Dutton Lawyers

I am licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am a native Virginian and I attended high school at Lake Braddock. I graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina where I earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in criminal justice. I then graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law. During law school, I interned with the IRS and prosecuted cases at the New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney and County Attorney office. Since graduating and becoming licensed, I have focused on estate planning, real estate, estate administration/probate and personal injury. My passion for assisting clients...

Originally from the Dominican Republic, I moved to the United States with the goal of becoming an attorney. As an immigrant myself, I have first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of U.S. immigration law.

After moving to the United States, I attended Valencia Community College, and subsequently attended the University of Central Florida to obtain my bachelor's degree in legal studies. After graduation, I relocated to Virginia where I attended law school at William and Mary. While in law school, I worked for various public defender offices, which helped confirm my passion for criminal defense and its intersection with immigration law.

I currently...

Chris Jones is a personal injury lawyer and managing attorney in the Petersburg, VA office of Allen & Allen. He has over ten years of litigation experience and has tried thousands of jury and bench trials. He became an attorney to stand up for victims who were injured or killed through senseless acts. Knowing his clients may be going through the most difficult time in their lives inspires Chris to be a zealous advocate for them. Chris’s practice is focused exclusively on personal injury cases, including car and motorcycle accidents. Competitive by nature, Chris thrives in negotiations. This aids...

Jonathan Halperin is a seasoned attorney with over three decades of experience in both state and federal courtrooms. Not only does he possess an extensive list of successful case outcomes by trial and settlement, but he has been named by Super Lawyers® as one of the Top 50 Attorneys in Richmond and Top 100 Attorneys in Virginia – an honor bestowed only upon the top 1% of lawyers in the state. His laudable list of accolades includes recognition in the Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2023 Editions from Best Lawyers® and an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review for more than...

Tara Tighe is a personal injury attorney. She has significant litigation experience in both jury and bench trials, and her strong desire to help others led her to become an attorney who fights for the rights of injured individuals. She strives to give every client the guidance and legal protection they need after an accident in order for them to devote their focus on rebuilding their lives. Tara’s practice is focused exclusively on personal injury cases including car and motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, dog bites and chases, medical malpractice, slip and falls, mold inhalation and exposure, and wrongful death. Tara is...

James M. Johnson graduated from James Madison University in with degrees in Biology and Economics. He received his Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. James Johnson has worked at the outstanding law firms of Pfitzner & Morley, Johnson Ford Law, and now he is the managing attorney at the Johnson Law Firm, PC. He is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as the Federal and Bankruptcy courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.

I am a senior litigation attorney known for my strategic precision and grounded approach in tackling high-stakes legal issues. My drive is fueled by a commitment to deliver effective, customized solutions that produce tangible results. My knack for blending thorough preparation with inventive problem-solving has established me as a reliable advocate in the courtroom. Before my tenure at BerlikLaw, I was a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Loudoun County, representing the Commonwealth of Virginia in prosecuting a broad spectrum of felony and misdemeanor offenses. Over my four years as a prosecutor, I handled complex litigation involving vehicular crash data, computer and...

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...

Paul Gaymon is the founder of The Gaymon Law Firm, PLLC where he focuses his legal practice on representing individuals and businesses with tax debts and other financial problems. Mr. Gaymon represents consumer and business debtors in complex Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcies. He regularly appears before the United States Bankruptcy Court and interacts with the Internal Revenue Service, the Comptroller of Maryland, and the Virginia Department of Taxation on behalf of his clients. Prior to representing persons and businesses with tax and other financial problems, Mr. Gaymon served as an Attorney-Advisor to the Assistant Secretary...

Yancey Ellis is the managing partner at Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC, and is a vital asset in our firm-wide mission of service to the indigent, upholding the Constitution, and guiding our clients through the criminal justice system. Yancey is also the lead attorney on cases assisting military service members and veterans with their special legal needs. Yancey Ellis joined Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC, after working for the very well-respected Public Defender's Office for the City of Alexandria. At the Alexandria Public Defender's Office, Yancey defended almost two thousand clients against criminal charges by the Government. Yancey defended clients...

Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Chris entered the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist Petty Officer. While serving, he studied at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

Chris is admitted to practice law in all Virginia General District and Circuit Courts, the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western District of Virginia, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In 2008, he was a contributing author on the Virginia Continuing Legal Education publication, “Defense of Serious Traffic Cases in Virginia.” Chris is a...

Attorney Mark Paullin has more than 29 years of legal experience, which includes insurance defense work. His experience with both sides of the process allows him to prepare his clients for what may come their way as well as has enabled him to insightfully and aggressively represent his clients with their Personal Injury case, Diminished Value or Diminution case. Mark handles Speeding cases, DUI/DWI cases, and Reckless Driving cases as well as other other Traffic Court matters around the Richmond Metro area. Experience Counts. When you hire the Paullin Law Firm, your case won't be handed off to benchwarmers or...

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!

Will focuses his practice on middle market M&A and private equity transactions. Will advises investors, including private equity funds and VC firms, and assists emerging growth companies, in both sides of private capital raises. Will’s M&A practice focuses heavily on Insurance Brokerage Agency and broad ranging Technology transactions, but he has led deals in industries as varied as automobile dealerships to municipal landfills. For nearly ten years prior to law school, Will was a small business owner and entrepreneur, that experience provides a unique perspective to his corporate practice as he focuses on efficient and practical results. Due...

Chris is a seasoned business attorney and litigator with experience helping businesses in both private practice and as a Corporate Counsel to a large franchisor with over 4,000 franchisees internationally.
Chris has handled commercial disputes for clients in state and federal courts around the country in matters ranging from basic contract disputes to multi-million dollar “bet the company” lawsuits. Prior to becoming an attorney, he was the C.I.O. for an Internet Service Provider in Buffalo, NY.
Chris teaches as a adjunct professor at Regent University.
Chris was named a 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 ‘Rising Star’ by Super Lawyers magazine, a distinction received...

Todd Stone has served as a prosecutor in both State and Federal Courts; in addition to serving as Special Counsel to the Multijurisdictional Grand Jury in Central Virginia. He now serves his clients as a criminal defense attorney with a passion for justice. Stone regularly handles criminal cases involving Sex Offenses, College Students, Drug and Vice cases, Fraud and Larceny, Violent Crimes including Murder, Malicious Wounding, Assault and all other criminal matters. As a defense attorney, he limits his practice so he can focus the attention on his clients that each one requires. The goal is...

My practice consists primarily of family law matters. People entrenched in a family law case-maybe a divorce or custody battle- often find this to be one of the most challenging seasons of their life. They are best served by an attorney who is truly invested in them. I work closely with my clients in creating a strategy that achieves my client’s goals in the most efficient and practical way possible. I am a skilled negotiator and an effective litigator, utilizing both of these tactics as needed.

I graduated from Christopher Newport University with a B.A. in Political Science, and I graduated...

Brook M. Thibault is a Virginia Beach trial lawyer, former Associate Counsel for CMA CGM (America) LLC the world's third largest container ship company, and Public Defender. As Associate Counsel for CMA CGM, Brook shared in the corporate legal responsibilities associated with the company as subsidiary and agent for CMA CGM S.A. a French Domestic Society Anonym; including complex commercial real estate transactions, transportation and maritime law, and international asset search and collection. As Assistant Public Defender, Brook has represented hundreds of accused individuals in matters ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious violent crimes. Brook is a...

My path to becoming a trial lawyer wasn’t a straight one. Early on, I dreamed of being a charter-fishing boat captain. But I quickly realized that a career in law, especially litigation, offered me the opportunity to help others while channeling my competitive spirit. I’ve had the privilege of trying numerous cases across courts throughout the Commonwealth, handling appeals, and successfully arguing before the Virginia Supreme Court. I thrive on stepping outside my comfort zone and tackling new challenges head-on. Before founding Merrick Brock, I spent over a decade defending insurance companies. Over time, their tactics—manipulating cases, undermining claims, and offering victims...

Charles is a criminal defense and immigration attorney based in Richmond, Virginia, and a partner at the firm Tingen Law, PLLC. Since becoming a member of the Virginia State Bar, he has passionately advocated for his clients, representing them on traffic, misdemeanor, and felony charges in both the General District and Circuit Courts. After working as a public defender for several years, he is now a partner at Tingen Law, ready to stand with you as a passionate and vocal advocate for your rights in court.

Honored with the inaugural 2019 VLW Influential Women in Virginia, top “Women in the Law” (in Family Law & Personal Injury 2016-20), "Best Lawyers in America” (U.S. News & World Report 2014-21), AAAA 2018 “President’s Award,” 2017 “Adoption Attorney of the Year” (Lawyers Monthly magazine), 2017 MRWBA Women of Achievement Award, 2016 Richmond NAWBO “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, 2015 Virginia State Bar Family Law Service award, "SuperLawyers" top lists, "Legal Elite" (Va Business) and numerous other awards, Colleen Marea Quinn is a partner and equity owner in the law firm of Locke & Quinn, Founder of the “Raising...

Morgan Leigh Furman graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from Elon University School of Law. She is admitted to the Virginia Bar and is a member of the American immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Prior to joining Hyder Immigration Law, Ms. Furman practiced at Dyer Immigration Law Group. Ms. Furman previously worked in the Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Legal Assistance to Victim-Immigrants of Domestic Violence (LA VIDA) clinic. Ms. Furman discovered her passion for serving the immigrant community through her work in the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic at Elon University School of Law. While in law school, she interned with Church World...

I am an immigration attorney in Richmond, Virginia and a partner at the firm Tingen Law. I've lived in Richmond since moving here in the fifth grade, and I'm devoted to helping my local community with all of their legal problems. I graduated from James Madison University in 2007 and received my J.D. from the University of Richmond school of law in 2010. I primarily work on immigration and naturalization cases, but I also have experience in wills, estates, and other forms of contract law.

Richard Talbot knows firsthand the impact of a workplace injury. When he was young, he saw his father, a police officer, severely injured while on the job.

He channeled that experience into a passion for law, helping individuals fight for their rights after being injured at work. As a worker’s compensation attorney, Richard advocates on behalf of individuals to protect their interests when fighting against an insurance company with far more resources than themselves.

“If it were not for social safety nets, like workers’ compensation, my family would have been left without income,” Richard says. “It was this life experience...

Charles W. Hazelwood, Jr., or "Chuck", has accumulated a significant legal skill set over the past four decades. His communication skills and negotiating abilities were honed and perfected over time as he handled thousands cases. He has a thorough understanding of the law and comprehensive experience with handing estates and trusts, real estate issues, personal injury cases, and more. His long-standing legal acumen has been time-tested by the significantnumber of cases he has handled. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Chuck attended West Springfield High School.

Charles W. Hazelwood, Jr. has bar memberships in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of...

S.L. England, PLLC combines government and private sector experience under one umbrella. Our civil and criminal practices are anchored by the experience of a former Assistant United States Attorney, INTERPOL Fellow, and private practitioner. With the experience of numerous federal and international investigations, as well as represented plaintiffs and defendants in a variety civil actions, S.L. England, PLLC is the firm you want. 95% of attorneys are not trial attorneys. Most have never stepped foot in court to make oral argument before a judge. It makes a big difference: good lawyers must have the ability to argue your case in...

Burke Law, P.L.C. provides its clients with effective legal services as they face their most challenging legal issues. Burke Law counsels government contractors and employees on matters ranging from security clearances eligibility denials to the most basic questions about completing the SF-86. The law practice of Burke Law also defends clients against criminal charges, against asset forfeiture proceedings brought by state and federal law enforcement, and maintains a heavy consumer protection and civil litigation case load in both state and federal court. Clients in all practice areas attest to the prompt, courteous, and professional...

Michael Sandler has been practicing bankruptcy law for over 20 years and has successfully represented thousands of clients in his legal career. Mr. Sandler received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from The George Washington University in 1989, and his Juris Doctor from George Mason University in 1999. He is admitted to the Virginia Bar and all Virginia state courts, the Eastern and Western Districts or Virginia Bankruptcy Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit. He is a member of the Northern Virginia Bank...

In total, I spent 35 years in the insurance industry, handling liability claims. Prior to attending law school, I worked as an insurance adjuster and in claims management at GEICO. My positions allowed me the opportunity to learn a great deal about insurance company claims operations and the difficulties that large insurance companies face as well as the biggest hurdles for people who need to make claims. My work led me to attend law school while continuing my career in insurance. Following my graduation, I moved into the position of attorney with the company. Since that time, I have defended...

Ali Aziz is a dedicated immigration attorney who specializes in guiding clients through complex U.S. immigration processes, including family-based visas, employment visas, citizenship matters and much more. With a strong focus on providing personalized legal solutions, Ali has successfully represented clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate the challenges of immigration law with clarity and confidence. Drawing on years of experience, Ali’s practice combines legal acumen with a commitment to client service. Whether assisting individuals seeking asylum, filing petitions for family reunification, or advising on visa options for skilled professionals, Ali approaches each case with a deep understanding of immigration regulations...

I represent clients in a variety of legal areas. I regularly represent clients all over the Richmond area and I often travel as far east as Virginia Beach, as far north as Spotsylvania, as far west as Charlottesville and as far South as Dinwiddie. I assist clients with obtaining and defending protective orders, uncontested and contested divorce, spousal support, child custody, visitation and support, pre-nuptial agreements, property settlement agreements, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, criminal defense, business formation and dissolution and general civil litigation.

Experience is the lifeblood of a lawyer's success. Jay Levit's experience in law is both educational and professional. Mr. Jevit graduated with a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from Harvard Law School. An early paper of his received special "honors" and was deposited into the Harvard Law Library. Shortly after graduating, Mr. Levit joined the faculty at the University of Michigan Law School as an instructor. The next four years were spent as a trial and appellate attorney for the US Department of Justice. About 1% of lawyers experience arguing before the full United States Supreme Court, as Jay Levit...

Justin Criner received his undergraduate degree in Political Science at Virginia Commonwealth University where he met his wife and fell in love with Richmond and the surrounding areas. Mr. Criner received his juris doctor from the Appalachian School of Law in 2013 where he was a senior editor of the law journal and the president of the local Lions’ Club. He remains active in the community and can regularly be found at Lions’ Club or VCU athletic events. Before joining our firm, Mr. Criner worked as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in Charleston, WV and opened his own practice...

Joshua Voelkel graduated from the University of Richmond in May 2019 and began working at GMA in late August. Although a recent graduate, Joshua comes from a long lineage of lawyers, and has obtained an impressive array of experience, settling multiple cases in the past using his third-year practice certification whilst still in school.

“I’ve always wanted to enter a profession that afforded me the opportunity to help others,” Joshua says. He recently started in the pre-litigation group where he’s able to interact with clients daily and assist them in getting the treatment they need to be back where they...

Mr. Roberts was admitted to practice law in Virginia in 1986 and before the United States Supreme Court in 1991. Mr. Roberts has a broad background of experience in litigation and business. His practice includes the successful representation of clientele in obtaining recoveries in cases of personal injury, in commercial disputes, and in civil rights. Additionally, Mr. Roberts has served as corporate counsel and director for several electronic technology corporations. Mr. Roberts is a founder and the principal member of the firm of Thomas H. Roberts & Associates, P.C. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in business...