Tara Chadbourn

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 ...

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...

A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, Mr. Garriott represents clients in divorce, property settlement agreements, child custody and pre-marital agreements. He also handles a variety of civil litigation including personal injury, employment, workers' compensation, and contract matters. Mr. Garriott was selected for the 2009 Class of Leaders in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly and holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating of A...

Cynthia Chaing is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Cynthia practices law in Virginia Beach, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Cynthia Chaing 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 professional regard in which Cynthia Chaing is held by other lawyers.

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 ...

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...

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...

Howard P. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Howard P. practices law in Hampton, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Howard P. Smith since 2008. 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 Howard P. Smith 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.

Avery T. Waterman, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Avery T. practices law in Williamsburg, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Avery T. Waterman, Jr. 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 Avery T. Waterman, Jr. is held...