The best attorneys don’t necessarily have the most wins on their record. Their courtroom skill and worth ethic make an impression on the legal community over time. Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of an online peer-voting contest facilitated by DataJoe Research Company (see methodology and disclaimers on page 38). All of the lawyers in our listings were nominated by the attorneys they work alongside every day in Central Virginia’s courtrooms. Read on to find out who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 specialties.
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TOP LAWYER DAVID COX LU SCHOOL OF LAW, VLAS FORM PARTNERSHIP TOP LAWYER LISTINGS LOCAL PROFILES
DAVID COX Top Lawyer of Greater Lynchburg
S
BY D R EW M ENAR D
o many people live balancing on the edge of financial crisis. Fortunately, for those who hit rock bottom, it does not mean the end.
People don’t often associate the law working for them, especially as it relates to finances, but Lynchburg’s 20172018 Top Lawyer is committed to doing just that—putting the law to work for those who need it the most. The heart behind this practice is a belief that everyone deserves a second chance. David Cox, founder of and attorney for Cox Law Group, is so committed to this ideal that his practice exclusively focuses on bankruptcy law, helping clients to manage or eliminate their debt. “I believe in the power of forgiveness to change lives, and I want my clients to experience it as well through bankruptcy,” Cox said. “It is moving to watch a client go from a point of overwhelming and consuming stress to being able to truly experience relief and to have hope for their future.” While he can’t always give clients all of the relief they want, Cox said he appreciates that in the side of the law he focuses on, “you are always helping people and taking them to a better place.” “It is the one area of the law where you can always help people,” he said. “So many other areas of the law, you are meeting people at a very difficult time and you are just guiding them through a difficult process that has a difficult ending. Bankruptcy, on the side that I do it, you are giving people another chance.” A family man with local ties—Cox is an E.C. Glass alumnus and resides in the area with his wife (a secondgrade teacher) and two teenage children—Cox said that this philosophy of second chances is one he tries to apply in everyday life as well. “The idea of starting over is a really important concept to me,” Cox said. “Everybody deserves another chance to learn from their mistakes and to start over.”
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Cox started his practice with just himself and two paralegals on payroll. Today, Cox Law Group has a team of 25 full-time employees, including four attorneys (Cox included), and offices in five locations—Lynchburg, Danville, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Winchester. Realizing that for many, walking into a bankruptcy office is likely “the worst thing they have ever had to do,” Cox said his staff and attorneys value compassion—a necessary trait to succeed in Cox’s office. It starts with the idea of “walking in somebody else’s shoes,” Cox said. “It is a big step for somebody to walk into a bankruptcy office.” “At the office, I try to foster a culture of compassion and kindness around me every day—not just among my staff as we serve our clients but also to one another working at the firm,” Cox said. “The biggest reason for our success is the staff that we have. … I am grateful to be able to practice bankruptcy law with the clients that I have and to work alongside such talented attorneys and paralegals in my office.” Despite misconceptions many may have about what brings people to bankruptcy, Cox said that he rarely meets with clients who have been careless and abusive with credit. Sure, many could have made better decisions, he concedes, but Cox said the story is often people towing the line financially and tripping up. “Folks are just so close to the edge,” he said of the common narrative these days. “They are one paycheck from a significant problem or one health problem away from a financial crisis. They are just struggling to get by. We see a lot of those clients.” Cox’s dedication to providing second chances extends far beyond the region as he lends his expertise on the subject of bankruptcy law across the country. He speaks on the topic frequently at continuing legal education seminars in the Commonwealth and across the country—organizations he has served as a panelist or lecturer for include the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees,
the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute, Washington and Lee School of Law, as well as other various Virginia CLE programs. Cox is a fellow with the American College of Bankruptcy (admitted March 2013) where he serves on the pro bono committee. He is a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, and is also a councilmember of the Virginia Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section and a past member of the Virginia State Bar’s Board of Governors for the Bankruptcy Section. Cox recently finished updating the fourth edition of the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Consumer Bankruptcy and is the co-editor of Bankruptcy Practice in Virginia, a comprehensive desk reference guide for Virginia bankruptcy lawyers. Cox has also published articles related to consumer bankruptcy issues in the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal. Before becoming a renowned expert on bankruptcy law, Cox studied Communications and English at Virginia Tech (after first attempting to study engineering) before going on to law school at the University of Richmond. As his law career blossomed, Cox served as a judicial clerk for the late Hon. William E. Anderson, Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Virginia and started his bankruptcy practice thereafter. On weekends, he can be seen spending time with his family or biking along the Blue Ridge Parkway or various area mountain bike trails. Cox has completed two Ironman races, and he helps coach his son’s mountain biking team. Recently, he had the honor of completing the Gran Fondo Hincapie race alongside his son. He’s also active in his church, Trinity Episcopal in Bedford. Cox has two dogs— Banjo, a short-haired German pointer, often joins Cox in visiting clients. For more information about the practice, visit CoxLawGroup.com.
PMF
Phillips • Morrison • Ferrell LLP
Thomas L. Phillips, Jr., Jennifer E. Stille, Frank West Morrison, Gentry R.P. Ferrell
Personal Injury, Family Law, Litigation, Business, Wills, Estates, Commercial Real Estate, Mediation and Collaboration
Over 150 Years of Combined Experience www.pmjf.com Members of the firm recognized individually by:
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AN ADVANTAGEOUS PARTNERSHIP LIBERTY UNIVERSITY TEAMS UP WITH THE VIRGINIA LEGAL AID SOCIETY
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“
BY MEG A N N O R C R OSS
or all lawyers in law school, the experience is theoretical. There is a lot of studying and memorizing the law. When you actually get to apply that to a set of true, authentic, real facts, students get to see how their
education is going to fit into their actual occupation.” Kristine Smith, Esq., is the Pro Bono Director and Managing Attorney for
the Virginia Legal Aid Society. A lawyer for 26 years, she started her career as a judicial clerk and then moved into private practice. “I did pro bono work for VLAS. When I saw the position [for the program] advertised, I felt so fortunate to get involved,” explained Smith. The program Smith joined was a partnership between Liberty University School of Law and the Virginia Legal Aid Society (VLAS). In January 2017,
the VLAS launched a program, “Building Pro Bono Capacity in a Small City and Rural Service Area” in an effort to double the number of attorneys and pro bono cases in two years. This program, which includes a clinic in partnership with Liberty University, currently is open to four students.
“The students are all certified under the Virginia Bar’s Third Year Student Practice Rule,” said Smith. “This means that the law school has recommended them and the Supreme Court has certified them to operate under an attorney and go to court, argue and talk with clients.” The Third Year Student Practice Rule states that “an eligible law student may, in the presence of a supervising lawyer, appear in any court or before any administrative tribunal in this Commonwealth in any civil, criminal or administrative matter on behalf of any person if the person on whose behalf he is appearing has indicated in writing his consent to that appearance.” DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
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Under the program, students have the unique opportunity of working on real cases with real clients, under the advisement of Smith and their attorney mentors. The cases that the students are involved in meet a specific set of requirements. For example, clients are qualified based on income level and assets. After an assessment and conversation with a paralegal, if they qualify, they are recommended to the program. Smith explained, “Most cases that they work on are the types of cases that go directly to court, or advising relationships regarding a client’s options. The same way our staff attorneys will get cases, they get cases.”
LU School of Law Students (from left to right): Taylor Noonan, Aaron Minguez, Johnna Chick and Christina Wright.
Currently, the program offers six case areas that students can gain experience in. They include public benefits, denials and terminations (such as Medicaid or termination of Medicaid), uncontested divorces, unemployment compensation, consumer law, representation of parties
School of Law, the Lynchburg law community and, especially, the individuals
trying to get two-year protective orders (for example, in the event of domestic
the program serves. The program primarily focuses on low income clients who
violence), and housing/tenant disputes. These types of cases are ones that move
are in need of legal assistance but can’t afford the fees often associated with a
quickly, allowing the student to see the start, middle and end of each and every
private attorney.
case they are involved in. Clients of this partnership need not worry about the level of quality or competency they’ll receive if paired with a law student. Smith says there is a firm vetting process that she and the law school go through to select these students. First, there is an application process, where students submit writing samples, a cover letter, a resume and extensive recommendations. From there, the recommendation sources are interviewed as well as the prospective students. “We wanted to give students the same experience they will have when they
“We benefit the clients, which is our community here. We benefit the students. There is a benefit to the University. It’s been mutually advantageous all ways around,” said Smith. During their weekly clinic session, students have the opportunity to sit together with client files, strategize, and talk about the law and their research
graduate law school,” said Smith of the application process and the experience
findings. Because they’re working with real cases, these sessions are often much
students will garner throughout this program.
more varied than traditional lecture classes—which, again, gives students more
Day-to-day, students will still participate in their routine class schedules. However, during their “free time” they will go to the Legal Aid office on Church Street in downtown Lynchburg for their clinic sessions. “In law school, students have all done mock trials and interviews and
of a real-world experience. At the Legal Aid office, students are given access to an individual office space where they can work on cases and meet with clients. “But they also hang out here and have birthday cake when we’re celebrating
negotiations,” Smith explained, “but this is a real fact pattern that they can put
someone’s birthday,” Smith shared about the community students have found
into use. When they are sitting across the table from real clients, they can make
with the program.
connections and bonds with them. They learn to not be discouraged by bumps in the road and can work on problem solving.” 30
But the program doesn’t just benefit the students. The impact reaches into the
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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
However, the support doesn’t end there. Not only do the students receive one-on-one interaction with Smith and access to a working office and conference
While not taking place in a courtroom, the students’ weekly clinic sessions also give them real world experience as they talk about their cases and findings. BELOW: Kristine Smith, Esq., Pro Bono Director and Managing Attorney for the Virginia Legal Aid Society.
room for client conversations, but they are also individually paired with a mentor. “I worked in Lynchburg and grew up here. I selected lawyers that have different types of practices—maybe a similar career path of graduating and going to work in a smaller community like ours. Some represent plaintiffs and some represent defendants,” explained Smith. “I selected four folks and they were eager and willing to help. As I came to know the students [at the beginning of the program], I assigned them mentors based on how I thought the student would interact with the mentor.” The benefit of having a mentor alongside of the law school curriculum, the VLAS clinic and one-on-one oversight from Smith is that students have an opportunity to interact with their mentors on a more personal level. They’ll grab coffee with their mentors and run strategies by them. This relationship, Smith says, gives students an understanding of being a part of the Virginia Bar Association and what it means to give back to the community—an effort that is very important to the Bar administration. When asked about the future of the Virginia Legal Aid Society partnership with Liberty University School of Law, Smith’s outlook is aspirational, yet attainable. “My goal is that our clients benefit from the intelligence, drive and energy of the students, and that the students learn how to put their education to practical use and see that they are actually helping real people every day. My goal for [the program] in five years is that I would love for it to grow in the number of students that we can have enrolled and branch out into different subject matter clinics. In other words, have so much interest in the school and so much benefit to the students that we can offer individual clinics for the student’s desired area of law.” To learn more about the Virginia Legal Aid Society and its partnership with Liberty University School of Law, visit www.vlas.org.
Criminal Law • Personal Injury • General Litigation • Estate Planning
B. Leigh Drewry, Jr. B. Leigh Drewry, Jr. has provided legal representation to Lynchburg and surrounding counties for 33 years. From general practice, criminal and traffic law, estate planning, and personal injury I have you covered. Approaching each case with my full attention and dedication, I aim to protect your interests and exceed your expectations. Sensitivity towards our clients • Commitment and dedication Flexibility to work around your needs • Open communication • Attention to detail
434.239.0044 • 104B Archway Court Lynchburg VA • leighdrewry.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
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ADOPTION, MARITAL AND FAMILY LAW Bell, Sarah W. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ sarah-w-bell Gibbons, Patricia M. Lynchburg 434-847-8149 patriciamcadamsgibbons.com Morrison, Frank Phillips, Morrison & Ferrell Lynchburg 434-384-0946 pmjf.com/attorney-profiles/ frank-west-morrison
Schenkel, Lisa L. Schenkel & Donaldson Pc Lynchburg 434-385-0174 lisaschenkelesq.com
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION Kowalski, Scott W. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/scott-w-kowalski Morrison, Frank Phillips, Morrison & Ferrell Lynchburg 434-384-0946 pmjf.com/attorney-profiles/ frank-west-morrison
Richards, James R. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/james-r-richards
ATTORNEYS FOR NONPROFIT Creasy, S. Henry IV Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-455-9127 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ s-henry-creasy-iv
Craddock, Ted Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Dunn, Terrance J. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ terrance-j-dunn.shtml Feinman, Paul J. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/paul-j-feinman Richards, James R. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/james-r-richards Snead, Rayner V. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-455-9103 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ rayner-v-snead-jr
BANKRUPTCY AND WORKOUT
Sorenson, Eric J. Jr. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ rick-j-sorenson
Cox, David Cox Law Group Lynchburg 434-845-2600 coxlawgroup.com/about-us/ our-attorneys
Whitesell, Darryl D. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ darryl-d-whitesell
Feinman, Paul J. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/paul-j-feinman Hansen, Janice Cox Law Group Lynchburg 434-845-2600 coxlawgroup.com/about-us/ our-attorneys
Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke Lynchburg 434-455-9945 gentrylocke.com/pulley
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BANKING AND FINANCIAL
Sorenson, Eric J. Jr. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ rick-j-sorenson
Price, Joy L. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
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White, Jeremy Lynchburg 434-846-1326 vlas.org/loose-pages/ lynchburg-offfice
Alford, John Jr. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
O’Keeffe, John Lynchburg 434-845-6555 okeeffespies.com/attorneys.html
Neumeyer, David Lynchburg 434-528-4722 vlas.org/loose-pages/ lynchburg-offfice
Shaw, William T. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ w-tracey-shaw
Houck, Leighton S. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
BUSINESS LAW Alford, John Jr. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Coates, Gary M. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ gary-m-coates.shtml
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
CIVIL TRIAL Dawson, G. Edgar III Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/g-edgar-dawson-iii
Phillips, Thomas L. Jr. Phillips, Morrison and Ferrell Rustburg 434-821-5022 pmjf.com/attorney-profiles/ thomas-l-phillips-jr/pmjf.com Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke Lynchburg 434-455-9945 gentrylocke.com/pulley Watson, J. Frederick Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Falcone, John E. Lynchburg 434-455-5936 pldrlaw.com/john-e-falcone Francisco, John W. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-455-9127 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ john-w-francisco Hawkins, A. David Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC Lynchburg 434-332-5155 overbeylaw.com/bios/ a-david-hawkins Kowalski, Scott W. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/scott-w-kowalski Mooney, Chad A. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/chad-a-mooney
Devening, Henry C. Lynchburg 434-847-6787 lynchburggeneralpracticelawyer.com
Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke Lynchburg 434-455-9945 gentrylocke.com/pulley
Hawkins, A. David Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC Lynchburg 434-332-5155 overbeylaw.com/bios/ a-david-hawkins
Watson, J. Frederick Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Johnson, Eric S. Agnew, Johnson & Rosenberger PLLC Lynchburg 434-847-9066 injuryanddisabilitylaw.com Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
CONSTRUCTION Creasy, S. Henry IV Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-455-9127 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ s-henry-creasy-iv Kowalski, Scott W. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/scott-w-kowalski
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When It’s Your Life, Don’t Take Chances
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Sanzone & Baker, LLP, is a law firm that handles legal cases throughout Virginia, from the District Courts to the Virginia Supreme Court and in Federal Court. We are an old established firm with thousands of satisfied former clients, trying hundreds of cases all over the state each month. Personal Injury • Criminal Law • Family Law Representation Civil Trial Litigation • Representation for Injured Workers
434.846.4691 • 1106 Commerce Street Suite 3A, Lynchburg, VA 24504 • sanzoneandbakerlaw.com
Lucy, J. Barrett Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ j-barrett-lucy.shtml Pearson, Andrew Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/andrew-p-pearson Watson, J. Frederick Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
CRIMINAL DEFENSE Angel, James J. Lynchburg 434-845-4551 jjangellaw.com/index.php/contact-us Arthur, Mark B. Lynchburg 434-338-7028 markbarthur.com/About/ Mark-B-Arthur.shtml Drewry, B. Leigh Jr. B. Leigh Drewry, Jr. Lynchburg 434-239-0044 leighdrewry.com/attorneys-1.html
Hawkins, A. David Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC Lynchburg 434-332-5155 overbeylaw.com/bios/ a-david-hawkins
ELDER LAW
EMINENT DOMAIN
Davies, Jonathan E. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 davies-davies.net/about.html
Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Davies, Peter H. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 davies-davies.net/about.html
Houck, Leighton S. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Sanzone, Joseph A. Sanzone & Baker LLP Lynchburg 434-846-4691 sanzoneandbakerlaw.com/attorneys/ joseph-a-sanzone.shtml
Feinman, Edward (Ron) Jr. Law Offices of Ron Feinman, Esq. Lynchburg 434-528-0696 elderlawanswers.com/elder-lawattorneys/Ron-Feinman/attId/7171/ locId/483 Isenhour, F.E. ‘Tripp’ Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
EDUCATION Watson, J. Frederick Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Waugh, Melissa K. JD, MPH Lynchburg 434-200-8287
Pulley, Glenn W. Gentry Locke Lynchburg 434-455-9945 gentrylocke.com/pulley
GENERAL PRACTICE Devening, Henry C. Lynchburg 434-847-6787 lynchburggeneralpracticelawyer.com Leebrick, Thomas S. Lynchburg 434-847-4546 thomasleebrick.com
Leebrick, Thomas S. Lynchburg 434-847-4546 thomasleebrick.com
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Yoder, Wanda L. Lynchburg 434-846-547 pview.findlaw.com/view/1571519_1
Erwin, Walter C. III Lynchburg 434-455-3980 legaldirectories.com/Erwin-Walter-CIII-490706-Atty.aspx
Do You have
Peace of Mind? Are your assets protected if you need Long Term Care? Have you effectively planned for yourself and your loved ones? Do you have a child or loved one with Special Needs? Are all your affairs in order? Let us help ease your mind. Call us today for a free consultation!
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434.528.0696 | 801 Main Street, Lynchburg VA | ronfeinmanlaw.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
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Houck, Leighton S. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
HEALTH CARE LAW
Phillips, William E. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Sorenson, Eric J. Jr. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ rick-j-sorenson Trent, Holly B. Lynchburg 434-200-3000
Sloan, Michael R. Overstreet Sloan Attorney at Law Bedford 540-597-1024 overstreetsloan.com/personnel/ michael-overstreet
IMMIGRATION LAW
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Dirom, Pavlina Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Coates, Gary M. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ gary-m-coates.shtml
INSURANCE Dawson, G. Edgar III Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/g-edgar-dawson-iii
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Falcone, John E. Lynchburg 434-455-5936 pldrlaw.com/john-e-falcone
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
PERSONAL INJURY Hawkins, A. David Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC Lynchburg 434-332-5155 overbeylaw.com/bios/ a-david-hawkins Mooney, Chad A. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/chad-a-mooney Peake, Mark Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Phillips, Thomas L. Jr. Phillips, Morrison & Ferrell Rustburg 434-821-5022 pmjf.com/attorney-profiles/ thomas-l-phillips-jr/pmjf.com Trost, Randall J. Randall J Trost Pc Lynchburg 434-528-4222 trostlaw.com/attorney-profiles/ randall-j-trost
Wright, Frank A. Jr. Overbey, Hawkins & Wright, PLLC Lynchburg 434-332-5155 overbeylaw.com/bios/frank-a-wright-jr
REAL ESTATE Alford, John Jr. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Creasy, S. Henry IV Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-455-9127 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ s-henry-creasy-iv Davies, Peter H. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 davies-davies.net/about.html Feinman, Paul J. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/paul-j-feinman/
Where are you going?
Monument Terrace in Lynchburg, VA
In business, as in life, it’s what lies ahead that counts—choices, challenges, and opportunities. Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams is here to advise you on all three. We have a long history of helping companies and individuals thrive. Let’s plan your future together. To learn about our more than 75 attorneys and 19 practice areas, visit our website at woodsrogers.com.
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Jester, Royston Lynchburg 434-528-5858 https://facebook.com/pages/ Jester-Jester/154250914611023
Craddock, Ted Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Houck, Leighton S. Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com
Jones, Hugh J. III Hugh J. M. Jones, III, PC Lynchburg 434-237-6458 business.lynchburgregion.org/list/ member/hugh-j-m-jones-iii-p-c-388
Davies, Jonathan E. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 davies-davies.net/about.html
Richards, James R. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/james-r-richards
Davies, Peter H. Lynchburg 434-528-5500 davies-davies.net/about.html
Whitesell, Darryl D. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ darryl-d-whitesell
TAX LAW Dunn, Terrance J. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ terrance-j-dunn.shtml Whitesell, Darryl D. Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ darryl-d-whitesell
WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATES Baldwin, Bernard C. III Woods, Rogers, Edmunds & Williams Lynchburg 434-846-9000 woodsrogers.com/attorney_/ bernard-c-baldwin-iii
Dunn, Terrance J. Lynchburg 434-528-3400 freemandunn.com/attorneys/ terrance-j-dunn.shtml Feinman, Paul J. Lynchburg 434-846-2768 pldrlaw.com/paul-j-feinman Feinman, Edward (Ron) Jr. Law Offices of Ron Feinman, Esq Lynchburg 434-528-0696 https://elderlawanswers.com/ elder-law-attorneys/Ron-Feinman/ attId/7171/locId/483
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Cochran, Gregory Caskie & Frost Lynchburg 434-846-2731 caskiefrost.com Evans, Robert E. Lynchburg 434-845-4551 reevanslaw.com/Pages/aboutus.aspx Leebrick, Thomas S. Lynchburg 434-847-4546 thomasleebrick.com
Methodology & Disclaimers From DataJoe
Summary. To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, any lawyer who has been disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments. Final note. We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list. Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact Chris Tu, Researcher, at surveys@datajoe.com.
Serving Lynchburg and Central Virginia since 1896
C
askie & Frost is a full-service law firm serving the people and businesses of Lynchburg and Central Virginia for more than 120 years. From its inception, Caskie & Frost established, and has maintained, a reputation for excellence and a tradition of professional leadership and superior client service, offering a broad range of quality legal services. Business Law • Civil Litigation • Divorce & Family Law Personal Injury • Criminal Law • Wills & Estates • Immigration
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Attorney at Law B. LEIGH DREWRY, JR. 104B Archway Court Lynchburg VA 24502 434.239.0044 | www.leighdrewry.com Leigh Drewry is a 1979 graduate of the University of Virginia. He entered the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in August, 1980, completing his degree requirements in December, 1982. In February, 1984, he moved to Lynchburg to work as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. He served as a prosecutor in Campbell County for two years and in the City of Lynchburg for eight years. In February, 1994, Leigh opened his own practice. Leigh has concentrated his practice in criminal defense, but takes a wide variety of cases which take him into the courtroom. His caseload has included capital cases and the defense of civil commitments of individuals the state calls “sexually violent predators.” Leigh has argued several cases before the Virginia Supreme Court, including Townes v. Commonwealth, 269 Va. 234 (2005). He has made several presentations at CLEs on the civil commitment of “sexually violent predators.” Leigh has served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as its president. A native of Southampton County, Leigh is happily married to the former Anne C. Goode of Richmond. Together they are the parents of Robert, a graduate of the University of Richmond and its law school, and Rebecca, a graduate of the College of Charleston.
Lawyer Profiles of Area Lawyers & Practices
B. Leigh Drewry, Jr.
CASKIE & FROST
FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM Attorneys Leighton S. Houck Theodore J. Craddock Gregory P. Cochran Joy Lee Price Mark J. Peake John R. Alford, Jr. J. Frederick Watson Pavlina B. Dirom F.E. “Tripp” Isenhour, III William E. Phillips
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Caskie & Frost is a full-service law firm serving the people and businesses of Lynchburg and Central Virginia for more than 120 years. From its inception, Caskie & Frost has maintained a reputation for excellence, professional leadership, and superior client service. Our services include civil and criminal litigation, domestic relations, business law, personal injury, insurance defense, and more. We look forward to serving Lynchburg and Central Virginia for years to come.
2306 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501 (434) 846-2731 • caskiefrost.com
Cox Law Group
Janice ROY Hansen 900 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.845.2600 | coxlawgroup.com Janice Roy Hansen is a Member of Cox Law Group, PLLC, where she has focused her practice entirely on representing individuals, families, and small businesses in bankruptcy cases for over 13 years. She earned her B.S. degree in Psychology in 1991 and her law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1996. She has been an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. Janice was a recent speaker at a continuing education seminar on consumer bankruptcy law for the Western District of Virginia, and she has served on the executive committee of the Lynchburg Bar Association. Janice is passionate about helping individuals struggling with overwhelming debt find relief in a dignified and effective manner through the bankruptcy process and she provides clients with thoughtful, skilled and compassionate legal representation. Janice has been selected by her peers as one of Lynchburg‘s Top Lawyers in Bankruptcy for 2017.
Agnew, Johnson & Rosenberger ERIC JOHNSON
Attorney at Law HUGH J.M. JONES, III P.C.
722 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-847-9066 | www.InjuryandDisabilityLaw.com
20580-A Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-237-6458
Eric has been practicing in Virginia since 1992. He has dedicated 25 years of practice to litigating cases on behalf of accident victims. Eric has handled automobile, tractor trailer, premises liability and other personal injury cases across the state. He also represents clients in Social Security Disability and Workers Compensation matters.
I grew up in Vermont and came to Virginia to attend the Virginia Military Institute. Following graduation from VMI in 1966, I attended Washington and Lee Law School. After graduation in 1969, I served five years in the U. S. Army as an attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corp. Most of my time in the army was spent defending soldiers in court marshals and other disciplinary proceedings. I served 4 years in Germany and finished up with a year in Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1974, upon leaving the army, I returned to Lynchburg with my wife, Betsy, who grew up in Lynchburg. I started my practice in Lynchburg working with Leyburn Mosby until 1980 when I opened my own practice as a sole practitioner on Timberlake Road where I remain. For many years, my practice was a broad general practice from criminal matters to civil matters and everything in between. In recent years I have concentrated on real estate matters, business law, wills and estates, and some civil litigation. I have been involved in the community having been a member of several boards and have volunteered for various activities. When I am not at the office, I enjoy walking, hiking, biking, skiing and traveling to visit my two daughters and four grandchildren.
Eric has also been recognized by The National Trial lawyers, Top 100 Trial lawyers. Eric is a Charlottesville native. He received his undergraduate degree from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, and his law degree from the University of Richmond. He is a member of the Lynchburg Bar Association, the Campbell County Bar Association, the Virginia Trial lawyers Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. Away from the office, Eric enjoys spending time with his three kids, Will 18, Mack 16 and Kakie 13; running, mountain biking, fishing, and grouse hunting with his German Shorthair pointer.
ERIC JOHNSON
Hugh J.M. Jones, III P.C.
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Gentry Gentry Locke Locke Attorneys Attorneys HERSCHEL HERSCHEL V. V. KELLER KELLER
Gentry Gentry Locke Locke Attorneys Attorneys GLENN GLENN W. W. PULLEY PULLEY
801 801 Main Main Street, Street, 11th 11th Floor Floor Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA VA 24504 24504 434-455-9944 434-455-9944 || Keller@gentrylocke.com Keller@gentrylocke.com
801 801 Main Main Street, Street, 11th 11th Floor Floor Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA VA 24504 24504 434-455-9945 434-455-9945 || Pulley@gentrylocke.com Pulley@gentrylocke.com
Herschel HerschelKeller Kellerrepresents representsbusinesses, businesses,governmental governmentalentities, entities,and and institutions institutionsin inLynchburg Lynchburgand andacross acrossthe theCommonwealth Commonwealththrough throughhis his practice practiceof ofCorporate Corporateand andBusiness BusinessLaw. Law.He Heisisactive activein inthe thecommunity, community, including includingserving servingas aspast pastpresident presidentof ofthe theCentral CentralDistrict DistrictCommittee Committee for forthe theAssociated AssociatedGeneral GeneralContractors Contractorsof ofVirginia. Virginia.“Bringing “Bringingobjectivity objectivity into intodifficult difficultbusiness businessdecisions decisionsisisaakey keyrole rolefor forany anybusiness businesslawyer. lawyer.II like liketo tolearn learnmy myclient’s client’sbusiness businessso soIIcan canbe bean anobjective, objective,guiding guidinghand hand during duringcomplex, complex,difficult, difficult,or oremotional emotionallegal legalsituations. situations.In Inmy myattorneyattorneyclient clientrelationships relationshipstrust trustflows flowsboth bothways, ways,and andthe theclient’s client’sinterest interest always alwayscomes comesbefore beforeanyone anyoneelse’s. else’s.IIstrive striveto tobe beresponsive, responsive,because because good goodadvice advicedoes doeslittle littlegood goodififititisisdelayed.” delayed.”
Glenn GlennPulley Pulleywas wasinducted inductedas asaaFellow Fellowof ofthe theAmerican AmericanCollege Collegeof ofTrial Trial Lawyers Lawyersin in2002, 2002,and andserved servedas asChairman Chairmanof ofthe theVirginia VirginiaCommittee Committeeof of the theAmerican AmericanCollege Collegeof ofTrial TrialLawyers Lawyersin in2013 2013and and2014. 2014.Since Since1976, 1976, Glenn Glennhas hashandled handledmore morethan than150 150civil civiljury jurytrials trialsfor forplaintiffs plaintiffsand and defendants defendantsinvolving involvingpersonal personalinjury/property injury/propertydamage, damage,product productliability, liability, commercial, commercial,construction, construction,employment, employment,estates, estates,and andeminent eminentdomain. domain. Glenn Glennisisaahighly highlyrespected respectedlegal legalresource resourceto toseveral severalmunicipal municipalentities. entities. “I“Istrive striveto toaccurately accuratelyand andhonestly honestlyevaluate evaluatethe therisks risksand andrewards rewardsmy my client clientcan canexpect expectififthe thecase casegoes goesto totrial. trial.I’m I’mat athome homein inthe thecourtroom, courtroom, but butI’m I’meven evenmore morecomfortable comfortableknowing knowingthat that my myclient clientand andIIshare shareaa bond bondof ofconfidence confidencein inthe theoptions optionswe wewill willpursue, pursue,whether whethernegotiating negotiating in inaaconference conferenceroom roomor orlitigating litigatingin incourt. court.””
HERSCHEL HERSCHEL V.V. KELLER KELLER
GLENN GLENN W. W. PULLEY PULLEY
Phillips, Morrison, & Ferrell FRANK WEST MORRISON
Bank of the James Building 828 Main Street, Suite 1403, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-907-4805 * www.pmjf.com Frank West Morrison is an attorney, mediator and a collaborative professional. He is a frequent lecturer, trainer and author on family law, mediation and collaboration topics and is an adjunct professor at Washington & Lee Law School, teaching basic and advanced negotiation classes since August of 2004. He is the former Chair of the Board of Governors of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar and the former Chair of the Domestic Relations Counsel of the Virginia Bar Association. He is the recipient of the Founder ADR in Virginia Award, the Virginia State Bar Continuing Legal Education Award, and the Life Time achievement award presented by the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section. He has been recognized in the Virginia Super Lawyer & Virginia Legal Elite publications for many years. Mr. Morrison is an effective and successful trial attorney and is a skilled negotiator settling approximately 85% of his cases, often with creative solutions for his clients.
Frank West Morrison
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OVERSTREET SLOAN
MICHAEL SLOAN 14805 Forest Road, Suite 106 • 434.525.8579 806 E. Main Street, Suite 101 • 434.597.1024 overstreetsloan.com Overstreet Sloan, PLLC congratulates Michael Sloan for his selection as one of the Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg. Overstreet Sloan, PLLC provides a team-oriented approach to legal representation in a wide variety of matters including divorce, custody and support, personal injury, workers’ compensation, corporate formation and governance, commercial litigation, traffic and criminal cases, and estate planning. From offices in Forest and Bedford, our experienced attorneys represent individuals, small businesses and large companies in state and federal courts throughout Central Virginia, the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia. Client Focused. Trial Tested. Overstreet Sloan.
LAW OFFICES OF RON FEINMAN
RON FEINMAN | ELDER LAW 801 Main Street, Lynchburg VA 434.528.0696 | ronfeinmanlaw.com Ron Feinman is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1979 and maintains an Elder Law practice serving all of Central Virginia. We help you take care of yourself and your loved ones, preserve and protect your assets, and structure your affairs in a manner best suited to your concerns and desires for your family. Our firm serves the needs of elder law clients, seriously injured individuals of all ages, as well as those requiring sophisticated estate, business, or legacy planning. Services include the custom design of Revocable Living Trusts, Wills, Medical Powers of Attorney, Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and other fundamental estate planning documents, all as a part of a comprehensive and unified plan. We help our clients maintain or qualify for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), various Veterans Benefits, including Pension Benefits (which are way more inclusive than you might think), Enhanced Pension, and Aid and Attendance. We have extensive experience helping those who are retired, those with special needs, and those who have been seriously injured, whom we can assist with: • The design and crafting of a Special Needs Trust or Medicaid Asset Protection Trust • The design and implementation of a Medicaid Spend Down plan • The preservation and protection of assets for those needing governmental benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare • Guardianships and Conservatorships We also help our clients with Life Insurance Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts, Generation Skipping and Dynasty Trusts, GRITs, GRATs, Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGT’s) and other sophisticated estate planning programs.
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Attorney at Law
RANDALL J. TROST 801 Main St, #10, Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-528-4222 www.trostlaw.com
Randall J. Trost, practicing personal injury law, has a diverse educational background. He arrived in Lynchburg, VA in 1967 after accepting a position in nuclear engineering at the Babcock & Wilcox Company. In qualification for that position, he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. These degrees were earned during a six-year program which included a one year participation in the Student Exchange Program with the University of Puerto Rico. This experience in Puerto Rico resulted in his proficiency in Spanish. Mr. Trost worked at Babcock & Wilcox for fifteen years during which time he processed his scientific background by authoring a computer design program for Thermal and Mechanical Fuel Rod Analysis. This Program was presented by Mr. Trost at a national conference held by the American Nuclear Society in New York City. Mr. Trost attended the Washington & Lee School of Law during the period of 1974 through 1977, while still employed by the Babcock & Wilcox Company. Upon passing the State Bar Examination, he was licensed as an Attorney on February 27, 1978. Mr. Trost opened his law practice in 1982 and focused upon criminal law and personal injury claims/associated litigation during the past 35 years. His personal injury practice specialized in motor vehicle crashes and product liability claims. His scientific training has been useful in analyzing both vehicle collision evidence and product malfunction/design defects. His legal activities included several successful appeals to the Supreme Court of Virginia on both matters of injury liability and criminal law. Randall Trost previously served on the Board of Directors for the charitable organization “Our Daily Bread.” Finally, Randall Trost founded and sponsored a weekly radio program entitled Your Legal System At Work which was designed to inform the public of the functioning integrity and great value of our legal system. The radio program was broadcast on WGOL-FM for approximately four years. Mr. Trost was the host of the program and interviewed various Lynchburg lawyers to discuss principles of law. The Randall J. Trost Law Firm is unique in its overall academic background and profound interest in helping people injured for reasons of third party negligence.
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SANZONE & BAKER, LLP
JOSEPH SANZONE & PHILIP BAKER 1106 Commerce Street, Ste 3A Lynchburg, VA 24504 434-846-4691 www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com
JOSEPH A. SANZONE of Sanzone and Baker, LLP in Lynchburg practices in the areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Deaths, Product Liability, Motor Vehicle Accidents and Family Law. Joseph Sanzone has been a trial lawyer for thirty-five years. After serving as a prosecutor, he formed his own firm handling litigation of all types and representing numerous businesses as general counsel. He practiced with Paul Whitehead for many years until Mr. Whitehead’s death in 1991 and has practiced with Philip Baker for twenty-five years. His numerous criminal cases across the state of Virginia for the past thirty-five years demonstrate his ability to help clients have their stories told, and allow justice to prevail in their cases. His cases have been featured on “48 Hours” and in numerous newspapers, magazines, and on television. His personal injury verdicts in automobile accidents have included verdicts of more than a million dollars. In 2013 Mr. Sanzone was one of the plaintiff ’s attorneys in a wrongful death case in Charlottesville, VA that was the largest wrongful death verdict in the history of the state of Virginia. He handles cases from the trial courts straight through to the appeals courts. He has appealed cases to the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court, and has won cases in each of these courts. Mr. Sanzone has been selected to be one of Virginia’s Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine, Virginia’s Most Outstanding Lawyers by Richmond Magazine, America’s Premier Lawyers by Fortune Magazine, Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers and AVI by Martindale-Hubbell.
PHILIP B. BAKER, of Sanzone & Baker, L.L.P. in Lynchburg, practices in the areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury, criminal and traffic violations, collaborative law, mediation and family practice matters, general civil litigation, and employment matters. He is a regular presenter at professional education programs regarding Virginia workers’ compensation issues. Mr. Baker has been certified by the Judicial Council of Virginia as a Virginia Mediator, and he regularly participates in the mediation resolution of workers’ compensation and employment disputes and family law matters. Mr. Baker has also been certified as a Collaborative Law Practitioner Professional since 2005, and has been recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the Lynchburg City Bar Association, the Bedford County Bar Association, the Virginia Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the International Association of Collaborative Law Professionals, and the Virginia Association of Collaborative Law Professionals. Mr. Baker received his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and his J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law.
434-846-4691 • www.sanzoneandbakerlaw.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018
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