Machipongo Lawyers

Lawrence Land - Your Lawyer for Life! I have been practicing law for more than 35 years. I have a passion for helping people, which prompted me to pursue a career as a lawyer. I graduated with a Psychology major and Human Relations minor from the University of Miami. I then earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Richmond in 1975. As part of my law school curriculum, I also took courses at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. You can call me a true “homegrown” Virginia lawyer. I reside in...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Attorney Shemeka Hankins is an experienced prior prosectuor with years of criminal litigation experience. A seasoned trial attorney, she is well-versed in a number of criminal areas such as drugs/narcotics/marijuana, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), theft crimes, and juvenile justice. She also has experience with mental health programs, license restoration, restoration of gun rights, and expungements.

Shemeka Hankins is a committed servant of the community and puts the rights of clients at the forefront of the defense. She is dedicated to helping her clients protect their freedoms and defend their rights in legal situations. Attorney Shemeka Hankins is a...

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,...

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...

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...

Brandon Zeigler is one of the top-rated Family Law and Small Business attorneys in Virginia Beach, VA. Brandon is focused on providing exceptional, quality legal representation to individuals, families and businesses. The backbone of the American economy is small business. As a principal at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, he is extremely passionate about this area of law. As the owner of three small businesses, he knows first-hand the issues that need to be addressed in forming and running a company. He enjoys working with small business owners to ensure they have the correct documents, contracts, leases,...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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,...

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,...

James Garret is the founding member of Garrett Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach. The firm focuses on criminal defense, including all traffic matters, and divorce and child custody cases.

Mr. Garrett has been in private practice since graduating from the Boyd School of Law at UNLV in 2005.

John M. Cooper is one of the founding partners at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers and a veteran of Virginia personal injury law practice. A native Virginian, he was raised in Norfolk and Virginia Beach by parents who practiced law. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1988, John returned home to work for a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division, which launched his passion for and career in personal injury law. For over 30 years, John has worked closely with injured victims and their families and knows the...

I made a choice years ago to use my talents to help other people through the practice of family law. I practice family law because it is an area of law where we need ethical and responsible attorneys to guide people through the legal side of what is a very emotionally driven time in their lives. As a founding member of Phillips & Peters, PLLC, I helped create the firm’s goal of helping families move forward through a time that most people churn in place. I want to help you accomplish your goals.

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.

Dan Miller was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Norfolk Collegiate School in 1985, and graduated from Oxford College in 1987 with an Associate of Arts degree. Dan went on to graduate from Emory University in Atlanta in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. From 1989 to 1995 Dan played drums in a band based in Atlanta Georgia where he toured the College Circuit throughout the Southeastern United States. Dan graduated a semester early and was admitted to practice law in Virginia in November 1998. In 1998, Dan was hired by Michael...

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.

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!

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

David J. Pierce is a partner with the law firm of Pierce & Thornton, PLC. David has 26 years of trial experience in medical malpractice and general personal injury litigation including motor vehicle accidents. Prior to co-founding Pierce & Thornton in 1997, Mr. Pierce was a partner in the largest law firm in eastern Virginia where he defended physicians, nurses and hospitals in malpractice litigation. He also conducted a general insurance defense practice including auto accident claims. This defense experience gives David a unique and distinct advantage in his plaintiff's practice.

David has obtained numerous substantial verdicts and settlements in a...

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...

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...

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...

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...