Top best Family Lawyers in Chesapeake | 30 available

James E. Short is a skilled lawyer who has over 30 years of experience. His practice is focused on a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases as well as DUI defense, family law and personal injury. As a former prosecutor, James E. Short, provides a unique perspective to assess your legal needs. He is committed to providing the highest level of service at an affordable price and fighting for the rights of his client. His successful track record has earned him the recognition of his colleagues and clients alike. Please call the office at to schedule an appointment.

I started my legal career with the Portsmouth Public Defender's Office.  This served as an invaluable experience as I handled all types of criminal cases from misdemeanor driving charges to murder.  After almost four years as an Assistant Public Defender, I decided to take a position with the Chesapeake Commonwealth Attorney's Office as a Vice and Narcotics' prosecutor.  I handled cases involving large scale drug distribution, possession charges, DUIs/DWIs, animal cruelty, violent crimes and civil forfeiture matters.  During  my time as a prosecutor, I trained detectives on how to be an effective expert witness and present the evidence needed to win the case.  Now as a defense attorney, I use those same skills to zealously represent my clients, protect their interests and help keep them out of jail.. In addition, I am now a single mother and understand the hardships of divorce/separation on a family. I personally understand the importance of a competent and caring attorney that can help you through the trying times of divorce and related custody matters. It is a difficult time that no one should feel that they have to endure without someone in their corner fighting for them.

I have been practicing law in Virginia since 1998.  I earned my law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana University.  I am also a certified public accountant (CPA) and I have a significant financial background and knowledge of business valuations, child support issues, and other financial aspects of divorce.  Moreover, I have over two decades experience with issues affecting families of divorce and separated status and dealing with custody matters.  I have been trained as a family and general mediator and in the area of collaborative law, to preserve the dignity of the family.  My practice is focused primarily in the area of family law and domestic relations.

I began my practice as a criminal defense attorney with the Public Defender's office for the City of Norfolk.  After nearly two years handling misdemeanors & felonies with a concentration in the Juvenile Courts, I ventured into private practice.. I worked for a solo practitioner as an Associate Attorney doing all areas of family law, continuing to serve a criminal defense attorney either as a Court Appointed Attorney for the courts or with retained clients.  Additionally, I became certified as Guardian ad litem (GAL).  A GAL is a licensed attorney with an extra certification that represents the best interests of children in a custody/visitation case.. In 2006 after having my second child, I wanted to continue with my career but have the flexibility to also be a mom.  So I opened my own practice. My staff and I get along wonderfully and I consider them family. Therefore, we work well together and represent our clients  with the utmost care and respect with your family in mind.. In my spare time I am a member of the King's Daughters Infinity Circle and raise money for the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters.  I am also a Crossfit Level 1 trainer which allows me to coach Crossfit.  I also actively train in Crossfit.  And of course, I have my own family with 3 active children that keep me busy.. Our family is here to help yours.

I am proud to have been selected as AV-Rated (Preminent) in Family Law by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings system, and to be included in the 2018 and 2019 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America for Family Law.. I earned my Law Degree (J.D.) from the T. C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond.  My undergraduate degree is from Virginia Commonwealth University -School of Business.. I entered private practice in Norfolk in 1978 after completing a Judicial Clerkship with the Virginia Supreme Court.  Initially focusing on injury cases, I quickly evolved into family law, which remains the focus of my practice today.. I enjoy boating, golf and the beach.  Anywhere near the water is great, except when on the golf course!

I am an associate with the firm of Shannon & Associates who concentrates in family law, criminal law, elder law and civil litigation.. I practiced with the firm of Tavss Fletcher for nearly seven years, and am now with the firm of Shannon & Associates.. I was born and raised in New Zealand.  I graduated from Waikato University Law School in Hamilton, New Zealand, and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1998.  After practicing law in New Zealand for several years, I moved to the US in 2003.  I received a LLM from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in 2010 and was admitted to practice law in Virginia. If you would like to schedule an appointment with me, you can e-mail me  at   You can also call the office at.

I am aggressive and proactive in my representation. Having been a family lawyer for 15 years in Hampton Roads, I have good relationships my colleagues. I am also a five-time Virginia state Chess Champion and will determine the best strategy and tactics to use to maximize your result in Court. Often, it may be to advise you to take an action you may never have thought about taking.

Emily Rebecca Dunn, Esq. is a family law attorney and a passionate advocate for families and children. She strives to resolve disputes while preserving the parties’ relationship by bringing a cooperative approach to the table. Emily is dually barred in both Virginia and Florida. As a military spouse, she is familiar with the additional layers of complication faced by military families when they separate. Emily practices in the Hampton Roads area with a focus on Chesapeake and the Fifth District. Emily accepts court appointments as Guardian ad litem in Suffolk and Chesapeake.. When not serving her clients, Emily can be found chauffering her three children to and from their activities.

Although originally from Long Island, I grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia.  After attending the University of Virginia and the Charleston School of Law, I was happy to return to the Tidewater area to begin my legal career.  I love the work that I do as an associate at Foley & Foley, P.C.  From employment work to family law, I find deep satisfaction in working closely with individuals to successfully resolve their legal issues.. Community outreach is exceptionally important to me.  I am a member of the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association and serve on the Bench Bar Committee.  In addition, I am actively involved with the Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management and am on the board of the Ghent Dog Park Association.. I live in the Ghent section of Norfolk, Virginia with my rescue dog, Margo.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, and practicing yoga.  A true beach girl at heart, I can frequently be found at the beach or enjoying one of the many excellent restaurants in Norfolk.  I'm an avid sports fan and concert-goer and have a passion for travel - I'm always planning my next adventure.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in Chesapeake and surrounding areas.