Independence Estate Planning Lawyers

Travis is a native of Southwest Virginia. He graduated from Northwood High School in 2003. After high school, he attended the University of Virginia's College at Wise. He was member of the UVA-Wise Dearden Society, he was named to the Dean's List multiple semesters, and received the Joesph M. Scolnick Memorial Pre-Law Award. He graduated from UVA-Wise in 2007. Travis then studied law at the Appalachian School of Law. After being named to the Dean's List three consecutive semesters, Travis graduated from ASL, in the top of his class, in 2011. He took and...

I was born and grew up in the area - my family has served the legal needs of the area since 1892, over 120 years. My goal is to explain the legal process in plain English and to avoid the 'technical lawyer words' which only confuse many people. The primary focus of my firm is now "Elder Law" which broadly includes estate planning, Nursing Home admissions and Medicaid applications and adult guardianship. After a family member dies, we advise and assist in the estate administration process. In short, we help families plan and deal with aging...

My practice area focus is primarily criminal defense, traffic defense, and civil litigation in Southwest Virginia. I am also admitted to practice in Washington, D.C., the United States Eastern District of Virginia and the United States Western District Court of Virginia. When I'm not in the courtroom, I enjoy horseback riding and am often found trail riding on the weekends. If you have any questions and would like to speak with me, feel free to call the office at 540-339-7775.

Brian T. Mack, a Blacksburg resident, received his undergraduate degree in Management from Georgia Southern (2009, cum laude, Golden Keys International Member) and law degree from Washington & Lee University (2015). Before forming his own law firm, Brian worked at The Shaheen Firm, P.C., in Blacksburg, Virginia where he handled real estate closings. Brian is certified under Virginia law to conduct real estate settlements and is a member of the Montgomery/Radford Bar Association.

I am a tenacious Roanoke lawyer who puts my clients' interests first. As a general practice attorney, I have extensive experience in many different areas of the law, including: business formation and corporate governance, general civil litigation, family law (divorce, support and custody), plaintiff's personal injury, GAO protests and federal procurement law, bankruptcy (Chapters 7 and 13), construction litigation, civil rights and s. 1983 cases, protective orders, and alternative dispute resolution. This broad experience allows me to bring a different perspective to bear in my practice. I have won jury and bench trials in Virginia, and have been victorious...

Britt is the Vice President of Schneider & Williams, P.C. Originally from Georgia, she graduated from Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. Britt then went on to attend Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia. There, Britt chaired as Vice President of the Student Government Association, the Campus Events Organization, and a community service society unique to Sweet Briar. She also enjoyed the opportunity to captain the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team. Britt graduated Sweet Briar College with a BA in Sociology with a minor in Religion.

Following graduation, Britt attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of...

Matt recently returned to the Roanoke Valley after spending 9 years in New Mexico, where he served as an officer in the Air Force and obtained his two graduate degrees.

Stephen W. Gooch, Esq. is an experienced attorney in the areas of Corporate & Business law, real estate, estate planning & business succession, debt collection and civil practice. Mr. Gooch earned his Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University and his Juris Doctor from the Appalachian School of Law

Often people ask "What type of law do you practice?" I respond in a fashion most don't expect. I think of myself as a personal and small business lawyer. If you, a loved one, or your business has a legal need, whatever it may be, I and my firm are here to help. Gilbert, Bird, Sharpes and Robinson has a number of wonderful attorneys who can meet most all of the legal needs of our clients. If for some reason we can't, however, we will find an attorney who can. Our goal is to...

Miller Moreau was born and raised in the Danville-Pittsylvania County area and returned to his family's firm, Williams & Light, after attending Campbell Law School in Raleigh, North Carolina. He carries on the legacy of his father and grandfather at the firm and continues to provide client-centered advocacy in the areas of personal injury, family law, and bankruptcy.

I graduated from Tunstall High School in 2007. I went on to attend Hampden-Sydney College where I received my B.S. in History and graduated with the distinction of summa cum laude in 2011. I then attended Elon University School of Law. I received my J.D. in 2014 and became a member of the Virginia Bar in 2015. My areas of practice include personal injury, criminal defense, and domestic relations as well as general practice.

U Mass Amherst - University of Massachusetts at Amherst - Political Science - Undergraduate Degree

Real Estate Broker License - Commonwealth of Virginia

Juris Doctorate Degree - Law Degree - Liberty University School of Law - Lynchburg, Virginia

Virginia State Bar - Commonwealth of Virginia

Eleven years’ legal experience in business law, corporate formation, compliance, complex consumer litigation, regulatory, contracts and bankruptcy law. Local experience in family law; advocate for domestic violence survivors. Four years in Am Law (top 100 American law firms) located in DC, with business, bankruptcy and commercial litigation focus. Experience in automotive and construction fraud litigation. Fifteen years’ corporate experience, gained as business owner, award-winning author and airplane owner. Advanced knowledge of and experience working with UDAAP, Bankruptcy rules...

Hi, I'm Matthew.



I approach the practice of law with a focus on helping my clients understand an often complicated legal system. Working collaboratively allows me to anticipate my clients' needs, while also aiding my clients by providing them an informed view of all the potential dangers and rewards of each unique case. My primary practice areas are Divorce, Child Custody, Trusts & Wills and Bankruptcy. However, I also provide legal support for small businesses looking to incorporate, resolve disputes with employees or review potential contracts and business transactions.

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, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tampa. Florida. Whether you need assistance with family law matters or estate planning, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can protect your family, finances,...

Karen L. Rowell is an associate attorney with Clark & Bradshaw, P.C. Ms. Rowell grew up in Roanoke County, Virginia, graduating from Cave Spring High School. She received her baccalaureate degree in Family & Child Development from Virginia Tech and her juris doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary. Ms. Rowell served as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive in the United States Navy for five years prior to attending law school and has been practicing law in Harrisonburg since 2008. Ms. Rowell focuses her practice on wills & estate planning, advanced...

Ms. Khan is the managing attorney at Mehnaz Khan Law, PLLC, and has been working in the legal field for more than two decades in Northern Virginia. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. With extensive experience in Family Law, Immigration Law, and Estate Planning, most of her practice is devoted to litigation. An immigrant herself, Ms. Khan’s personal experience in obtaining United States Citizenship through Naturalization can benefit you as well. She is well versed with what it takes to obtain a U.S. Citizenship. She counsels clients throughout the Northern Virginia area in...

My philosophy as a lawyer is to establish a strong attorney-client relationship. My goal is to connect with each client and deliver quality work, personalized service, and exceptional value. As your counselor and representative, you can be confident that everything possible will be done to protect your rights.

You will receive individual attention through every part of the legal process in order to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently. Please contact me to discuss your legal issues, strategies, and solutions in a straightforward and collaborative manner.

I am currently located in Fairfax, Virginia and serve the Northern Virginia area....

Caryn was born and raised outside Buffalo, New York. Caryn’s first love and passion is reading and writing, which naturally led to a career in law. She attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Philosophy and English. From Geneseo, she moved South for warmer weather and attended Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, graduating cum laude in 2002. During law school, Caryn was a member of the Editorial Board of the Washington and Lee Law Review.

Having visited her aunt...

Letha Sgritta McDowell is a highly accomplished attorney and shareholder at McDowell Law Group, specializing in various areas of elder law, including estate planning, special needs planning, estate and trust administration, asset protection planning, long-term care planning, personal injury settlement consulting, guardianships & conservatorships, and tax law. Her expertise ranges from assisting clients with complex estate planning for high-net-worth individuals with assets over $75 million to developing simple plans for families with limited assets. Ms. McDowell has a distinguished professional background. She served as the President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a notable position within the field....

Gilbert Carey is an attorney and certified public accountant with the McDowell Law Group. 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,...

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...

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,...

Jean Galloway Ball is certified in Elder Law by the National Elder Law Foundation. She does life care and estate planning: preparing powers of attorney, Wills and Trusts for seniors and their families. She assists families with planning for disabled adult children. She advises on families on planning for long term care expenses. She is a recognized litigator in the area of fiduciary litigation including guardianship, Will contests, trust administration, claims against estates, accounts from fiduciaries, undue influence and financial exploitation.

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...

Benjamin is a Northern Virginia native and Partner of Robinson Law's Personal Injury Division. Benjamin has been representing individuals charged with criminal and traffic matters in Manassas and throughout Virginia for the last 14 years. He has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims in injury lawsuits, and he has assisted clients for over 16 years on estate planning matters.

He handles cases in Prince William County, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Fairfax. Benjamin has handled every kind of criminal matter, from serious felonies to traffic infractions. He has handled homicides, serious sexual offenses, drug crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes,...

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...

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...