Portsmouth Lawyers

I have an extensive litigation practice with a focus on state and federal court litigation in the practice areas of personal injury, Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA); automobile, motorcycle & trucking accidents; wrongful death; medical malpractice; and employment.

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.

Brad Brickhouse adds significant talent to the Oast & Taylor team and shows his commitment to our community by serving every client with a clear focus of their personal goals in mind. His primary areas of practice include Elder Law, Guardianships and Conservatorships, Financial Abuse, Estate and Trust Disputes, and Will Contests.

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...

**Experience and Expertise at Dorsk Law Office, PLC** At Dorsk Law Office, PLC, we provide unparalleled legal representation across Norfolk, Newport News, and the surrounding areas. Specializing in both felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, as well as traffic offenses, our firm is adept in navigating the complexities of Virginia State and Federal Court cases. Whether you’re facing serious allegations or seeking guidance on minor charges, our seasoned attorneys are equipped with the extensive experience and resources needed to manage your case with the utmost professionalism and skill. **Relentless Defense When It Matters Most** During your most challenging times, Dorsk Law Office stands ready...

John is passionate about entrepreneurship and business development. Like many entrepreneurs, he has launched both successful and failed businesses. A true believer in “failing forward”, John looks for new opportunities in every situation. This mentality allows him to connect with entrepreneurs and business owners in a meaningful way to help them navigate difficulties and grow their success. “I find joy in helping business owners make better decisions to build on their success and protect their business.” Outside of his practice of law, John serves as Chairman of the Board for Roc Solid Foundation, a local non-profit that builds hope for...

Attorney Richard Serpe is a distinguished Virginia personal injury lawyer with a reputation for meticulous trial preparation and presentation, and has a track record of success in obtaining favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. As a personal injury attorney, Richard Serpe advocates for those who have been injured due to the negligence of another person, dangerous product, or company. A substantial portion of his legal career has been devoted to the representation of injured children. Mr. Serpe is frequently associated with complex litigation, managing cases with difficult scientific and medical issues. He has experience managing large case cohorts, including the...

Joshua Jewett advocates for employees’ rights in all types of employment law matters before federal and state courts, as well as in administrative and grievance hearings. Mr. Jewett has represented numerous individuals across a broad spectrum of industries. In addition to representing employees in litigation type settings, Mr. Jewett advises management and decisionmaker employees in both the private and federal sector who are facing disciplinary action, possible termination, or are being forced out. Mr. Jewett has helped clients in these situations either keep their jobs or peacefully exit from their situations by obtaining a negotiated severance package.

Mr. Lipskis is an Estate and Elder Law attorney. He is licensed to practice in all Virginia Courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. His practice includes all facets of trusts, estate planning, estate administration, and elder law. Whether it be helping a young couple take appropriate steps for their children or protecting family wealth from potential creditors and taxation, Mr. Lipskis enjoys assisting families in understanding their planning needs. He also enjoys working collaboratively with financial advisors to make sure their estate plans match up with each client’s personal financial...

Ray Hogge represents and advised Virginia public and private employers, and Virginia executives and professionals, in all aspects of labor and employment law.

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.

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...

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...

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)

Lenard Myers focuses his practice on the representation of consumers, contractors, and businesses. A great deal of his work involves auto fraud, defending and preventing foreclosures, as well as matters involving complex commercial litigation. Mr. Myers practices law in the state and federal courts of Virginia. He places great value on courtesy, professionalism and resolving problems in the most cost-efficient manner possible. Lenard began his legal career as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Notably, he prosecuted over 300 matters with a conviction rate exceeding 90%. Subsequently, he successfully transitioned to private practice while returning to academia as an Adjunct Professor...

Lamont Maddox focuses his practice on general business law matters, such as business start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, finance, securities, contracts, leases, e-commerce and corporate governance. As a former business owner, Mr. Maddox understands the needs and objectives of business owners; he was president and founder of Maddox Technology, Incorporated, a computer consulting firm serving small and moderate size businesses, for over 10 years.

Brandon is a lifelong Virginian who grew to love Hampton Roads during his time at Christopher Newport University. After graduating from "CNU," Brandon attended law school at the University of Richmond. There, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law & Technology as well as the President of the Moot Court Board. During law school Brandon interned at a large civil defense firm in Norfolk. After graduating Brandon worked briefly as an Associate there before deciding that he could better help the community by working for Employees, Plaintiffs, and Small Businesses. Brandon's practice focuses on medical malpractice, employment law,...

I've been practicing law in Norfolk, Virginia for 26 years. I originally came to Norfolk to play soccer for Old Dominion on a full scholarship. I then went to the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary where I received my Juris Doctor in 1987. I immediately returned to Norfolk and began working for the Law firm Kellam, Pickrel, Cox & Tayloe. After becoming a partner in my firm and working bankruptcy cases for the next 21 years, I became an expert in my field and decided it was time to manage my own law firm....

Neil Winchester has been a practicing law in Norfolk since 1986. He started as a general practice attorney. Over the years, his main practice areas include Consumer Bankruptcy cases, uncontested divorces and simple wills/powers of attorney.

Mr. Winchester is one of the most experienced Bankruptcy attorneys in the Tidewater Virginia area. He has filed over 4,000 bankruptcy cases over his over 30 years of practice. Most of these cases were Chapter 7 or 13 cases but he has also filed a few Chapter 12 cases. In his practice, he handled many situations successfully. Mr. Winchester also files uncontested divorces and drafts...

Attorney Leslie Lee Robinson has more than twenty five years of experience as an attorney and litigator specializing in numerous areas of law: bankruptcy, including chapters 7, 11 and 13; family law, including divorce, child custody, marital agreements (both premarital and separation), adoption and child advocacy; corporate law, including incorporation of businesses and serving as registered agent; landlord-tenant; drafting and negotiating contracts; wills and trusts, powers of attorney, both general and specific and medical powers of attorney; and in criminal defense at the federal, state and juvenile levels. She began her law practice in and around the Charlottesville area, moving...

As a founding member of Harbour Law, Jim has over 25 years of experience representing clients from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and all of Hampton Roads in bankruptcy cases. His practice is focused on representing individuals and small business owners seeking relief from their financial burdens. He has also represented Chapter 7 trustees, banks, mortgage lenders and credit unions in bankruptcy proceedings. Whether you are seeking a fresh start under Chapter 7 or wish to adjust repayment of your debt on easier terms under Chapter 13, Jim’s background and experience makes him uniquely qualified to represent your best interests....

Michael graduated from the University of South Carolina Pettigrew School of Law in 1969 with a Juris Doctor. He was a finalist in the Prince Competition, where he demonstrated exceptional ability in appellate advocacy. He was a recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Conflicts. While in law school, he was selected by the NAACP to travel to Memphis, Tennessee. There, he helped investigate police brutality in connection with the Memphis riots that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Among lawyer associations, Michael was admitted to both...

Ken Golski concentrates his practice on general business matters such as contract review and negotiation, corporate formation, collection issues and other matters a small, large, or individual business owner may face. He also has extensive experience in employment law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ken is a member of Golski Law Group in Norfolk, Virginia, was a Senior Trial Attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, represented the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Beach Public Schools as a member of the Office of the City Attorney of the City of Virginia Beach, and served as...

Recognized by multiple legal organizations as a top 10 DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia, attorney Naumovski has been in practice for 19 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...

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,...

Caryn was born and raised outside Buffalo, New York. Caryn’s first love and passion is reading and writing, which naturally led to a career in law. She attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Philosophy and English. From Geneseo, she moved South for warmer weather and attended Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, graduating cum laude in 2002. During law school, Caryn was a member of the Editorial Board of the Washington and Lee Law Review.

Having visited her aunt...

Dominic P. Lascara is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated in 1986 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary after receiving his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in Business Administration in 1981 from Old Dominion University. Dominic P. Lascara joined the law firm of Roy, Forehand, Laine and Dale, P.C. as an associate in the fall of 1986 after being admitted to the Virginia State Bar. He was admitted to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1987. He became a partner...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

MARY G. COMMANDER has been engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas since 1981. She is well-known and respected in the Hampton Roads area for her proficiency in all matters of Family Law and her diligent and no-nonsense approach in court. Ms. Commander is a certified Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteer and actively involved in the rescue of former racing greyhounds (with two of her own at home).

Mary Commander’s Education & Experience:

She is a magna cum laude graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she served for three years as an elected member of...

Chris is an attorney in the Virginia Beach office where he meets with individuals and couples in need of financial help. He is known by his clients as a “friendly and compassionate” attorney who brings comfort and help to those going through difficult times. Since joining Boleman Law in 2015, he has helped thousands of people struggling with overwhelming financial problems. His reputation with his clients has earned him the AVVO Client’s Choice Award in Bankruptcy, and the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum award. Chris’s reputation amongst fellow attorneys and judges has earned him a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, to be...

Mark L. Stevenson is a skilled attorney and short-sale negotiator barred in Virginia , North Carolina, and Michigan. Currently, his practice focuses on Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Business matters on the Peninsula.

Prior to joining Hanger Law, he spent three years processing and successfully negotiating short sales in some of the hardest hit regions of Michigan, including Flint and metro Detroit. Mark prides himself on facilitating deals with multiple parties to achieve positive results for clients.

A local, Mark graduated from Tallwood High School and went on to get a B.S. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University, graduating cum laude, and...

Sean provides legal counsel to clients when they have a need for guidance on any matters involving Real Estate, Estate Planning, or Business Structuring. He works closely with clients to understand the unique issues they are facing and to customize a solution for their individual needs. Prior to joining Hanger Law, Sean was a commercial real estate broker and specialized in negotiating leases and purchase contracts for retail developments and Class A office space. With nearly a decade of real estate experience as a REALTOR®, Sean brings to Hanger Law his extensive real estate knowledge and unique perspective on the...