Oyster Lawyers

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...

As a current firm shareholder for Pender and Coward, P.C., the scope of James T. Lang's practice is in environmental law with an emphasis on counseling residential and commercial waterfront property owners. Additionally Mr. Lang has extensive experience representing business clients in a variety of corporate matters that have become long time clients entrusting him with all of their legal needs. Before joining the firm in 2005, Mr Lang enjoyed a 25-year career in the navy starting as an E-1 Fireman Recruit and finishing as an O-5 Commander, including 16 years as a U.S. Navy JAG Attorney.

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...

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,...

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.

Aaron Pomeranz is a Virginia criminal defense attorney at Parks Zeigler, PLLC who formerly served with the Norfolk Police Department for almost 25 years. He brings unique knowledge and insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors build a case against his clients.

Taite has devoted his entire legal career to the practice of criminal defense. Prior to co-founding Westendorf & Khalaf, Taite worked as a supervising attorney in the largest Public Defender's office in the state (Virginia Beach). His career has been defined by taking on a variety of tough high stakes cases. In a state where a fraction of felony cases go to trial (and less than 1% go to jury trial), Taite has taken over one hundred felony cases to trial and has won not guilty verdicts following jury trials for murder, rape, robbery, abduction, use of a...

Angela is the leader of The Manz Law Firm pack, with the key purpose of helping clients achieve two main goals: planning for the future and coping during times of crisis. Angela graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and acquired her Juris Doctorate at the College of William and Mary, Marshal Wythe School of Law. Having practiced for over a decade, Angela focuses her firm’s efforts on estate planning and helping families obtain Medicaid and Veterans Administration benefits to pay for long-term care. Angela dedicates her time, energy and legal expertise to helping you and...

I represent individuals with child custody, visitation, divorce, and other family law matters. My firm handles cases from uncontested divorces to highly litigated custody battles. We fight for a fair and just outcome and offer personalized service throughout your case.

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...

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...

Mr. Hoen resides in Hampton and has been practicing since 1989 throughout the state and federal courts of Virginia. His practice focuses on representing injury victims. He has recovered millions for his clients and is actively involved in his church and community. His fee is never more than his client receives as a net recovery after all of their bills and liens are paid.

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...

Attorney Jason Swango, founder of The Firm For Men, is a leader in the law arena, representing men exclusively in all family law matters including divorce, custody, support, post-divorce, and more. As a former military servicemember, Attorney Swango understands the intricacies of military family law, earning a reputation in Hampton Roads as the go-to attorney for active duty and former military.

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...

After completing law school at the University of Virgina and then a one year appointment as a law clerk in the United States Federal Court, I began practicing with a large law firm in Norfolk, Virginia. I was fortunate to train under several extremely talented trial lawyers. Hard work, persistence and being prepared for anything were the core values of our practice, and I have practiced with these same qualities since founding Pierce Thornton with my partner in 1997.

I represent individuals and families in cases ranging from medical negligence injuries or wrongful death to traumatic brain injury caused by a...

Attorney Richard Serpe is a distinguished Virginia personal injury lawyer with a reputation for meticulous trial preparation and presentation, and has a track record of success in obtaining favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. As a personal injury attorney, Richard Serpe advocates for those who have been injured due to the negligence of another person, dangerous product, or company. A substantial portion of his legal career has been devoted to the representation of injured children. Mr. Serpe is frequently associated with complex litigation, managing cases with difficult scientific and medical issues. He has experience managing large case cohorts, including the...

Jason was raised in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake and attended Great Bridge High School. After graduation he went to Old Dominion University, getting a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Following college, in 1994 Jason began working as a Deputy at the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office. In 1997 he decided to attend law school and graduated in 2000 from The University of South Dakota Law School. Returning home, Jason’s first job in the legal field was for the Virginia Legal Aid Society in Suffolk, where his practice focused on landlord/ tenant issues and disability claims. He went on to the Chesapeake...

Traffic and Criminal Defense. If you have a date to appear before a judge in southeastern Virginia, get help before you go! The Commonwealth is represented by an attorney, and you should be, too. David C. Johnson honorably retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps after 25 years of service, and takes special pride in caring for clients presently serving on active duty.

Virginia Beach Law Group: Practicing law with passion for our profession and compassion for our clients. We offer representation in the general practice of law. If you...

Joshua Jewett advocates for employees’ rights in all types of employment law matters before federal and state courts, as well as in administrative and grievance hearings. Mr. Jewett has represented numerous individuals across a broad spectrum of industries. In addition to representing employees in litigation type settings, Mr. Jewett advises management and decisionmaker employees in both the private and federal sector who are facing disciplinary action, possible termination, or are being forced out. Mr. Jewett has helped clients in these situations either keep their jobs or peacefully exit from their situations by obtaining a negotiated severance package.

Brian Boys brings his professionalism and significant legal skills to his clients and our community. Brian’s primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Guardianships and Conservatorships, Special Needs Planning, and Personal Injury Settlement Consulting and Litigation in support of each of these areas. Brian is also qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults.

James H. ("Jamie") Shoemaker, Jr. became an associate in the law firm of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein ("PWHD") in 1993 after spending two years with a large firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. He became a partner in PWHD in 1996. His practice includes all areas of employment law, False Claims Act (whistleblower) and Fair Labor Standards Act (overtime) litigation matters. He has tried over seventy cases to verdict in state and federal courts of record, before arbitration panels, Administrative Law Judges and other forums. He has successfully resolved several times this number through settlement and mediation. Jamie has...

Jeana P. McMurray is an experienced litigator with a strong background in matters of real estate, title, foreclosure, landlord tenant, collections, contracts, wills, estates, and business disputes. Jeana prides herself on being able to swiftly resolve matters for her clients using both alternative dispute resolution and tactful litigation when the situation calls for it.

Jeana has been in private practice representing homeowners, mortgage lenders, loan servicers, banks, landlords, business owners, and families since 2012 and has handled matters ranging from complex mortgage disputes to simple will or deed drafting. Jeana takes a personal interest in each of her clients ensuring...

Unlike most attorneys, Hunter Hanger entered the legal field to be around people. His primary motivator is to see clients empowered through understanding, and protected by an assertive legal advocate.

Prior to practicing law, he worked in DC on Capitol Hill and in Real Estate in Los Angeles, CA. A natural activator, Hunter works tirelessly to get transactions moved to closing in a timely and exact manner.

Entering Real Estate Law during a significant market downturn, Hunter cut his teeth negotiating short sale deficiencies against Big Banks. The key to success requires skilled navigation of large bureaucracies and mastery of the...

John is passionate about entrepreneurship and business development. Like many entrepreneurs, he has launched both successful and failed businesses. A true believer in “failing forward”, John looks for new opportunities in every situation. This mentality allows him to connect with entrepreneurs and business owners in a meaningful way to help them navigate difficulties and grow their success. “I find joy in helping business owners make better decisions to build on their success and protect their business.” Outside of his practice of law, John serves as Chairman of the Board for Roc Solid Foundation, a local non-profit that builds hope for...

LeeAnne was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia. She attended Virginia Tech, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a minor in Psychology. LeeAnne is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After undergrad, LeeAnne returned to her hometown to attend William & Mary Law School. During law school, she was an Articles Editor for the Business Law Review and a member of the Moot Court team. LeeAnne began her legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable T.J. Hauler, Chief Judge of the Chesterfield Circuit Court. Following her clerkship, she...

John Whitbeck is the founder and partner of WhitbeckBennett. His practice focuses on family law, more specifically divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, domestic violence and protective orders, adoption, special education law, and mental health law.

He is a professor of law at George Mason University Law School, and the former Director of the George Mason University Law and Mental Illness Clinic.

John uses his expert knowledge of the law to advocate for his clients and their families.

Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, John Singleton has made Gloucester, Virginia, his home. He served in the U.S. Marines in China and Beirut, Lebanon. John is a graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and Mercer University Law School in Macon, Georgia.

John learned his trial skills working for a large insurance defense firm. He knows how the insurance side works and uses that knowledge to give his clients outstanding insight and counsel. John enjoys a fight, and he puts his heart into every single case.

John serves his community through organizations including the Middle Peninsula Bar Association, The Fairfield Foundation, Ware...

High-quality representation and client satisfaction with over 31 years of experience.

Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating.

Michelle Mordue Helms is a distinguished DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Family Law attorney who routinely handles cases throughout Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.

Her dedication to her clients, extensive knowledge of the law and her understanding of the applications of the law are what sets her apart from other lawyers.

Michelle Mordue Helms began as a Paralegal 31 years ago and is a graduate of Syracuse Law School. She was admitted to practice law in New York...

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...

John was named “Most Inspiring Graduate,” of the Regent University School of Law for his Class. An Honors student, John earned the Ronald L. Fick Book Award for highest academic achievement in:
His outstanding performance in Real Estate Transactions, Property, Contract, and Criminal Law propelled him to finish in the top fifth of the class.
Beyond the books, John established himself as an effective justice-oriented advocate. He represented Virginia on 86 cases, including felony prosecutions, under Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. John interned for the Supreme Court of Virginia and assisted the Legal Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander for Transportation...

Prior to practicing law, I spent a considerable amount of time oversea in my former career as a CIA Operations Officer. After law school I practiced bankruptcy law in the Central District of California, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Divisions. In 2003, I returned to my native state of Virginia and established the Merna Law Group. Since the founding of the firm we have won over 35 awards for customer service, good work, and other accolades. Over my more than 25 years of bankruptcy practice, myself and my attorneys have filed over 10,000 successful cases. PHONE CONSULT AVAILABLE. We...

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...

A resident of Virginia Beach for over 30 years, Mr. Miyares has deep roots in our community. A graduate of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Mr. Miyares went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. After earing a B.S. in Political Science in 2000, Mr Miyares earned his J.D. in 2003 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After his admission to the Virginia Bar in 2003, Mr. Miyares proudly worked in the office of the Norfolk Public Defender. During 8 years in that office, Mr. Miyares gained...

Griffin O’Hanlon joined Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers as an attorney in the fall of 2015. He attended Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake for his freshman and sophomore years, before his parents relocated to Illinois. He returned to Virginia to attend Virginia Tech, where he majored in history. Griff obtained his J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law with a concentration in civil litigation.

After law school, Griff returned to Hampton Roads, where he practiced criminal law at the Norfolk Public Defender’s Office and a local private firm before joining Cooper Hurley and has extensive in-court litigation experience. Griff...

John Allen started Waldrop & Colvin to deliver premier legal talent to business client without the friction points of big law. He has a vast and impressive history of decades in world class legal departments across several industries. His experience delivers results in corporate governance, contracts, M&A, dispute resolution, employment and real estate.

Jack Rephan is a Shareholder and Director of the Virginia Beach, Virginia, firm of Pender & Coward, P.C. He is a member of the bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia. After serving as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of claims, Mr. Rephan was in the private practice of law in Washington D.C. from 1962 through 1993. Since 1993, he has practiced law in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. Mr. Rephan’s legal career has covered a broad range of areas of the law although his current practice has been for many years primarily devoted...

Mr. Lipskis is an Estate and Elder Law attorney. He is licensed to practice in all Virginia Courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. His practice includes all facets of trusts, estate planning, estate administration, and elder law. Whether it be helping a young couple take appropriate steps for their children or protecting family wealth from potential creditors and taxation, Mr. Lipskis enjoys assisting families in understanding their planning needs. He also enjoys working collaboratively with financial advisors to make sure their estate plans match up with each client’s personal financial...

Andrew H. “Andy” Hook is the president of Hook Law Center, where he practices in the areas of elder law, estate and trust administration, estate, tax, retirement and financial planning, long-term care planning, asset protection planning, special needs planning, business succession planning and personal injury settlement consulting. A 1975 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Hook is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Mr. Hook is certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law...