Smithfield Lawyers

EDUCATION

College: Old Dominion University, B.A., 1972
Law School: University of Florida, J.D., 1975

Carlton Bennett’s practice concentrates in personal injury litigation, representing only...

"AV" - "Preeminent" Martindale Rating A Virginia Beach native, Ted was featured on 60 Minutes (Oct. 4, 2009) for his work involving environmental contamination from coal ash/ fly ash waste. And thanks to his AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating from the premier peer review process for the legal profession. He also enjoys the highest client review rating. In addition to his defense of health care providers; Ted tries lawsuits involving plaintiff’s catastrophic injury, brain damage, paralysis and environmental cases in state and federal court in Virginia and in Pennsylvania. He was first admitted in Pennsylvania in1988...

Ra Hee Jeon is a Pender & Coward attorney focusing her practice on family law and immigration matters. Born and raised in South Korea, she is bilingual in Korean and English and skillful in Spanish. Ra Hee routinely drafts and reviews prenuptial agreements and property settlement agreements and advises her clients in complex contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and child custody/visitation/support issues. She actively participates in negotiation efforts to zealously represent her clients and to serve the best interests of any children involved. Ra Hee represents foreign-born and U.S. citizen clients in a variety of immigration matters and helps them navigate the...

Dave Ventker is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial honorary society composed of less than one half percent of lawyers in the United States. Immediate past member of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, past Chairman of the Inland Waters and Towing Committee of the Maritime Law Association and a Proctor in Admiralty, Dave has been practicing law since 1982. He has been concentrating in maritime law and commercial litigation since 1989, when he entered private practice after serving on active duty for more than 7 years with...

Josh is a tenacious attorney with extensive courtroom and business experience that brings value to his clients. He has a broad area of practice with clients throughout the country. Josh’s focus of practice in the following areas of law: civil litigation, personal injury, criminal and traffic defense, divorce and family law, wills, trusts and estate planning, landlord and tenant law, business and corporate law, intellectual property, and general practice.

Jessica graduated summa cum laude from Otterbein University (Columbus, OH) with a major in Political Science/Government & triple minor in Psychology, Speech Communication, & Legal Studies. She graduated second in her law school class with highest honors from the HBU, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, NC), earning a Juris Doctor & Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Her diverse legal experience includes legislative and policy evaluation, judicial internships, litigation, and mediation/settlement negotiation/alternative dispute resolution. In 2014, Jessica joined The Cooper Law Firm, P.C. (Virginia Beach, VA) to form its successful family law division. In May 2019, was named Partner...

After finishing law school, I started a company focused on teaching new fathers (by birth or adoption) skills and abilities they may not have had a chance to learn. Eventually I closed that business in order to work in the area of foreclosure prevention law due to the increasingly common foreclosure (which in Virginia can happen very quickly). I have chosen to continue to help people in need at my own law firm so I can give my clients the attention they deserve.

After a decade of serving the community through a career in law enforcement, I transitioned into the legal field with the hopes of helping the struggling families and individuals I saw in the courtroom. My sole focus is family law which includes custody, child support, divorce, protective orders, and more. I am certified as a guardian ad litem for juveniles and dedicated to making fair assessments for the benefit of the children I represent. I provide unique value to my clients in that I have seen many sides of the law and know when to defend, fight, and settle.

Stephen Taylor earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he served as Allen Chair Editor of the University of Richmond Law Review. He was a member of the John Marshall Inn of Court and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. Stephen's primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, and litigation in support of these practice areas. Stephen is licensed to practice in Virginia and North Carolina.

Michael Salasky built a successful personal injury practice over the course of 40 years representing countless people who were needlessly hurt through no fault of their own. It was and is his privilege to right these wrongs for his clients. His efforts resulted in many millions of dollars being awarded to his clients for their proven injuries. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Michael attended Norfolk Academy and graduated college from Tufts University in Boston where he received a B.A. in English. He received his law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary...

Mr. Stancliff handles a broad spectrum of disputes and transactions involving the maritime industry, and variety of commercial, maritime and admiralty civil litigation matters in federal and state courts in Virginia and North Carolina.

I represent public school divisions in education law matters arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Chris Saady is admitted to practice law in all courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He graduated from Campbell University, Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, in 1998, and from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993. Before joining Marcari, Russotto, Spencer, & Balaban, Chris was Senior Staff Counsel for The Hartford; a Tort Claims Attorney for the Department of the Navy; Trial Counsel for Nationwide Insurance; and while in private practice represented a multitude of plaintiffs in personal injury actions....

Ms. Oram-Smith started practicing law in West Virginia in 1986. She practiced for two years there, and then moved back to Virginia in 1988 and has been practicing family law in Virginia ever since. She served the community as a staff attorney with the Virginia Beach office of the Tidewater Legal Aid Society for four years.

Ms. Oram-Smith is a veteran divorce Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia for over 30 years and currently represents clients in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia in her family law practice located near the Town Center of Virginia Beach.

Ms. Oram-Smith is committed to...

Grover H. Baxley is the founding attorney of JAG Defense. While on active duty as a member of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Mr. Baxley served as a Chief of Military Justice and a Chief of Adverse Actions. Based upon his performance and top-rated record as a prosecutor, Mr. Baxley was competitively selected to become an Area Defense Counsel. During his time as a defense counsel, Mr. Baxley litigated more courts-martial than any other military defense counsel at bases throughout the United States and Europe. During his final year on active duty, Mr. Baxley was recognized as...

I practice in military jurisdictions only, not civilians courts. I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel and I served as both a line officer and a JAG. I began my military career as a platoon leader in the 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne) and 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1998, I became a Judge Advocate and since then I have focused on court-martial law. As a result of this experience, I know the military and I know the court-martial process. I have spent well over a decade perfecting the courtroom skills and legal knowledge required to win tough...

At the law office of Sidney H. Kelsey, Jr., P.C., I bring nearly 40 years of experience to people across Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore and throughout Southeastern Virginia, who have concerns about a criminal matter or a personal injury case, including workers' compensation. My father and grandfather were both attorneys before me. I honed my craft in my father's law practice, gaining substantial trial experience in the state and federal courts throughout Virginia. I have built my practice on a commitment to personal service and attention, working directly with my clients at all stages of the legal process. ...

I have practiced law for 42 yrs. I am now partially retired and limit my practice to wills and trusts, elder law matters, estates, guardianships and conservatorships. Before entering law practice, I served as a Police Officer, Police Chief, Director of Criminal Justice Planning and as an adjunct college instructor, teaching classes in law, police science and criminology. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 52 years and we have four children, Cecilie, Jocelyn, Andrew & Fredericka. My daughter, Cecilie Hamilton, has practiced law for 21 years and is located next door to my office in Colonial...

Barry Rowell is a partner at Klein Rowell & Shall PLLC (KRS Law). Prior to forming this new partnership, Barry was a partner at Valverde & Rowell, PC, from 2006 to 2019. From 1995 to 2006, Barry was employed with a Fortune 50 Company, working in the human resources and legal department. Barry has successfully responded to and mediated hundreds of charges of employment discrimination filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Fair Employment Practice Agencies in more than 40 states. Barry has a wide range of experience advising corporate clients on complex employment issues including...

A former Coast Guard judge advocate, John B. Gately has successfully represented clients in hundreds of courts-martial, medical boards, and administrative proceedings.

John B. Gately focuses his practice on military disability and veterans’ rights issues, concentrating on representing active duty service members, Reservists, and Guardsmen before the Physical Evaluation Boards of the various armed and uniformed services.

This includes representing clients before the various Boards of Correction for Military and Naval Records on both disability and nonmedical issues.

He also represents veterans on levels of claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide. John B. Gately has been awarded the coveted AV rating...

Kevin M. McGowan has been in practice since 1978. He received his J.D. in 1978 from the University of Virginia School of Law after graduating from Belmont Abbey College in 1975 (Magna Cum Laude). He is currently an Associate with Marks & Harrison, one of the largest personal injury firms in Virginia. He concentrates on workers’ compensation and personal injury.

Graham was born and raised in Virginia Beach. He is the middle of five children in a Navy family. He graduated from Frank W. Cox High School in 2004. In High School, he played soccer and graduated with Honors. He then attended Radford University for a year before transferring to the Virginia Military Institute. He graduated with Honors from VMI in 2009, where he received a degree in International Studies and Political Science. After graduating from VMI he worked for a year in politics and government before attending Regent University School of Law. While in law school he was a...

If you are searching for a Norfolk criminal defense attorney, you should look no further than Curcione Law. Attorney Matt Curcione has a thorough understanding of criminal law, and he is prepared to assist you today. He received his Juris Doctorate from Regent University, after earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Niagara University. While he was in law school, he worked at the Virginia Beach Police Department. He filled the following different positions at the police department: on the oceanfront’s community policing squad, as a precinct patrol officer, and as a warrant and fugitive officer. These various positions gave him invaluable...

Everett Lupton is a trial lawyer practicing in state and federal courts in both Virginia and North Carolina. He has tried more than a hundred jury trials to verdict, tried even more bench trials, and represented clients in many arbitrations and mediations. Mr. Lupton is primarily a personal injury attorney who has represented injured persons in motor vehicle collisions, tractor trailer crashes, serious slip and fall injuries, mauling by animals, and other types of bodily injury claims. Furthermore, he has represented injured railroad workers in FELA (Federal Employee Liability Act) claims and cases, as well as representing injured maritime workers...

I, Von L. Piersall, III, founded my law practice in 2001, which has since grown into a well-recognized firm handling personal injury, criminal law, and family law cases. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Longwood College, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond. Before practicing law, I dedicated my efforts to assisting young individuals involved with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and worked at the Pines Treatment Center as well as a group home in Norfolk. Throughout my career, I have successfully had matters heard across...

Brent Rowlands founded the Law Offices of Brent Rowlands to help clients who are in need of legal representation for their tax and IRS-related matters. Brent has been advising individuals and businesses in taxation matters for 25+ years. His legal background includes an LLM degree in taxation and experience working at large firms that have advised clients on tax planning strategies. At his firm, you can expect hands-on counsel and cost-effective solutions to your tax dispute. Get to know Attorney Rowlands and see how he can make your tax case as stress free as possible.

Going through a divorce or custody situation is one of the most stressful times in a person's life. I know first hand. I've been there, and I understand what you are going through.

It was awful for me, but having a competent, caring, empathetic, and responsive attorney on your side helps more than you can imagine. I'd love to help you in your difficult times to move forward to a happy "new normal."

Bar and Court Admissions: Virginia State Bar (1977) and Alabama State Bar (1977); State Bar of Texas (1981); U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1979; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (1981); U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1984) Education: University of Virginia, B.A., with high distinction (1974); University of Virginia, J.D. (1977)

Ray Hogge is the founding member of Hogge Law.

Labor and employment law is the focus of Ray's law practice. Since 1989 Ray has represented public and private employers across Virginia in employment-related litigation, mediation, and administrative proceedings, and has advised and represented them in all aspects of labor and employment law, including hiring, firing, discharge, discipline, personnel policies, human resource management, workplace investigations, employment contracts, noncompete agreements, equal opportunity in employment, wage and hour laws, executive compensation, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and employment risk management.

Ray is a graduate of the College of William and Mary...

Former 14 year Police Officer 19 year member of the Chesapeake School Board

Raymond & Raymond, PLLC is a debt relief agency in Williamsburg, Virginia. We are lawyers who help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code in Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Mathews, and York, Virginia.

Raymond & Raymond, PLLC is a debt relief agency in Williamsburg, Virginia. We are lawyers who help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code in Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Mathews, and York, Virginia.

Personal Injury Attorney? Check. Criminal Lawyer? Check. Military Lawyer? Check. A trial lawyer for over 40 years, Mr. Slaughter has vast experience in personal injury law, civil law, and criminal trial practice. He began his legal career in 1979 as a prosecutor in the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Norfolk, Virginia. He rose to the position of Chief Deputy before entering the private practice of law in North Carolina in 1989. Following about 15 years of trial work in private practice, he returned to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in 2004 as the Chief Deputy prosecutor and later served as the interim...

Scott R. Barney, Esq., born and raised in Virginia, is a third generation VA attorney. He is a sole practitioner and has been practicing law in the Virginia Beach area for more than a decade.

Scott R. Barney obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Maryland in 2002 and went on to Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2005.

Scott R. Barney, Esq. has worked with law firms throughout Virginia Beach, VA and has a vast knowledge of the laws of the state for a variety of practice areas.

With...

Timolyn Whitney Tillman is licensed to practice law in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas. Attorney Tillman received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Howard University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. She has been in private practice for over twenty-five years and has also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Virginia Beach. Attorney Tillman is a Member of the American Bar Association and the...

For the past 32 years, Mark has been trying cases in the trial courts of the Commonwealths of Virginia and Massachusetts, as well as the United States District Courts and Courts of Appeal in the First and Fourth Circuits. FAVALORO LAW OFFICES had its roots in Massachusetts, being formed in 1992 and serving clients until Mark, his wife and 5 children moved to Virginia Beach in 2007. Mark practiced with a medical malpractice defense firm, followed by practicing at a plaintiffs' medical malpractice and personal injury law firm before reestablishing FAVALORO LAW OFFICES, with its principal offices...