individuals in the criminal justice system with compassion and tenacity. In 2005, he shifted focus to helping injured workers navigate the complex world of workers' compensation. For the past two decades, Darren Shoen has worked exclusively in this area of law, providing injured employees with the guidance, support, and strong representation they deserve. With a deep understanding of the system and a commitment to justice, he continues to fight for fair treatment and proper benefits for Virginia's workforce. Darren and his wife have 3 children, and two grandchildren, and they live in beautiful Bedford, Virginia.

• Duquesne University School of Law, J.D., 1998
• University of Richmond School of Law
• Virginia Wesleyan College, B.A., History, 1993
• Palomar College, 1988-1991

• Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• Workers' Injury Law and Advocacy Group
• Virginia State Bar

John Wheelock

John comes to us with over 30 years of trial experience as a defense attorney and a prosecutor. He is passionate about representing injured motorists, those seeking social security disability benefits, and injured workers. John's hobbies include mostly reading European history and literature. His interests include art and culture. He lives in Bedford County and can be seen mostly walking slowly at Blackwater Creek Trail in Lynchburg. His favorite author is Vasily Grossman.

• Lynchburg College, M.B.A., 2009
• Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 1994
• Lynchburg College, B.A., Philosophy and Political Science, 1989

• Virginia State Bar since 1994

Ellen Gaberdiel

Ellen has been with Shoen Law since 2005. She is a graduate of James Madison University and has a Paralegal Certificate from CVCC. Ellen and her husband live at Smith Mountain Lake where they enjoy spending time with their two children and eight grandchildren.

Stephanie Mendez

Stephanie joined Shoen Law in 2013. Originally from Southern California, she moved to Bedford County at the age of 7 and has called Central Virginia home ever since. Stephanie holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University and brings both heart and dedication to her work.

She lives in Lynchburg with her husband and their beloved Bernedoodle, Cooper. Together, they serve as foster parents, opening their home to children in need. Outside the office, Stephanie enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and loving on Cooper and all the kids who come into their home. And of course, watching her all-time favorite show: Murder, She Wrote.

Jaime Bruce

Jaime comes to The Law Office of Darren Shoen with legal experience and health and physical therapy knowledge.

Jaime was born and raised in Southern California. She studied health and fitness at UCLA. Since then, she moved to Denver Colorado in 2000 with the dreams of opening a fitness studio (Body Integration) and in 2008 she succeeded. Throughout the years she worked closely with Physical, Occupational Therapists and Chiropractors. She is certified as a post rehabilitation specialist.

In 2017 she decided to move to Bedford Virginia to be closer to family after the passing of her beloved husband. In October 2021 she joined our team and comes to us with a plethora of experience and skills to assist in our firm.

In her free time, she enjoys long rides on her horse Legend and hiking with her two fur babies Arthur and Annie.