Rappahannock County Lawyers

Ellie Pittman is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases. Ms. Pittman works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Ms. Pittman graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2018.

Richard is an experienced and skilled attorney working in the Charlottesville, Virginia office of Allen & Allen. He has dedicated his career to fighting for justice for his clients, guided by a singular philosophy: the case belongs to the client. Richard focuses on a variety of personal injury matters, including wrongful death, automobile and tractor trailer accidents, and accidents involving drunk drivers.

After receiving his law degree from the University of Virginia, Richard worked as a public defender in New York City for 13 years. He returned to Virginia in 2000 and continues to litigate cases in the Commonwealth.
Richard is AV...

Erÿk Mahaffey is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Mr. Mahaffey handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Mahaffey works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Mr. Mahaffey earned his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2008, after graduating cum laude from Salem State University in 2001. An attorney since 2008, Mr. Mahaffey worked at a law firm in Winchester, Virginia from 2008—2010. He then operated his own solo bankruptcy law...

I am a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig PLLC. My practice focuses primarily on civil litigation in the areas of patent, trademark, copyright, internet / domain names, commercial transactions, government contracts, community associations, and bankruptcy law / creditor's rights, as well as trademark and copyright prosecution. I have represented local and national clients in federal and state court litigation matters, as well as in bankruptcy proceedings. I have represented manufacturing companies in complex patent infringement matters, technology companies in trademark infringement matters, and copyright holders in infringement actions against the likes of Disney and ABC. In 2012, I made...

THOMAS SOLDAN is a personal injury and criminal defense attorney practicing in Virginia. Thomas has spent his entire career fighting for the rights of those injured due to the negligence of another and those facing serious consequences as a result of criminal charges.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: Thomas also regularly represents those charged with serious criminal offenses. Mr. Soldan has handled a wide variety of criminal cases including, DUI offenses and Reckless Driving, drug charges, assault charges, larceny offenses, as well as domestic violence and sex offense charges.

PERSONAL INJURY: Common types of personal injury he regularly handles include car...

Christopher J. Toepp dedicates his practice of to helping clients and making his community a safer place. Although still early in his career, he has earned a reputation as an exceptional litigator in the courtroom. His expansive trial experience includes hundreds of bench and jury trials. This background gives Chris an understanding of jurors' expectations when they evaluate a case. He knows how to present evidence so that the jury comprehends his client's hardships and the impact their injuries have had on their lives.

Chris works on a wide range of personal injury cases including car crashes, truck accidents and motorcycle...

Nathanael Buczek is a criminal defense and family law attorney practicing in Northern Virginia. Mr. Buczek worked – with a third-year practice certificate – as a Prosecutor for the City of Toledo in Ohio and for Stafford County, VA while earning his law degree. Upon graduating, he began working as private counsel, handling cases involving criminal defense and family law. He also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem, protecting the interests of children during legal proceedings. Throughout his time in private practice he has handled a wide variety of criminal matters, including defending those accused of traffic offenses, DUI, assault and battery,...

"I Care. I Fight. I help my clients put their lives back together."

Charlottesville attorney André Hakes is a partner at the law firm of Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. handling criminal defense, sex crimes and DUI cases.

To the art and science of criminal defense, Ms. Hakes brings prosecutorial and police educator experience, and a long, successful track record defending clients on murder, sex crimes, drug charges, DUI, embezzlement, assault, and many other criminal allegations. Ms. Hakes has a reputation for “out-working” her opponent when preparing for trial.

Sample results from Andre's criminal defense cases:
[The results obtained under one set of circumstances cannot...

Bob helps people charged with traffic offenses such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving and speeding in Virginia. He has been a lawyer in Virginia for over 30 years. If you have been charged with a traffic offense in Virginia, contact Bob's office at 540.433.6906 or info@BobKeefer.com to schedule a Free Case Review by telephone. The call is privileged and free to you. Bob has completed the standardized field sobriety test instructor course. He has also completed the factory certified EC/IR II operator's course. The EC/IR II is Virginia's breath tester.

Lewis A. Martin, III began his law practice by joining his father upon his graduation with a JD from the University of Virginia in 1979. He focuses his practice in the areas of real property law, including commercial real estate, mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens, like-kind exchanges, and advanced property conveyances and financing, as well as estate planning and administration, serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Accounts for Albemarle County, Virginia. Mr. Martin was born and raised in Charlottesville, and values the relationships he’s developed through a lifetime of calling Central Virginia his home.

Edward is an accomplished litigator and talented personal injury attorney who has tried and won cases in both state and federal courts. He wants clients to be treated fairly in the legal system, so he strives to serve as a compassionate advocate on their behalf. Edward currently serves as the President of the Allen Law Firm.

Edward helped spearhead the firm’s expansion to Northern Virginia and has been the managing partner of the Fredericksburg office since it opened in 1994. He joined Allen & Allen in 1987 after graduating from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He is proud to...

Lawyer with 35 years of experience (23 in divorce and family law - including 20 years in Virginia). Graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law - 1980, and the College of William and Mary - 1977 with a business degree. Practiced limited to the Commonwealth of Virginia in family law, (including divorce, custody, military divorces, CSRS, FERS, TSP, child support and spousal support). Provide one-on-one representation in Stafford, Spotsylvania County, City of Fredericksburg, and Prince William County. Practice solely in Virginia (Inactive member only in California, DC and Maryland).

Ms. West has tried over 100 personal injury cases in General District Courts and Circuit Courts throughout northern Virginia. Before opening her own firm, Ms. West worked as a trial attorney for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance. She tried an average of 35 cases to verdict or judgment per year and hundreds more that ultimately resolved without trial, all related to personal injury. Ms. West’s work for State Farm gives her tremendous insight into how insurance companies operate and how best to achieve maximum recovery for injured claimants. While studying at George Mason University School...

Heather is admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She represents businesses and individuals and helps to resolve their disputes through litigation, mediation, and negotiation of agreements. Heather handles small business representation, including contract reviews, contract drafting, entity formation (corporations, LLCs), corporate transactions (buy/sell, mergers, acquisitions), demand letters, business litigation and collections. Ms. Steele also represents homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (condos) with regard to general legal advice, drafting of resolutions, supervision and certification of elections, registration with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation...

For over a decade, lawyer Sarah Bruns has been aggressively protecting the rights of her clients in Northern Virginia. As a seasoned trial attorney, Sarah has defended individuals charged with Murder, Rape, Robbery, Theft, and Drug Possession/Distribution. Sarah also has extensive experience in representing clients charged with traffic offenses such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) and Hit and Run. While some crimes carry more severe penalties than others, Sarah handles every client’s case knowing that it is the most important one for that client. She believes that no client should be treated as if their issue is of little consequence. Sarah’s...

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...

Casey R. Stevens With more than 34 years of experience practicing law, Casey R. Stevens is a leader in the Virginia criminal defense community. He is a skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who is focused on achieving a successful outcome for his clients in every case that he takes on. Prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney, Casey served as a prosecutor in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Prince William County, Virginia where he gained unique insight into how the government develops and prosecutes both felony and misdemeanor cases. Casey is well respected by attorneys and judges and...

Kerri Castellini is primarily a DC-based attorney with a focus on estate and trust administration, guardianship for incapacitated adults and minors, and estate planning. She brings her legal experience to the Trusts and Estates Practice Group and is currently admitted to practice law in Washington DC, Maryland, and before the supreme court. She is passionate about providing a high level of attention to her clients to come up with a plan that is best for their unique circumstances.

Eric D. Yost, a Staunton personal injury lawyer currently practicing in Central Virginia, has developed a unique skill set that includes an understanding of people, insurance claim processes, negotiations, mediations and litigation. He has developed an extensive list of referring attorneys in Virginia and throughout the United States. He is often called upon by other industry leading attorneys to assist with unique or difficult issues with their cases, trial preparation, litigation and mediations. Eric has worked primarily in Virginia since becoming an attorney but has also practiced in West Virginia. He was the managing attorney at his...

Ben Carafiol dedicates his practice to making a difference in someone's life. He has represented clients throughout Northern Virginia for the past twelve years. Former clients and other attorneys alike remark on his steady counsel and expansive knowledge. Ben has litigated, mediated, or settled every type of family law matter in Virginia. Those efforts have earned him a Superb rating from Avvo and a perfect 10.0 from Justia. He is also recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and has been every year since 2016.

Born in St. Louis, Ben attended The College of William & Mary, where he graduated...

James Livesay is a founding partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C. He leads the firm's team of family law attorneys across offices in Fairfax, Arlington, Leesburg, Manassas and Fredericksburg, Virginia.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1995 and the University of Virginia School of Law in 1998, Mr. Livesay served three years in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He entered civilian practice as a family law attorney in 2001, and joined with partner Kevin Myers to found Livesay & Myers, P.C. in 2003.

Drawing on his experience as a Navy JAG officer, Mr. Livesay established the military divorce section of the firm in 2003...

I practice primarily family law, guiding clients through divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. Prior to joining The Manassas Law Group, I had the honor of serving as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Carroll A. Weimer, Jr. in the Prince William Circuit Court. My clerking experience has provided me with intricate knowledge of the court system as well as unique problem solving experience. My approach to family law is to provide clients with the requisite information and guidance to reach a resolution. Family law issues tend to be personal and highly emotional, and I...

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!

A-V Rated Martindale Hubbell
Super Lawyer Rated
Boyd-Graves Conference Member (invitation only)
President Virginia State Bar Litigation Section
Board Member Virginia State Bar Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
Board Member Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Member American Association for Justice
Past President, Young Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Past Board Member, Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer Conference
Owner, Veldhuis Law Group
Former Adjunct Professor and Lecturer (13 years), University of Virginia School of Law (Mental Health Law Clinic).
Former Board Member, Brain Injury Association of Virginia
Former Board Member, Sexual Assault Resource Agency

I represent small, medium, national and international businesses, non-profits and individuals on a wide variety of corporate and business matters, including forming companies, drafting and negotiating contracts, dealing with employment matters, handling real estate and land use issues, collecting receivables, and defending and prosecuting litigation. I also assist many clients with their elder care, estate planning and estate administration needs, including drafting wills and trusts, assisting with the appointment of guardians and conservators, and the Virginia probate process. I strongly believe that clients receive the best legal services from an attorney who is intimately familiar with their businesses and goals....

C.J. has represented individuals and businesses all over the Commonwealth of Virginia in a variety of criminal, DUI, traffic, and civil matters. C.J.’s criminal, DUI, and traffic experience includes low-level traffic citations, more serious traffic matters like Reckless Driving and DUI, misdemeanor criminal offenses such as simple assault and battery, domestic violence, and shoplifting offenses, to the most serious felony crimes including violent crime, drug possession and distribution, homicide, and sexually-based offenses. It is C.J.’s mission to provide affordable, aggressive, and effective representation to those accused of a criminal or traffic offense in his native home of Northern Virginia and...

Karin Riley Porter is an experienced Virginia criminal lawyer handling many different types of criminal offenses in Virginia. Common criminal offenses Ms. Porter deals with include drug offenses, DUI offenses, reckless driving charges, as well as assault charges to name a few. Ms. Porter began her career in law as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, where she prosecuted cases for almost a decade. While there, she grew to understand the need for proper criminal representation in the justice system, and elected to become a criminal defense lawyer. She is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and has been...

Eric Stone Law, PC, serves people in the cities of Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Quantico as well as Stafford County, Prince William County, and Spotsylvania County in Virginia

The laws touch everyone's life, but not everyone feels like they can access the law when they have problems. Almost everyone has an encounter with housing issues, aging and elder law, special needs, estate planning or probate, but not everyone feels like they can find the right attorney. I focus on making the law accessible to people who need help vindicating their rights and benefiting from the legal system. As a Virginia licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience, I have represented and successfully counseled and advocated for a diverse group of clients,...

Chuck has practiced in Winchester and throughout northern Virginia since 2007. He is both a lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant (with an LL.M in Tax and Estate Planning) and worked in public accounting before attending law school. Chuck’s practice focuses on complex estate planning and administration matters, resolving tax disputes, business planning, choice of entity, conservation easements and other business matters. Chuck has extensive training in complex estate and business matters and his practice focuses primarily on business owners and families with more than $1 million in liquid assets. Chuck regularly works to resolve family disputes, establish business...

Attorney Robert “Bob” McClain has dedicated most of his 18 year career in law to public service and the criminal justice system. After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center in 2004, he began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. In 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Commonwealth Attorney and served in that position until 2020 when he moved to the Prince William Commonwealth Attorney’s Office as Senior Assistant in the Homicide/ Violent Crimes section of that office. Bob brings with him over 15 years of experience litigating in the criminal justice systems of Northern Virginia....

In addition to representing clients in education, family law and guardianship and conservatorship matters, Joan is certified as a Guardian ad litem to represent incapacitated adults in guardianship, conservatorship, and family law matters. She is also certified as a Guardian ad litem for children.

Ms. Fine has practiced law for 35 years, the last 28 in Virginia. Her business law experience started immediately after graduating from Boston College Law School in 1982 when she worked at a 50-attorney Boston law firm. In 1989 she joined the Costello Dickenson firm in Winchester, Virginia, and in 1990 opened her own firm.

Ms. Fine has extensive practice drafting business contracts, including buy-sell agreements, employment agreements and non-competition agreements, and, balancing that experience, she reviews and litigates contracts drafted by other attorneys.

Her Wills, Trusts and Estates practice involves planning, drafting estate documents and probate litigation.

Her equine practice is an...

Nominated Best Advocate in the Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC) National Trial Competition, Vance brings both an academic skillset and courtroom training to the firm. Additionally, Vance was part of his law school’s highly competitive Honors Moot Court team, and excelled to the point of being elected to serve on Santa Clara’s Honors Moot Court Board of Directors. Vance also possesses a noteworthy assortment of criminal and civil law expertise via his work at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Sunnyvale City Attorney’s Office, and as an Associate for Lexis Nexis Legal Research. A native Texan, Vance sat...

Virginia criminal defense attorney Steve Duckett has devoted his career to fighting for the right's of individuals charged with criminal offenses in the state of Virginia. Steve Duckett has handled a wide variety of criminal cases including, but not limited to, DUI charges, assault charges, drug charges, reckless driving charges, as well as federal charges. Mr. Duckett graduated from the University of Richmond with a Political Science and Economics degree in 1994. Since receiving his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University he has practiced criminal law exclusively in the various courthouses in Northern Virginia. Mr. Duckett is admitted to practice...