Townsend Lawyers

Joseph Dean is a Virginia lawyer who concentrates his law practice primarily in the areas of criminal law, DUI, and traffic defense.  Mr. Dean joined Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law in 2013 primarily focusing on drafting legal memorandums, motions & pleadings, and researching and analyzing legal issues for the law firm’s felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in both state and federal courts. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Dean participated extensively in trial advocacy and was recognized for his proficient skill as an advocate. He also learned early on as an Eagle Scout the importance of always being prepared. Mr. Dean brings...

Mitchell M. Wells is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in Virginia, concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal law, DUI and reckless driving traffic violations, and has defended thousands of cases. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Wells served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Health Care Fraud section of the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Wells was responsible for supervising various fraud investigations and litigating Virginia false claim actions in federal court pursuant to the Federal False Claims Act and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers...

A former Coast Guard judge advocate, John B. Gately has successfully represented clients in hundreds of courts-martial, medical boards, and administrative proceedings.

John B. Gately focuses his practice on military disability and veterans’ rights issues, concentrating on representing active duty service members, Reservists, and Guardsmen before the Physical Evaluation Boards of the various armed and uniformed services.

This includes representing clients before the various Boards of Correction for Military and Naval Records on both disability and nonmedical issues.

He also represents veterans on levels of claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide. John B. Gately has been awarded the coveted AV rating...

Stephen P. Pfeiffer is known locally as the “Go-To-DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney.” Stephen is a partner at Wolcott Rivers Gates, one of the oldest and largest law firms in Virginia Beach. He has been published as a coauthor in the nationally recognized “Inside the Minds” series by Aspatore Books on ­The Legality of Search and Seizure in DUI Cases “A Practitioner’s Everyday Insight Into DWI/DUI Defense in Virginia”. Stephen has an AV® Preeminent Rating – the highest rating available from Martindale-Hubbell, the leading independent attorney rating entity. An AV® Rating signifies that the lawyer has reached the heights of...

Brian M. Latuga specializes in Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation across State and Federal courts. As a seasoned trial attorney, his career is marked by relentless advocacy in the courtroom to safeguard the liberty, rights, and family unity of those under serious allegations by the government or individuals. Mr. Latuga's practice spans a comprehensive range of charges, including misdemeanors, felonies, white-collar crimes, sex offenses, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. His prowess is recognized across Federal, General District, Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts in the Commonwealth, attesting to his reputation and expertise. Mr. Latuga's legal acumen is rooted in real-world experience,...

Richard Neal (Rick) Shapiro takes great pride in his work as a trial attorney and has practiced Plaintiff’s personal injury law for over three decades in Virginia, North Carolina, and throughout the Southeastern United States. He has dedicated his career to standing up for the "little guy" against big corporations, insurance companies, and government entities that attempt to use their vast resources and trove of defense lawyers to deny or fight legitimate claims. Rick Shapiro has more than 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s...

I am a former prosecutor who is a seasoned trial lawyer focused on achieving outstanding results for my clients. I am a born fighter and a high-profile problem solver. My firm handles personal injury and civil litigation, state and federal criminal law cases, divorce and custody, and education and Title IX law. Our firm stands out among the rest because of our experience in courtroom litigation. We fight for our clients!

Kellam Parks is a managing partner at Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys at Law, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kellam focuses his practice on family law, cybersecurity and data privacy, credit report disputes, and civil litigation. He is active with the Virginia State Bar, most recently chairing the Special Committee on Technology and the Future Practice of Law. He is also active with both the Virginia Beach Bar Association, where he serves on the Circuit Court Liaison Committee and the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee. Kellam also participates in the mentorship programs for both associations,...

I have practiced Family Law since graduating law school in 2005. I regularly provide counseling to clients on matters of divorce, equitable distribution, child custody and visitation, spousal and child support and adoptions. As an adoptive parent myself, I understand the blessing of building a family through the grace of adoption and I enjoy assisting families on this journey. I have had the great honor to meet my children's birth families and as a result I feel that I connect to both the adoptive parents as well as the birth parents, all of whom are making a...

Ed has practiced law since 2004, when he graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law. Ed spent the early part of his career practicing criminal law, including service as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia Beach, where he handled serious criminal prosecutions, including homicide. After leaving prosecution, Ed began practicing plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice law. He believes that, while it is impossible to alter what happened to cause an injury, it is possible to improve a client’s life by obtaining the maximum settlement or verdict. Ed now dedicates his practice exclusively...

Ken Gibson is passionate about helping clients get through tough times and fighting for them inside and outside the courtroom. An experienced trial attorney, Ken earned a commendation from the director of the FBI for his work in prosecuting violent criminals. He is a former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Norfolk and Federal Prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He has the legal experience to get the best possible results for you.

A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of South Carolina Law School, Ken gives clients outstanding representation every step of the way. Ken...

James Panagis has spent his legal career in criminal and civil litigation in the state and federal courts of Virginia. With 15 years of trial experience, he has done jury trials in state and federal courts all over Virginia. James is a former Assistant Commonwealth Attorney with Fairfax County and the City of Virginia Beach and has been lead counsel on countless bench and jury trials having litigated Murder, Manslaughter, Robbery, Rape, Malicious Wounding, Embezzlement and a number of other white collar and computer offenses. James has significant appellate experience and has conducted oral argument before the Court of Appeals of...

For 17 consecutive years during 2007-2023, Mr. Waterman has been honored by his legal colleagues in The Best Lawyers of America for 2 separate categories - "Personal Injury" and "Medical Malpractice" - for Southeast Virginia. Indeed, he has been voted its "Lawyer of the Year" for 6 of the last 10 years and for 3 of the past 4 years. For 2021, 2022, and 2023, Waterman Law Centers received the coveted "Metropolitan Tier 1" Best Law Firms ranking by U.S. News & World Report. It has 3 Peninsula law offices: Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton. Also, for 16 consecutive years during...

While Shelly has had great success with her own law firm, the opportunity to become the Manager Partner of a Chesapeake office for Parks Zeigler was enticing. The merging of the two firms allows Shelly to offer a wide variety of services to her clients while maintaining her Chesapeake roots. She is looking forward to many more years of successful practice with Parks Zeigler.

Shelly attended Regent University School of Law and graduated in 2001. In law school, she competed on the mock trial team and served as an officer for the American Bar Association. In her third year, Shelly...

Derek is a business minded attorney laser-focused on results. He possess the knowledge and experience to serve all your business legal needs. His primary practice is in the areas of business, franchising, and litigation.

Amy has been practicing law exclusively in the area of Domestic Relations since 2003. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dickinson College, graduating cum laude, with a double major in Sociology and Spanish. While at Dickinson, Amy was a Member of the Spanish Honor's Society, and also served as a Teaching Assistant and tutor.

Continuing her education at the Dickinson School of Law of Pennsylvania State University, Amy received her Juris Doctorate. At Pennsylvania State, Amy was selected to Appellate Moot Court Board, and also served on the ACLU's "Know Your Rights Campaign." Amy also met her husband Noah...

Dominic P. Lascara is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated in 1986 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary after receiving his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in Business Administration in 1981 from Old Dominion University. Dominic P. Lascara joined the law firm of Roy, Forehand, Laine and Dale, P.C. as an associate in the fall of 1986 after being admitted to the Virginia State Bar. He was admitted to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1987. He became a partner...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Recognized by multiple legal organizations as a top 10 DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia, attorney Naumovski has been in practice for 15 years and handled 1,000s of criminal cases. This includes over 1,000 DUIs and over 1,000 Reckless Driving cases. Serving all of Hampton Roads area, Attorney Naumovski is in court on a daily basis aggressively defending those facing criminal or traffic accusations. Attorney Naumovski graduated First in his Class in College as well as First in his Class in Graduate School and attended a top 10 National Law School (University...

Let me be the first to welcome you to Holcomb Law. Our firm is devoted to public outreach and education about the legal system, and I have written several articles and e-books on a variety of topics, including divorce, child custody, mediation, reckless driving, DUI defense, criminal defense and expungement of criminal records. We will provide this information to you, free of charge. Contact us any time to schedule your initial strategy meeting with one of our experienced attorneys. You might not be happy now, probably not, but I can almost guarantee that you will be happy with your Counsel...

I went to law school because I wanted the opportunity to both help people and to work for myself. After graduating from the College of William and Mary School of Law in 1992, much of my practice was focused on personal injury litigation; however, I noticed I derived the greatest satisfaction from helping my Social Security disability clients through the frustrating and confusing Social Security disability application and appeals process. At the conclusion of a case, my clients would come in person to hug me, to thank me, and to tell me about the difference I had made...

Chris is an attorney in the Virginia Beach office where he meets with individuals and couples in need of financial help. He is known by his clients as a “friendly and compassionate” attorney who brings comfort and help to those going through difficult times. Since joining Boleman Law in 2015, he has helped thousands of people struggling with overwhelming financial problems. His reputation with his clients has earned him the AVVO Client’s Choice Award in Bankruptcy, and the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum award. Chris’s reputation amongst fellow attorneys and judges has earned him a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, to be...

Divorce, child custody or a criminal charge can be one of the most challenging events in your life, with emotions, finances, your life, and more hanging in the balance. Attempting to figure it out on your own, or through consultation with a lawyer that is unskilled in the law, unprepared or going at it alone can only adds unnecessary stress. Turn to Anson Law to provide the legal advice you need to ensure your case isn’t more difficult than it needs to be.

Mike Mullin has an extensive legal background as a former prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer. Mike Mullin graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2004 and Catholic University School of Law in 2007. Since then, he has worked for almost 15 years as a criminal prosecutor and trial lawyer in all levels of Virginia Courts. The majority of Mike's practice is traffic, criminal, and family law matters. Mike specializes in DUI defense and speeding cases. Being a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and serving on the House Courts of Justice Committee gives Mike a unique perspective he can share...

Joe Miller has been representing the injured for over 30 years. He is admitted to practice law in both Virginia and North Carolina. If you have been injured at work, in a car accident, or otherwise due to the negligence of another, you need to call Joe Miller Law and experience what Strong Justice is all about. Joe grew up in the Tidewater area of Virginia and attended Western Branch High School in Chesapeake. He received his law degree at William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1987. He is admitted to practice law in both Virginia and North...

Rebecca began her business with the goal of helping families through a range of family issues from divorce and separation to creating cohesive estate plans. Through a strong focus on people - both clients and employees - the firm has grown and expanded into new markets. Our offices now serve northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kelly L. DiCorrado (formerly Vasta), a founding member of Infinity Law Group, PLC, represents her clients in the seven cities of Southside Hampton Roads and beyond, including Northampton and Accomack County and Williamsburg/James County, Virginia. She focuses her practice in the areas of criminal defense, traffic, juvenile criminal defense, family law and insurance civil defense. Ms. DiCorrado is a kind, compassionate and caring individual who stands up for those without a voice. As a trial lawyer, Ms. DiCorrado employs lifelong advocacy skills to zealously represent her clients in the courtroom and through all stages of litigation. As...

Mario J. Stellute specializes in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense throughout the entire Hampton Roads area, and has successfully recovered millions of dollars for his injured clients and exonerated countless criminal defendants. Mr. Stellute was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. He is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law. Following law school, Mr. Stellute immediately went into private practice. Mr. Stellute practices in both state and federal courts, and is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Southern...

Sean provides legal counsel to clients when they have a need for guidance on any matters involving Real Estate, Estate Planning, or Business Structuring. He works closely with clients to understand the unique issues they are facing and to customize a solution for their individual needs. Prior to joining Hanger Law, Sean was a commercial real estate broker and specialized in negotiating leases and purchase contracts for retail developments and Class A office space. With nearly a decade of real estate experience as a REALTOR®, Sean brings to Hanger Law his extensive real estate knowledge and unique perspective on the...

Mark L. Stevenson is a skilled attorney and short-sale negotiator barred in Virginia , North Carolina, and Michigan. Currently, his practice focuses on Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Business matters on the Peninsula.

Prior to joining Hanger Law, he spent three years processing and successfully negotiating short sales in some of the hardest hit regions of Michigan, including Flint and metro Detroit. Mark prides himself on facilitating deals with multiple parties to achieve positive results for clients.

A local, Mark graduated from Tallwood High School and went on to get a B.S. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University, graduating cum laude, and...

Gilbert Carey is an attorney and certified public accountant with Wolcott Rivers Gates. He practices in the areas of Taxation, Tax Resolution and Controversy and Estate Planning, solving tax, business, and legal challenges for individuals, privately held businesses and their owners. He has an Avvo rating of 10 (Superb) and has been recognized as a Top Lawyer of Coastal Virginia by Coastal Virginia Magazine. Mr. Carey regularly advises clients on tax matters and represents clients in tax disputes with the IRS, state tax agencies and in U.S. Tax Court. He provides income tax planning and compliance advice to individuals, trusts, estates...

Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro is a Certified Elder Law Attorney of Parks Zeigler, PLLC practicing in the areas of elder law, special needs planning, estate and trust administration, estate planning, asset protection planning, financial planning, guardianships and conservatorships. Prior to joining the firm Ms. Laymon-Pecoraro spent 10 years at Hook Law Center, P.C. Ms. Laymon Pecoraro has a passion for special needs planning, which has resulted in her becoming a go-to for personal injury attorneys who need assistance navigating public benefits or otherwise protecting a client’s funds. As a result, Ms. Laymon-Pecoraro has worked on hundreds of personal injury cases, developing settlement trusts,...

I work as a principal attorney at Poole Brooke Plumlee PC. I have a passion for helping people navigate the most challenging family situations they have ever faced in their lifetimes, whether that includes a divorce, a child custody dispute, or other family law matter. Each case is unique and deserves a specialized plan. When I meet with clients, I help them set reasonable goals and formulate a strategy and roadmap that we can follow together to maximize the chance of achieving those goals. I take pride in being accessible to my clients and keeping them informed about...

At 7 Cities Law I specialize in Criminal Defense and Juvenile Law. I started my legal career eight years ago as a prosecutor in Virginia Beach where I tried hundreds of criminal cases. My experience extends from the most serious of violent felonies like Murder or Sexual Assault to misdemeanors such as Traffic Offenses, Domestic Violence and School Disciplinary Hearings. I was recently selected by the National Trial Lawyers as one of their Top 40 Under 40. I pride myself on being prepared and working with my clients as a team to get the best result in our...

Bailey Gifford joined Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers in late 2020. Born in Nebraska and raised in Kentucky, she graduated with honors from Central Hardin High School.

After high school, Bailey graduated magna cum laude from Morehead State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an emphasis in Business in 2016.

Bailey went on to the Appalachian School of Law, in Grundy, VA, where she obtained her J.D. in 2020. During her time there, she served as president of the Student Bar Association. Bailey also served as a Student Ambassador and participated as a member of both the Mock Trial and...

MARY G. COMMANDER has been engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas since 1981. She is well-known and respected in the Hampton Roads area for her proficiency in all matters of Family Law and her diligent and no-nonsense approach in court. Ms. Commander is a certified Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteer and actively involved in the rescue of former racing greyhounds (with two of her own at home).

Mary Commander’s Education & Experience:

She is a magna cum laude graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served for three years as an elected member of...

PLEASE NOTE THAT REPORTED CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. PAST SUCCESSFUL CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT FUTURE RESULTS.

Attorney Ramsey Alnaif has represented hundreds of clients and has amassed extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure. As lead attorney at trial, Ramsey’s “Dismissed” and “Not Guilty” record (excluding deferred dispositions) includes: driving under the influence (DUI), refusal to submit to breath test, possession of marijuana, trespassing, resisting arrest, assault and battery, domestic assault and battery, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, failure to appear, contempt of court, destruction of property, failure to register...

Are you looking for an attorney that will understand not only the legal aspects of divorce, but the emotional and financial implications of divorce? At the law firm of Susan E. Donner, I work hard to be approachable. Divorce work can be contentious, but I emphasize the compassionate side of divorce representation. I care about the emotional impact of divorce and work with my clients to bring about the result that is in the best interests of their family and their relationship with their children.Divorce is emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.The decisions you...

Randy practiced personal injury law for nearly 30 years and represented thousands of clients who were badly hurt in various types of accidents. Randy is now a retired partner of the firm.