Pungoteague Lawyers

Jessica graduated summa cum laude from Otterbein University (Columbus, OH) with a major in Political Science/Government & triple minor in Psychology, Speech Communication, & Legal Studies. She graduated second in her law school class with highest honors from the HBU, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, NC), earning a Juris Doctor & Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Her diverse legal experience includes legislative and policy evaluation, judicial internships, litigation, and mediation/settlement negotiation/alternative dispute resolution. In 2014, Jessica joined The Cooper Law Firm, P.C. (Virginia Beach, VA) to form its successful family law division. In May 2019, was named Partner...

Zack is a life-long resident of Hampton Roads. While his current practice focuses on seeking compensation for injured parties in personal injury matters, Zack has experience advocating on behalf of individuals, large insurance companies, and municipalities. DIVERSE WORK EXPERIENCE He began his career working for a large automobile insurance carrier, then gained valuable trial experience working for the City of Portsmouth. In his time in practice, he has litigated matters in virtually every jurisdiction in eastern Virginia. Zack’s diverse background gives his clients the advantage of having a comprehensive perspective on their cases. EDUCATION Zack is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, where he...

"AV" - "Preeminent" Martindale Rating A Virginia Beach native, Ted was featured on 60 Minutes (Oct. 4, 2009) for his work involving environmental contamination from coal ash/ fly ash waste. And thanks to his AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating from the premier peer review process for the legal profession. He also enjoys the highest client review rating. In addition to his defense of health care providers; Ted tries lawsuits involving plaintiff’s catastrophic injury, brain damage, paralysis and environmental cases in state and federal court in Virginia and in Pennsylvania. He was first admitted in Pennsylvania in1988...

I have several years experience working in immigration law both before and after becoming an attorney. I am well-versed in the federal legal processes available to immigrants who are applying for benefits or seeking relief from removal.

I represent public school divisions in education law matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

EDUCATION

College: Old Dominion University, B.A., 1972
Law School: University of Florida, J.D., 1975

Carlton Bennett’s practice concentrates in personal injury litigation, representing only...

Ra Hee Jeon is a Pender & Coward attorney focusing her practice on family law and immigration matters. Born and raised in South Korea, she is bilingual in Korean and English and skillful in Spanish. Ra Hee routinely drafts and reviews prenuptial agreements and property settlement agreements and advises her clients in complex contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and child custody/visitation/support issues. She actively participates in negotiation efforts to zealously represent her clients and to serve the best interests of any children involved. Ra Hee represents foreign-born and U.S. citizen clients in a variety of immigration matters and helps them navigate the...

Stephen Taylor earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he served as Allen Chair Editor of the University of Richmond Law Review. He was a member of the John Marshall Inn of Court and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. Stephen's primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, and litigation in support of these practice areas. Stephen is licensed to practice in Virginia and North Carolina.

Dan Mazzio has been practicing law in Hampton Roads for more than a decade. He has represented clients in courts all over Virginia and has earned a reputation as a skilled trial attorney. Dan has tried countless jury trials to successful outcomes and is passionate about fighting for his clients to get them the best possible outcome. Dan grew up in Chesapeake and attended Longwood University. He received his law degree from the University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law in 2007. Dan is married to Lisa, a psychologist and the owner of Watermark Psychological Services in Ghent. They have...

Kelly Cournoyer brings both compassion and powerful advocacy to her cases. Raised in a military family that moved to stations on three continents, Kelly knows first-hand the unique challenges that military families face and the support they need to be successful. A former prosecutor, Kelly is a confident and talented trial lawyer who is focused on delivering excellent results for her clients. Prior to prosecuting, Kelly held positions as a law clerk and intern in private firms and in state and federal government, including for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps Trial Department. She earned a law degree at George Washington University and a...

Jana holds the distinction of being one of the very few, if only, practicing Virginia attorneys who has served as a university Title IX deputy coordinator. This insider’s view of the Title IX process and her work on university investigations gives Jana a leg up for her clients.

The consummate problem solver, Jana’s been solving people-problems in corporate human resources management for the last decade.

Jana has also been an advocate for families and young people who need assistance since her early days as a professional for the YMCA and later as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL).

Whether student or family or...

Chris Saady is admitted to practice law in all courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He graduated from Campbell University, Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, in 1998, and from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993. Before joining Marcari, Russotto, Spencer, & Balaban, Chris was Senior Staff Counsel for The Hartford; a Tort Claims Attorney for the Department of the Navy; Trial Counsel for Nationwide Insurance; and while in private practice represented a multitude of plaintiffs in personal injury actions....

After finishing law school, I started a company focused on teaching new fathers (by birth or adoption) skills and abilities they may not have had a chance to learn. Eventually I closed that business in order to work in the area of foreclosure prevention law due to the increasingly common foreclosure (which in Virginia can happen very quickly). I have chosen to continue to help people in need at my own law firm so I can give my clients the attention they deserve.

Jeanne primarily focuses her practice on immigration law. Jeanne has personal experience with applying for benefits through the former INS- now U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. She understands the angst that foreign clients feel when faced with an unfamiliar and confusing set of laws. Jeanne's goal is to make the law accessible to her clients and to make the process as seamless as possible.

Gregory S. Hooe is a 1977 graduate of the University of Virginia. He received his J.D. from the University of Richmond and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in May 1980. Before entering private practice, Greg was a Law Clerk to the Chief Staff Attorney of the Virginia Supreme Court. In 1981, he served as the personal Law Clerk to the Honorable Albertis S. Harrison, Jr., Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. Since entering private practice in 1982, Greg has been a civil trial attorney, concentrating on the area of personal injury since 1986. He has represented both...

Mr. Stancliff handles a broad spectrum of disputes and transactions involving the maritime industry, and variety of commercial, maritime and admiralty civil litigation matters in federal and state courts in Virginia and North Carolina.

Michael Salasky built a successful personal injury practice over the course of 40 years representing countless people who were needlessly hurt through no fault of their own. It was and is his privilege to right these wrongs for his clients. His efforts resulted in many millions of dollars being awarded to his clients for their proven injuries. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Michael attended Norfolk Academy and graduated college from Tufts University in Boston where he received a B.A. in English. He received his law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary...

Dave Ventker is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial honorary society composed of less than one half percent of lawyers in the United States. Immediate past member of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, past Chairman of the Inland Waters and Towing Committee of the Maritime Law Association and a Proctor in Admiralty, Dave has been practicing law since 1982. He has been concentrating in maritime law and commercial litigation since 1989, when he entered private practice after serving on active duty for more than 7 years with...

After a decade of serving the community through a career in law enforcement, I transitioned into the legal field with the hopes of helping the struggling families and individuals I saw in the courtroom. My sole focus is family law which includes custody, child support, divorce, protective orders, and more. I am certified as a guardian ad litem for juveniles and dedicated to making fair assessments for the benefit of the children I represent. I provide unique value to my clients in that I have seen many sides of the law and know when to defend, fight, and settle.

Mr. Bean is a litigator who focuses his practice in medical malpractice defense and professional liability.

Prior to joining LeClairRyan, Mr. Bean represented national auto insurance companies, hotels, product manufacturers, and local municipalities in a variety of civil litigation matters. He specialized in representing insurance companies accused of mishandling personal injury claims and accused of bad faith insurance practices. He also handled high-value product liability cases in federal and state courts.

Mr. Bean also has experience defending creditors and financial institutions in foreclosure, unfair debt practices, bankruptcy, and other banking and real estate related matters. Additionally, Greg provides pro bono...

Steve is an attorney at Financial Freedom Legal in Richmond, VA. His practice focuses on representing and protecting the rights of consumers in bankruptcy proceedings. Steve has extensive experience practicing bankruptcy law, having represented both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. Since 2014, he has represented consumers exclusively, and he has helped thousands of clients file bankruptcy and navigate the bankruptcy process. Prior to that, he spent several years representing creditors in bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings. Steve is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the Richmond Bar Association, and the Henrico County Bar Association. He has...

Kevin M. McGowan has been in practice since 1978. He received his J.D. in 1978 from the University of Virginia School of Law after graduating from Belmont Abbey College in 1975 (Magna Cum Laude). He is currently an Associate with Marks & Harrison, one of the largest personal injury firms in Virginia. He concentrates on workers’ compensation and personal injury.

John Newby is the Managing Partner for the Chesterfield law office. John began working as a personal injury lawyer in 2001 after graduating from the Washington and Lee University School of Law. He has dedicated his career to helping injured people and their families and has handled thousands of cases. He is experienced in auto accidents, wrongful deaths, premises liability, and other types of personal injury cases.

I have practiced law for 42 yrs. I am now partially retired and limit my practice to wills and trusts, elder law matters, estates, guardianships and conservatorships. Before entering law practice, I served as a Police Officer, Police Chief, Director of Criminal Justice Planning and as an adjunct college instructor, teaching classes in law, police science and criminology. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 52 years and we have four children, Cecilie, Jocelyn, Andrew & Fredericka. My daughter, Cecilie Hamilton, has practiced law for 21 years and is located next door to my office in Colonial...

For 30 years Standish Alexander has been a trial attorney. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia as well as a TC Williams school of Law. Mr. Alexander has handled literally thousands of DUI's, speeding tickets and criminal cases. Mr. Alexander has a rating of superb 10/10 on AVVO.com and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and is listed by listed by The National Trial Lawyers as a top 100 trial lawyer and a top 25 lawyer for motor vehicle law.

Alexander was born and raised in the Richmond, VA area. He is an Eagle Scout and Member of the Order of the Arrow. Alexander attended the Virginia Military Institute on a lacrosse scholarship. After his Rat Year, Alexander transferred to Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated in 2002. Alexander worked as a law clerk for 3 years at Ayers & Stolte before attending Appalachian School of Law. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable John Alderman of Hanover Circuit Court in the Summer of 2007. Alexander graduated ASL with 112 hours of training in the theory, ethics and...

Jennifer G. Capocelli serves as the resident workers’ compensation authority at Allen & Allen, working out of the Richmond office. With more than 25 years of experience representing employers and their insurance companies in workers’ compensation cases, Jennifer provides valuable insight into how insurance companies handle and evaluate claims. Jennifer now eagerly puts that insight to work helping people who have been injured on the job.

Before joining the Allen Law Firm, Jennifer served as a Senior Trial Attorney at Hanover Insurance Group where she handled and litigated complex workers’ compensation cases involving permanent and total disability cases, brain injury...

Jim Garrett is a Principal of Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC. and has practiced law for over twenty years. Before narrowing his practice to estate planning, his practice areas included real estate, business law and consumer protection. Today Jim uses his knowledge and experience in real estate and business in the estate planning context, especially in the areas of business succession planning, charitable giving and asset protection strategies.

Jim believes that estate planning is not just for the benefit of the client, but also for the client’s surviving loved ones, valued charities and later generations of the client’s family. That...

Attorney Scott Maxwell is an experienced attorney licensed to practice in Virginia, California, New York, and Connecticut (ret.). Attorney Maxwell's practice is focused on estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, residential real estate, and healthcare law.

Core Values
Compassionate representation of clients
Personalized attention
Prompt, open, and honest communication
Financially efficient representation
Meticulous attention to detail
Superb legal research

Admissions
Virginia
New York
California
Connecticut (retired)
Various Federal Courts

Education
St. John’s University School of Law, Queens, New York, Juris Doctor
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, B.A., Philosophy

Areas of Practice
Estate Planning (Forming Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, etc.)
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Residential Real Estate
Healthcare Law

Awards and Honors
New York State Bar Association Professor William R. Ginsberg Memorial Essay...

Mr. Bailey received a B.A. in Government from The College of William and Mary before enrolling at Regent University School of Law. While studying law, he served as Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Robert J. Humphreys in the Court of Appeals of Virginia and interned at the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. After receiving his J.D. from Regent, Mr. Bailey served three years as Law Clerk for the Chief Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of Virginia, and was granted a Legal Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University before joining a local Richmond law firm focusing on...

Mark S. Lindensmith is a native of Missouri, and he is a 1976 honors graduate of Missouri Western State College. He received his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1979 and was admitted to the Nebraska State Bar in 1979. He has been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 1981, and he is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Kyle graduated from Radford University in 2006 where he double majored in History and Political Science. He made the decision to continue expanding his education and went on to graduate cum laude from the University of Richmond, TC Williams School of Law in 2011.

While in law school Kyle served as Symposium Editor on the Journal of Law in the Public Interest, today known as the Public Interest Law Review. It was during this time that Kyle participated in several activities that continued to build upon his wealth of experiences’. He served as an active member of the Trial Advocacy Board...