As part of an ongoing tradition, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox attorneys, staff and family members recently hiked Old Rag in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterward, they drove to retired name partner Sam Fox's farm, where he hosted them for a cook-out. Above, Sam welcomes director Lei Zhou, her husband, Brent O’Hern, and firm managing director Mike Ray to his farm near Shenandoah National Park. 

As area hikers know, climbing Old Rag includes a nine-mile trail with a mile of tough rock scrambles. The group enjoyed snacks and a spectacular view from the summit at 3,291 feet before hiking down.

Kristina and Karen Ray, daughter and wife of the firm's managing director, strike a pose with Maura Durkin and her mother Tracy Durkin, director and head of the Sterne Kessler's Mechanical and Design Patent Group. 

Associate Chris Stabler and director Dennies Varughese added a football workout. At Sam's farm, the group took in more mountain views and fresh air while enjoying food and conversation (with minimal "shop talk"). Managing director Mike Ray not only led the hike but manned the grill. The hike and cook-out at the farm happen every few years, with the idea that a firm that plays together, stays together.