Paul W. Gerhardt

Eric Washburn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Eric, who practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen M. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stephen M., who practices law in Hampton, Virginia, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan is the 2024 President of the Virginia Bar Association. He handles high-stakes litigation with a focus on complex business disputes, construction law, and maritime law. He also serves as local counsel in the Eastern District of Virginia in patent and other cases. He was managing partner from 2012 to 2020. Ryan’s experience includes state and federal jury trials, mediations, panel arbitrations, and appeals. His cases involve business conspiracies, technology disputes, government cont...

Jim Hurley is the managing partner at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers in Norfolk, Virginia. As a Virginia personal injury attorney with more than 30 years of experience, he represents individuals and families in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs matters throughout Virginia. Over the course of his career, Jim has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and has helped thousands of people pursue compensation after serious accidents and injuries. Jim is committed to providing attenti...

Ashley E. Nimitz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Ashley E., who practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashley E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Debbie has over 37 years experience handling all aspects of family law. Her practice areas include Contested and Uncontested Divorces, Spousal Support, Child Custody, Visitation and Support, Separation Agreements, Equitable Distribution of Property, Division of Retirement, Pensions and Profit Sharing Plans, Business Valuation and Division, Post-Divorce Issues, Pre-marital Agreements and Marital Agreements. She practices in the Circuit Courts and the J & DR courts throughout Hampton Roads....

Erin E. Jewell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Erin E., who practices law in Yorktown, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erin E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristina H. Vaquera is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Kristina H., who practices law in Norfolk, Virginia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristina H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stewart Gill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stewart, who practices law in Hampton, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stewart is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.