Virginia State University Lawyers

I provide diligent, passionate and personalized representation to clients in courts across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Henrico, Chesterfield, Richmond, Hanover, Powhatan, Louisa, Petersburg and Caroline Counties. I practice in a variety of areas, with a emphasis on Criminal Defense and Family Law. I pride myself on being a dedicated, prepared and successful attorney. I am committed to maintaining close contact with clients, and pursuing the best possible outcomes.

I received my B.A. from Rollins College, and my J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law. My jurisdictions include the State of Virginia and Federal District Court, Eastern District of...

I graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law and was accepted to the Virginia Bar in 2012. Less than 30 days after being admitted to the bar, I launched my own legal practice. What began in my home office has quickly grown to a practice with multiple attorneys and staff serving literally thousands of clients both in the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the world.

Immigration is the largest area of practice at my firm, and I have personally handled more than one thousand immigration matters ranging from family-based green cards, DACA, and deportation defense to business immigration matters...

My tenacity and meticulous trial preparation have earned me the respect of both my clients as well as my adversaries. I am a member of the third generation of the Allen family to have worked with the firm. Since joining the Allen Law Firm in 1983, I have had extensive experience handling various types of personal injury cases including car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and premises liability.

Geoff earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia in ’86 in Foreign Affairs and his J.D. from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law in ’89. Geoff attended the University of Hawaii on a football scholarship before transferring to the University of Virginia, where he played for George Welsh and was a member of the ’84 Peach Bowl championship team – the first UVA team to make a bowl appearance.

As a lawyer Geoff has obtained more than $400 million in settlements and awards for his clients. He has successfully tried cases resulting in over 200 written opinions,...

One of Dave's primary areas of practice is car accident litigation. He appears in the courtroom frequently, trying cases before both judges and juries and winning substantial verdicts for his clients. When it serves a client's best interests, he explores ways to resolve cases through arbitration and mediation. He works in the firm's Richmond, VA office and represents clients across the state of Virginia.

Before he joined the Allen Law Firm, Dave worked as in house legal counsel for a major automobile liability insurance company. He represented insurance company policyholders who had been sued by plaintiffs injured in...

Barbara Queen, a Partner at LawrenceQueen, is a dedicated and dynamic attorney with 16 years of experience in employment law. Known for her compassionate yet assertive approach, she brings invaluable knowledge and experience to every case, prioritizing meticulous preparation and personalized attention to guide clients through complex employment law challenges. Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before graduating cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. Early in her career, she secured prestigious internships with the New York Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Since joining Lisa...

Exclusively practice criminal and traffic defense. Experienced solo practitioner, handle every aspect of case. I know the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges. I believe that every client deserves an attorney who they can pick up the phone and call anytime they have questions or concerns throughout the case, as well as an attorney who will fight hard to get them the best possible outcome. That is what I am here to do.

Kelly Martin is a founding partner of Latham & Martin, where he dedicates his practice to personal injury litigation including automobile accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, and premises liability in Richmond and surrounding communities, including Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights.

Robert Flax represents drivers with speeding and, reckless driving charges. He appears in the Richmond, Virginia area courts of the City of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Petersburg and Colonial Heights. Richmond Virginia area traffic courts hear thousands of cases a year. Interstates 64 and 95 run through it. Out of state drivers may receive higher fines and other punishment if they do not have a lawyer to show that the driver deserves leniency or is innocent. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor. A conviction of reckless driving or speeding might affect the driver’s employment and security...

I focus my practice on intellectual property law, immigration, and business. I graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law and was accepted to the Virginia Bar in 2019. I earned the Intellectual Property Certificate as well as the Auzville Jackson Jr. award for excellence in intellectual property. I am excited to assist artists, business owners, and content creators with their contract, trademark, and copyright concerns. Since I began work with Tingen Law, PLLC, I have taken on more immigration matters. Here are some of the services I offer: asylum and removal proceedings, permanent residency petitions, fiance/spousal petitions, employment-based visas (H visas,...

I have successfully defended thousands of clients charged with offenses ranging from reckless driving by speed, DUI, speeding tickets, fatal accidents, all the way to malicious wounding, assault and battery and attempted murder, and robbery. I have over 8 years of experience, including jury experience.

- Member Virginia State Bar
- 100 percent positive rating from past clients
- Past President, Hopewell Bar Association for 2 years
- Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- BBB accredited, A+ rating

At Leavitt & Martin we emphasize personal attention to each case, and our case results follow.

James Mick "Jamie" Kessel has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of Virginians who have been seriously injured or killed because of the negligence of others. He enjoys being in court and believes each and every case should be handled from the beginning as if it were going to be tried before a jury. Jamie is an experienced trial attorney and has handled cases in State and Federal Courts throughout Virginia. His practice focuses on representing accident victims and their families in cases involving: car wrecks; tractor trailer accidents; wrongful deaths; distracted driving; dog bites; and dangerous premises.

Jamie...

As a take-charge lawyer, my forceful personality compliments my formidable litigation and negotiating skills. I bring to every case my strong intellect, innate sense of practicality, and my burning desire to win. My legal achievements for clients include many courtroom victories, but I am as able to search creatively for ways to settle cases as I am to prepare and try cases that cannot be settled. I was named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America for 2014 and 2015 in the Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs category in Richmond, Va. My ability to master complex...

Abbigale Fredrick is an attorney who works from Allen & Allen’s Richmond, VA office. In addition to being an experienced lawyer, Abby is a strategic business manager. She supervises the new case department and works with clients at the earliest stages of their cases. Abby meets with potential new clients and helps determine how the attorneys at Allen & Allen are best able to meet their needs. Abby’s background in insurance defense gives her valuable insight into how insurance companies handle and evaluate personal injury and medical malpractice claims. This experience is an advantage to the firm’s clients as she...

I am a member of the GreeneHurlocker firm, where my practice is centered around business law, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and investment banking. In my role, I provide counsel to business clients and entrepreneurs on a variety of matters. These include buy and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, strategic financing and capital investments, joint ventures, credit facilities, commercial real estate investments, and contract matters.

Scott Fitzgerald is the great grandson of the Firm’s founder, George E. Allen, Sr., and is the first member of the fourth generation of the Allen family to join the Allen Law Firm. He currently works in the Richmond, VA office and focuses his practice exclusively on personal injury cases including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents. Having grown up with a family tradition of advocacy and service, Scott is passionate about protecting the interests of his clients and defending their rights against insurance companies.

Scott grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia and attended L.C. Bird High School, where he won...

I am a Richmond, Virginia immigration attorney and the owner of Ben Williams Law, PLLC. I have experience in all types of immigration matters, ranging from marriage/fiance, family, and employment-based visas to deportation defense and asylum.

A former Virginia prosecutor who is on your side. In 2014, Attorney Columbus was recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in Criminal Defense by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Columbus has gained extensive experience having concluded over 1,500 cases including traffic criminal matters such as reckless driving, hit and run, eluding, driving on suspended license, DUIs to serious criminal matters such as larceny, sex crimes, robbery and murder cases. Rocco handles clients in Dinwiddie, Mecklenburg and Brunswick Counties for criminal and traffic matters. Clients can expect accessibility and responsiveness regarding their cases. If you have...

Alexandra “Alli” Kennedy is a dynamic and passionate attorney at Randall & Bruch, P.C., where she focuses on Domestic Relations law. Born in Virginia Beach and raised in Southampton County, Alli brings a deep-rooted connection to Virginia and a strong commitment to serving her community with dedication and empathy. Alli graduated from Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia, in 2018. She then pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Her academic prowess and dedication were further demonstrated during her time at the Appalachian School of Law, where she obtained her Juris...

Samantha Bohannon focuses her practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before opening her own firm, Mrs. Bohannon served as a Magistrate for Region Six, which includes Richmond, Henrico, New Kent, Williamsburg, York/Poquoson, James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, West Point and Charles City. Mrs. Bohannon's prestigious position has given her a unique understanding on probable cause and common errors law enforcement officers typically make. Often times law enforcement has more than enough evidence to convict you, but that doesn't mean you're guilty. Not only is it the...

Jonathan Halperin is a seasoned attorney with over three decades of experience in both state and federal courtrooms. Not only does he possess an extensive list of successful case outcomes by trial and settlement, but he has been named by Super Lawyers® as one of the Top 50 Attorneys in Richmond and Top 100 Attorneys in Virginia – an honor bestowed only upon the top 1% of lawyers in the state. His laudable list of accolades includes recognition in the Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2023 Editions from Best Lawyers® and an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review for more than...

Mrs. Hough graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Law. Upon her graduation, Mrs. Hough worked for the National Legal Aid and Defender Association prior to her entering the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. While in law school, Mrs. Hough was awarded the “Eleanor & James Clanton Haynes Memorial Law and Public Policy” fellowship, was a Senior Editor for a Law Journal, and volunteered for the Innocence Project investigating a case of wrongful conviction. During law school, Mrs. Hough also worked full-time as...

Mary A. Napier, Esquire grew up in Hanover County, and is currently residing in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated with majors in psychology and justice studies from James Madison University before obtaining her juris doctor from Charleston School of Law in South Carolina.

Following law school, she began her career at the law firm of Cravens & Noll, P.C.—a general practice firm with offices in Chesterfield, Henrico and Colonial Heights, Virginia. Mary’s practice is devoted to family law and domestic relations (divorce, adoptions, custody and support).

Mary is an active member of the Virginia State Bar, and maintains an active role with...

Practicing law since 1996, Chris Macturk opened Evolution Divorce in 2017 to help people carefully navigate the divorce process. Our goal is to help you safely maneuver the chaos divorce brings so you can step into your next evolution of life with hope and courage. Chris Macturk is an accomplished Richmond divorce and family lawyer. After hearing complaints about the uncertainties and anxieties presented by hourly billing, Chris wanted to offer a closer, transparent, and unfettered working relationship with his clients. He created Evolution Divorce & Family Law with Pre-Agreed Pricing. Chris has helped hundreds of clients through divorces, separations, and child...

With more than 30 years of experience, Trent is an accomplished client advocate in the courtroom. He is equally skilled at negotiating cases and is especially adept at timing settlement discussions to maximize his clients’ recoveries. Trent served as the President of the Allen Law Firm from 2012 to 2018. He currently serves as the Managing Attorney for the Mechanicsville office. Trent prides himself on his dedication to helping his clients and providing them with exceptional service. He strives to help clients persevere during difficult times and come out with the best results possible. Trent’s philosophy is to let the client...

I am licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am a native Virginian and I attended high school at Lake Braddock. I graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina where I earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in criminal justice. I then graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law. During law school, I interned with the IRS and prosecuted cases at the New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney and County Attorney office. Since graduating and becoming licensed, I have focused on estate planning, real estate, estate administration/probate and personal injury. My passion for assisting clients...

Damon is a trial and personal injury attorney in Richmond, VA and he is a best-selling author for his work on the consumer legal guide “Protect and Defend.” Damon focuses his law practice on helping the average person fight the good fight.

Most people involved in an accident are forced to deal with insurance companies. Insurance companies use claims adjusters to investigate, handle, and settle claims. Damon worked as a claims adjuster for five years at one of America’s largest auto insurance companies. There, he settled thousands of cases for the insurance company. Damon was unhappy with how Big Insurance companies...

Originally from the Dominican Republic, I moved to the United States with the goal of becoming an attorney. As an immigrant myself, I have first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of U.S. immigration law.

After moving to the United States, I attended Valencia Community College, and subsequently attended the University of Central Florida to obtain my bachelor's degree in legal studies. After graduation, I relocated to Virginia where I attended law school at William and Mary. While in law school, I worked for various public defender offices, which helped confirm my passion for criminal defense and its intersection with immigration law.

I currently...

I am a criminal and traffic defense attorney at Christina Pendleton & Associates serving clients in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

When I'm not in the courtroom, I can be found modeling clothing lines around Virginia or channeling my inner band geek with playing the piccolo and flute.

If you need assistance or have a question, don't hesitate to give me a call at 804-554-4444.

Rich Pecoraro has focused 100% of his practice on consumer bankruptcy Ch. 7 and Ch. 13 services since 2002. He strives to provide caring and attentive service to his clients, while maintaining a strong and progressive approach to his practice. Rich has helped thousands of Virginians resolve their debt and regain control of their finances in order to focus on the more important things in their lives. He was previously an associate at Boleman Law and a partner at the law firm of Chandler Pecoraro.

Jeff focuses his practice on advising middle market and emerging growth companies, as well as venture capital and private equity fund investors, in avoiding, managing, and mitigating risk and litigation associated with corporate transactions and business operations. In addition to his strategic risk advisory practice, Jeff acts as a business advisor to companies and investors on general corporate and business law matters, helping them realize their strategic business objectives and goals while managing their risk exposure. Jeff’s practice includes assisting companies and investors with mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, negotiating and drafting complex commercial contracts, financing, corporate governance, entity...

I am a trial attorney serving clients in the Commonwealth of Virginia primarily with personal injury cases. I also have a background with traffic and criminal cases.

As the proud son of two military parents, I served as Vice President of the Veterans and Military Law Association, where I advocated for veterans’ rights and headed up annual Veterans Day Commemorations at the University of Richmond. Prior to joining the Pendleton Law team, I focused my practice on defending complex federal civil rights cases.

I am a personal injury attorney serving clients who have been injured at no fault of their own in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I work hard to help my clients get the full compensation that they deserve.

My husband, a retired Marine Corps officer, and I have five children. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, running with my dog, and volunteering – but only when I'm not on mom duty at a horse show or a volleyball game.

Come visit me at Christina Pendleton & Associates' Richmond or Petersburg office! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at 804-250-5050.

Charles is a criminal defense and immigration attorney based in Richmond, Virginia, and a partner at the firm Tingen Law, PLLC. Since becoming a member of the Virginia State Bar, he has passionately advocated for his clients, representing them on traffic, misdemeanor, and felony charges in both the General District and Circuit Courts. After working as a public defender for several years, he is now a partner at Tingen Law, ready to stand with you as a passionate and vocal advocate for your rights in court.

Wake Buxton is Managing Partner at TrustBuilders Law Group and President of TrustBuilders Fiduciary Group. He specializes in elder law, asset protection, and advanced wealth transfer as well as charitable giving and business succession planning. Mr. Buxton is an Accredited Estate Planner® and member of the Virginia, West Virginia, and Minnesota Bars as well as the United States Tax Court. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, law degree from Regent University, and Master of Laws in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. He has also completed his graduate work in Financial Planning at Georgetown University and holds an...

My practice consists primarily of family law matters. People entrenched in a family law case-maybe a divorce or custody battle- often find this to be one of the most challenging seasons of their life. They are best served by an attorney who is truly invested in them. I work closely with my clients in creating a strategy that achieves my client’s goals in the most efficient and practical way possible. I am a skilled negotiator and an effective litigator, utilizing both of these tactics as needed.

I graduated from Christopher Newport University with a B.A. in Political Science, and I graduated...

Brenton Bohannon focuses his practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before joining the firm, Mr. Bohannon served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County Virginia, where he prosecuted hundreds of criminal and traffic cases in the Circuit, General District, and the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts. His experience as a prosecutor, along with his psychology and education background, provide a unique perspective on how to best represent clients, whether he is defending a criminal case, litigating a contested divorce or resolving a child support issue. Before becoming an attorney,...

I represent clients primarily in Family Law matters such as divorce, custody, visitation, spousal and child support, protective orders and the drafting of property settlement agreements.

Having witnessed my own parents’ divorce in my late teens, I have a unique perspective and experience that I am able to provide to my clients. I enjoy being able to counsel them through tough life transitions. Family law issues are some of the most difficult legal issues a person can face and I believe that it is important to treat every person and situation with respect. I am able to listen to my clients...

I wrote the book, "The Truth About Bankruptcy in Virginia" as a consumer guide to the very basics of bankruptcy, and to assist people with making informed choices about their financial future. Many people who would benefit from filing choose not to because of preconceived notions or bad advice. The book recently received the Literary Distinction Award for Literary Excellence and was featured on the cover of Attorney Magazine. Whether you are an attorney or a potential client, call our offices to get your questions answered. We are always looking for a new one!