Village Lawyers

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.

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...

Wayne M. Zell, Esq. is the founder of Zell Law. He has spent his legal, public accounting and business advisory career counseling clients in a broad range of industries, including technology companies of all types and investor groups, as well as non-profit organizations. His clients also include for-profit and non-profit executives, service providers and high-net worth individuals.

Mr. Zell has extensive experience in representing clients in complex estate planning and business planning matters. In estate planning matters, Mr. Zell routinely advises clients in structuring and preparing intricate revocable and irrevocable trusts, basic estate planning (i.w., wills, medical directives and powers...

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...

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...

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...

Mr. Louie focuses his practice on traffic defense in Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area. His firm regularly defends those charged with reckless driving, DUI, hit and run, racing, and other traffic offenses. Mr. Louie also conducts mediations to help people in conflict. Visit www.PeterLouieLaw.com to see some of our case results.

I have been a practicing trial lawyer since 1985. I founded my firm, Abrams Landau, Ltd., in 1989 in remembrance and honor of my father, Norman J. Landau and grandfather William L Abrams, and their ongoing dedication to serving their clients. Originally located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Abrams Landau is now based in the historic district of Herndon, Virginia. Unlike large, sterile and impersonal law firms, we are proud to be housed in a fully accessible, renovated 100-year old home which provides our clients with a comfortable space in which to meet with us. ...

William D. Ashwell is a career litigator and advocate who has built a regional and statewide reputation for assisting clients in the most serious of situations and in high profile matters. A native of Warrenton, Mr. Ashwell has solidified himself as a leader in the field of civil and criminal litigation and beyond. A steadfast believer in giving back to the community, Mr. Ashwell balances his time between his family and giving back to the community that he calls home. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Dayton School of Law, Mr. Ashwell serves Northern Virginia, Piedmont region,...

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.

William "Ben" Mann is an experienced Virginia defense attorney who has devoted his career to protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Mann has handled a wide variety of criminal case types including felonies, DUI defense, drug cases, assault cases, domestic violence cases, as well as reckless driving cases. Mr. Mann is a member of the State Bar of Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010. Mr. Mann was named a top 100 trial lawyer by National Trial Lawyers in 2014, as well as to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Buta Biberaj was born in Montenegro and is of Albanian parentage. She was raised in the Bronx borough of New York City. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Education in 1987 and received her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the George Mason University School of Law in 1993. Buta is licensed to practice in the State Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and New York. She is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Buta’s involvement in the community is evidenced by her participation and service which include being a mentor for...

Kathleen Marie Stotish was born and raised in central New Jersey, and has called northern Virginia "home" for nearly a decade. She focuses her practice on business transactions and commercial litigation, and also works in the areas of collections/creditors' rights law, and family law. Ms. Stotish has also been certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Guardian Ad Litem for Incapacitated Adults. Ms. Stotish graduated cum laude from the Washington College of Law at American University in 2012. During law school, Ms. Stotish worked as a Law Clerk with the Law Offices of Jonathan Gelber,...

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...

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...

For over a decade Matthew B. Kaplan, the founder and principal of The Kaplan Law Firm, has litigated cases on behalf of his clients in courts around the country. Prior to establishing The Kaplan Law Firm Mr. Kaplan was an attorney with Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, where he recovered millions of dollars for investors who incurred substantial losses as the result of fraud and other violations of the federal securities laws. Among the cases that Mr. Kaplan successfully litigated are In re Buca Inc. Securities Litigation, In re C.P. Ships Securities Litigation, In re...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Attorney Kevin W. Mottley is a Virginia trial lawyer who has dedicated his practice to representing traumatic brain injury ("TBI") victims, as well as other clients who have suffered a catastrophic personal injury. Kevin wrote the book, "Brain Case: The Big 5 Questions to Answer Before Filing Your Brain Injury Case," to help people understand how lawyers look at TBI cases. His focus on representing TBI victims has, thus far, resulted in over $12 million in verdicts and settlements for his clients in mild TBI cases. TBI cases, particularly those involving the so-called “mild” traumatic brain injuries,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

William (Bill) Turner is a criminal defense attorney who actually tries cases. A former prosecutor for two Virginia jurisdictions, Mr. Turner has tried thousands of criminal cases to a verdict, including several high-profile jury trials. Having successfully built and prosecuted countless criminal cases as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Mr. Turner offers clients an insider's view into how to respond to and defend against a government prosecution.

Mr. Turner believes that individuals facing criminal allegations need confident, talented, and experienced attorneys to develop a winning strategy and to argue their case persuasively. He combines extensive knowledge...

Brandon Sloane is a former prosecutor with over a decade of prosecution experience, and now proudly serving clients charged with criminal offenses throughout the Northern Virginia area including Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, Stafford, and wherever else you may find yourself. Charges handled include traffic offenses such as speeding and reckless driving by speed, DWI/DUI, and any other misdemeanor and felony offenses such as petit larceny, assault & battery, drug possession, drug distribution, firearms offenses, malicious wounding, robbery and murder. As a former prosecutor who has experience handling the most serious cases including several successful murder jury trials, Brandon...

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.