Stephen J. Clarke

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...

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...

As a highly effective and sought-after trial advocate and proven litigator, Kelvin Newsome knows from longevity of experience that dispute resolution—whether in or out of court—demands more than just legal knowledge; it requires the instinct to anticipate opposition and the composure to execute under pressure. He brings both of these sought-after qualities to his defense practice. Over the course of his career, Kelvin has resolved serious disputes and seemingly intractable litigat...

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...

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...

Kristina H. Vaquera is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Kristina H. practices law in Norfolk, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Kristina H. Vaquera 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 Kristina H. Vaquera is held by other lawyers.

Kevin B. Rack is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Kevin B. practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Kevin B. Rack since 2009. 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 Kevin B. Rack is held by other lawyers.

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.

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 ...

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.