Linville Lawyers

Admitted to practice law in Virginia in 1998, Mel brings a wealth of litigation experience to clients that includes practice as a prosecutor and working for insurance companies defending lawsuits, to include defending government officials charged with misconduct and violations of civil rights. Now he represents persons and small businesses in litigation arising out of serious personal injury, employment disputes, and employment and administrative/governmental grievances, such as professional discipline. Mel received his Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Bridgewater College of Virginia in 1995, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy/Religion. In 1998,...

David was born and raised in the Roanoke Valley; the son of a Registered Nurse and a Roanoke City Police Officer, he spent his childhood in Salem and attended Glenvar High School. After graduating, he went on to attend Virginia Tech where he received degrees in both Finance and Accounting. After graduation, David worked as an accountant in both the public and private sectors, but decided the law was his true calling. He went on to attend Washington & Lee University School of Law, where he graduated with honors at the top of his class in 2010. David began his...

Chris is very competitive and loves jury trials. As a former teacher and prosecutor, he is very comfortable speaking with judges and jurors in the courtroom. During law school, he won several awards competing in moot court and negotiations competitions, placing 2nd at the national ABA Negotiation Tournament in San Diego and 3rd at the National Moot Court Championship Tournament in Houston - the highest results his law school has ever achieved in either event. No lawyer can guarantee victory, but you always get Chris's best effort, and his proven record of success demonstrates that.

Ryan A. Brown was born in Kansas City and raised in California. His first job in the computer industry began at the age of eleven, building and repairing personal computers for a local store in Santa Barbara, California. In 1993 he began a computer and Internet consulting firm and started the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Santa Barbara. Ryan went on to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he received a BS in Computer Science with departmental and school honors and a BA in Spanish in 2000. Ryan is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon...

Jake is an associate attorney at Gentry Locke, one of Virginia's oldest and largest law firms. His practice focuses on intellectual property, technology law, media/entertainment, mergers & acquisitions, and other commercial transactions. Jake has extensive experience with all aspects of intellectual property, technology-based contracting, IP licensing deals, and other related commercial transactions. He has also litigated intellectual property cases in various federal courts across the country and has registered countless trademarks and copyrights. Jake's scholarship has been published by the peer-reviewed American Intellectual Property Law Association Quarterly Journal, the Trademark Lawyer Magazine, and the Liberty University Law Review, where he...

Bringing nearly 40 years of legal expertise to the Oast & Taylor team, Bill’s practice areas include Elder Law, Estate and Trust Administration, Estate Planning, Guardianships and Conservatorships, and Litigation.

I have over 35 years of experience representing Virginia clients in medical malpractice, long-term care litigation, serious personal injury litigation, and complex commercial litigation. In my practice I have represented individuals and businesses throughout Virginia, including in state and federal court.

Former JAG

ANNA ERNEST, the proud owner of Ernest Law Group PLC, is a highly sought-after and recognized advocate. She represents Clients in complex matters in the family law, personal injury, and immigration. She has extensive courtroom experience in federal and state litigation. Ms. Ernest is regarded as a determined, assertive, innovative, and client-dedicated attorney. For her substantial accomplishments, Ms. Ernest has been consistently voted by her peers as a “Super Lawyer,” named “Virginia’s Legal Elite,” recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine, selected to the list of “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers, received...

Types of cases I handle: Longshore Workers' Compensation Claims, Virginia Workers' Compensation Claims, Social Security Disability Claims, Personal Injury Cases General, Civil Litigation, Drafting of Contracts Contract Based Claims. I am a lawyer and I handle the types of cases I handle because I like to help people. In workers' compensation, Social Security, and personal injury claims, I work on behalf of people who have sustained injuries or disabilities that severely impact their lives and well being. I work with them in an effort to maximize their recovery and help them move on with their lives in a...

Jack Rephan is a Shareholder and Director of the Virginia Beach, Virginia, firm of Pender & Coward, P.C. He is a member of the bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia. After serving as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of claims, Mr. Rephan was in the private practice of law in Washington D.C. from 1962 through 1993. Since 1993, he has practiced law in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. Mr. Rephan’s legal career has covered a broad range of areas of the law although his current practice has been for many years primarily devoted...

Before practicing as an attorney, I worked in greater Boston, MA and in Washington, DC in certified public accounting firms and currently hold my CPA license. I joined my law firm in 1998 and have been practicing and advising business owners and individuals ever since. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Alabama with my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business Transactions. In 2018, I became certified as an exit planning advisor by the Exit Planning Institute to better serve and assist my business clients.

I focus my practice areas in working with business owners and their advisors...

John Allen started Waldrop & Colvin to deliver premier legal talent to business client without the friction points of big law. He has a vast and impressive history of decades in world class legal departments across several industries. His experience delivers results in corporate governance, contracts, M&A, dispute resolution, employment and real estate.

Jennifer devotes herself to the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law. As an immigration lawyer, she represents clients in a variety of immigration matters - including providing guidance on applying for work authorization, permanent residency, and U.S. citizenship. She also defends individuals in deportation and removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts. As the daughter of an immigrant, her family’s diverse, multicultural heritage inspired her to pursue a profession where she could help others pursue their livelihood in the United States. Jennifer's law firm is based in Roanoke, Virginia where she lives with her husband Rob and...

When the stakes are high, clients turn to Criminal Defense Attorney Paul C. Galanides. As a former Prosecutor for twenty-three years, Paul C. Galanides, holds an impressive history defending the accused in Virginia. Choose the right lawyer. Right now.

Civil and criminal appeals in state court in Florida and Georgia, and in federal courts nationwide. Visit me at www.allappeals.com to find out more.

Andrew is a long-time Virginia local government attorney who represents governmental entities and officials throughout Virginia in specialized and general matters, and in specific litigation matters, and may also assist some who deal with Virginia governmental entities and officials in appropriate situations. He is a former President of the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc.

I am a licensed attorney practicing law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have extensive experience in the fields of Property Management, Distressed Rental Properties and Criminal Litigation. I am also experienced in Contract Disputes, Corporate Governance, and Government Relations. I am a goal oriented, hard-working individual.
I became an attorney to assist people during the most challenging times of their lives, whether that be criminal charges, eviction from their home, or outstanding debts. Too often, I came across individuals who were unaware of their legal rights and remedies. I believe the best feeling in the...

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...

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...

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...

Attorney with emphasis in start-up and venture business law, small business law, taxation, wills, trusts and estate planning. Computer Scientist with extensive experience in web based application development, databases, data mining, information retrieval and distributed systems. I enjoy working with small and start-up technology businesses and advising them both on technology and law, where appropriate.

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...

Amanda is a Shareholder of Boleman Law Firm and manages the Richmond office’s post-filing department. She primarily practices in the firm’s Richmond office, however, she covers dockets and litigates cases in the Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk Bankruptcy Courts. Her primary practice is post-filing issues and litigation, including managing the motion for relief and objection dockets. Amanda has litigated numerous matters, including the dischargeability of obligations arising from divorce, landlord-tenant, and business debts.

Amanda coordinates the pro bono efforts for the Richmond office and is a regular speaker at continuing legal education conferences. In 2017, she was selected as the Young...

Kendall is KRV Legal’s Principal Attorney. She earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, and her B.A. from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. At KRV Legal, Kendall assists clients with naturalization and citizenship, permanent residency, family-based immigration, and business-based immigration. Her clients appreciate her responsiveness and attention to detail. Kendall enjoys working with clients from all over the world. She is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and permitted to represent clients in immigration matters in all 50 states. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Kendall es la Abogada Principal de KRV...

Cheryl Watson Smith JD, has been in the private practice of law in Roanoke, Virginia since 1988 and practices in the area of family law, including complex property matters. Through the Collaborative Divorce Process, mediation, and negotiated settlements, she assists families in resolving disputes without going to court.

Ms. Smith is passionate about the Collaborative Divorce Process as an alternative to court battles for families in conflict. She is committed to expanding the use of the Collaborative Divorce Process by developing her own Collaborative Practice skills and training other professionals in the Collaborative Process. Ms. Smith is on the faculty...

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...

Michael W. Lee is a 1988 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He obtained his law degree in 1996 from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the College of William & Mary. Prior to attending law school, he served as a police officer in Colonial Heights and worked for the Virginia State Corporation Commission. He has been an attorney for almost 20 years and is admitted to practice law in both Virginia and Colorado. He previously served as the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney forthe City of Colonial Heights, is...

Jason is licensed to practice in West Virginia and Virginia. He resides in Pearisburg, Virginia with his wife, Catherine, and they have four children, Sydney, William, James, and John Thomas. Jason is a member of the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church and serves on the Pearisburg Town Council.

Andrew Page is an aggressive, trial lawyer who has been trusted to represent clients in Suffolk, Southampton County, Isle of Wight County, Emporia, and surrounding areas. He resides in Franklin, Virginia and is highly involved in the local community.

Jeanne primarily focuses her practice on immigration law. Jeanne has personal experience with applying for benefits through the former INS- now U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. She understands the angst that foreign clients feel when faced with an unfamiliar and confusing set of laws. Jeanne's goal is to make the law accessible to her clients and to make the process as seamless as possible.

The Law Firm of John W. Lee, PC has office locations in Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. We have six experienced attorneys on staff that focus their practice in the areas of bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, and criminal defense. With over 90 years of combined legal experience our attorneys are ready to help you face your legal challenges. Our attorneys have helped thousands of people eliminate debt through the bankruptcy process. If you are struggling with garnishments, repossessions, collection calls, or foreclosure you should call us for a free consultation. Our...

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...

I have several years experience working in immigration law both before and after becoming an attorney. I am well-versed in the federal legal processes available to immigrants who are applying for benefits or seeking relief from removal.

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.

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.