E. Diane "Diane" Thompson

Jim is Chairman of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. His primary practice areas include admiralty, business, cybersecurity, data privacy, railroad/transit, and unmanned systems. Jim has tried over 100 cases to jury verdicts for clients involving a broad range of legal disputes. Jim advises governing boards and senior leadership regarding risks and resolution strategies in high-profile cases. His service as general counsel to companies, and as a director and officer of several non-pr...

Eric Washburn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Eric practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Eric Washburn since 2025. 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 Eric Washburn is held by other lawyers.

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...

Don joined the firm in 1993 and is the Managing Partner and Chair of the firm’s Commercial Bankruptcy and Creditor’s Rights Practice Group. He practices in the areas of eminent domain, commercial real estate finance, civil litigation, construction law, and business bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. He has provided advice and counsel to clients in commercial real estate financing, loan workouts, construction matters, collections and foreclosures and has successfully represent...

With over a decade of experience, including ten years at Hook Law Center, P.C., Shannon has developed a significant presence in elder law and special needs planning. Her practice addresses issues related to aging and disability, spanning from basic estate planning to advanced long-term care asset protection strategies. Shannon works with clients on a range of matters, including guardianships, conservatorships, complex estate administration, and comprehensive estate plan development, offering ...

Stephen M. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stephen M. practices law in Hampton, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen M. Smith since 1997. 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 Stephen M. Smith is held by other lawyers.

Paul R. Hernandez is a partner at Kalfus & Nachman PC in Norfolk, Virginia, representing individuals in personal injury litigation throughout Virginia and North Carolina. His practice focuses on helping injured clients pursue compensation after serious accidents and injuries. Mr. Hernandez works closely with clients throughout each stage of the legal process, providing straightforward guidance, clear communication, and practical advice tailored to their circumstances. Known for his thorou...

Ashley E. Nimitz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Ashley E. practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Ashley E. Nimitz since 2026. 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 Ashley E. Nimitz is held by other lawyers.

Vanessa Macias Stillman serves as guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults and has experience litigating in several areas of fiduciary law, including contested guardianship and conservatorship actions, will contests, partitions of property, suits for breach of fiduciary duty, and a variety of complex trust and estate matters. Ms. Stillman graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish. She earned her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law...

John M. Cooper is one of the founding partners at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers and a veteran of Virginia personal injury law practice. A native of Hampton Roads, Virginia, he was raised in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1988, John returned home to work as a law clerk for a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. John has a passion for justice and has been blessed to have a l...