Best Lawyers^® - Purely Peer Review^™

Erika Harmon Arner is a nationally recognized leader in trial practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and related appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She consistently ranks as one of the top three female attorneys appearing in PTAB trials and was named a PTAB Litigator of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property. She has argued and won a number of landmark cases at the PTAB and Federal Circuit for both patent challengers and patent owners. Erika&rs...

Richard J. Serpe is a Virginia personal injury and maritime attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC in Norfolk, Virginia. He has practiced law since 1986 and represents individuals and families injured by negligence throughout Hampton Roads and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Serpe’s practice focuses on serious personal injury and wrongful death litigation involving car accidents , truck accidents , motorcycle crashes , dog bites , pedestrian and bicycle...

Patrick L. Maurer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Patrick L. practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Patrick L. Maurer since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Patrick L. Maurer is held by other lawyers.

Alison Zizzo is a Shareholder at Midgett Preti Olansen and concentrates her practice in trust and estate litigation, including fiduciary disputes, beneficiary representation, guardian and conservatorships, and elder law. Ms. Zizzo has extensive civil litigation experience and can handle a variety of general litigation matters, including business disputes, collection and defense of debts and contract disputes. In addition, Ms. Zizzo handles complex trust and estate administration matters, assi...

Stephanie C. Smith is a Shareholder in the law firm of Midgett Preti Olansen. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business matters. Additionally, Ms. Smith serves as a Commissioner of Accounts for Virginia Beach Circuit Court. In her role as Commissioner of Accounts, Ms. Smith supervises fiduciaries and audits accountings and other filings by administrators and executors of estates, trustees of trusts, guardians and conservators for minor children ...

Elliott M. Buckner Partner | Cantor, Grana, Buckner, Bucci, P.C. (The Virginia Trial Firm) | Richmond, Virginia Reviewed by Elliott M. Buckner, Partner. Last reviewed: June 15, 2026. Elliott M. Buckner is a partner at Cantor, Grana, Buckner, Bucci, P.C. (CGBB), The Virginia Trial Firm in Richmond, Virginia. Elliott represents clients in every kind of personal injury claim , including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, tractor-trailer crashes, car collisions, and product liability...

William W. C. Harty is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. William W. C. practices law in Yorktown, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized William W. C. Harty since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professi...

Eddie Bagnell serves on Spotts Fain's executive committee and is secretary of the firm. He is a litigator whose practice includes a wide range of civil litigation matters, including business torts, commercial litigation, real estate disputes, eminent domain, construction, employment, insurance coverage and defense, and estate litigation. Eddie's experience includes trials and appeals in state and federal court throughout Virginia, as well as proceedings before the Virginia State Corporation C...

Here is the revised bio with the year calculation removed, keeping it straightforward and aligned with standard Best Lawyers ® profile styling: John E. Lichtenstein is a founding member of Lichtenstein Law Group PLC in Roanoke, Virginia. Recognized by Best Lawyers ® since 2006, he has been honored across five distinct practice areas: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and Personal ...

My legal practice is dedicated to helping clients resolve divorce, property, support, and custody issues, and to move forward in a positive direction. My team and I guide our clients through the legal, emotional, and financial aspects of the divorce process as efficiently and effectively as possible. We have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the challenges associated with marital and child related conflicts. I enjoy working on cases that involve complex financial issues. I hav...