- DivorceMembers of our Family Law group are recognized in “The Legal Elite” and “The Super Lawyers” and are affiliated with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Virginia Coalition for Legislative Change, Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Tidewater and the Judicial Committee for the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
- Child SupportWe are experienced in complex divorce issues including valuation of businesses, tracing separate interests in marital property, protecting separate assets, equitable distribution of marital assets, spousal support, custody and visitation, and child support. Our Family Law attorneys can also assist in adoptions, prenuptial agreements and other domestic issues including post-divorce issues involving division of retirement and custody and support matters.
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Adoption
- Premarital Agreement
- GuardianshipChesapeake Humane Society was nominated by Amy Harman, a Member in our Chesapeake office. Founded in 1972, Chesapeake Humane Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is funded by private donors and does not receive government subsidies. Their mission is to promote the welfare of companion animals through programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, increase adoptions, and encourage responsible pet guardianship through affordable pet care. Their vision is to help pets and the people who love them find each other and stay together. The Society supports the homeless and underserved animals of Chesapeake by providing low-cost veterinary services including, offering financial assistance to shelter animals and pets at risk of surrender in immediate medical need, and operating an adoption program for dogs, cats, and small animals. Our donation will help provide shelter, food, vaccinations and testing fees, microchip and registration for pets, and spay and neuter surgery. To adopt these adorable pets or read more about how you can help, please click here.
- Spousal Support
- Child AbuseSt. Mary’s Home was nominated by Gayle Gregg, the firm’s Technical Services Librarian. St. Mary’s Home was established in Norfolk in 1944 for abandoned and orphaned children. It is now home to 88 children, newborn to age 21, living with severe intellectual and physical disabilities resulting from birth disorders, traumatic accidents, illness, or child abuse, who require around-the-clock attention. Additionally, with the opening of The Albero House in 2013, St. Mary’s also cares for 12 adults older than age 21. One of its kind in the entire state of Virginia, St. Mary’s Home offers medical, therapeutic, education, and recreational service. The home features four courtyards, including sensory and butterfly gardens, an atrium for sports and activities, hydrotherapy pool, and playground with specially adapted equipment. The residents of St. Mary’s home play with youth volunteers, therapy dogs, shop with staff, have their own prom, and go on field trips, providing the best quality of life. Our donation will help provide activities for the residents and occupational equipment. For more information on St. Mary’s Home, please click here.
- Criminal DefenseBuilt around a core of experienced trial lawyers who have tried many complex jury and non-jury cases in both federal and state courts locally and around the country, Kaufman & Canoles’ Litigation practice is one of the region’s most successful and well-regarded trial sections. Members of the Litigation practice each focus on particular areas of complex trial work in both federal and state courts and in both civil and criminal arenas. In addition to seasoned trial lawyers who handle a broad spectrum of commercial and contractual disputes, the section boasts a deep selection of bar leaders in a large number of more complex litigation areas including complex commercial disputes; intellectual property law, antitrust law, securities law, policyholder coverage matters, business torts, products liability, white-collar criminal defense, labor and employment, bankruptcy, environmental law, government contracting and construction law and others.
- Wrongful DeathOur attorneys handle complex commercial disputes arising from agreements unique to the maritime industry as well as marine casualty, personal injury, wrongful death, loss of cargo and pollution claims. We respond to government investigations, resolve administrative and criminal enforcement actions and defend criminal and civil litigation. Moreover, we handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers. We emphasize in-depth investigations and evaluate all settlement options in order to settle personal injury cases quickly under reasonable terms without litigation. When litigation is warranted, however, we work closely with the client to develop and execute an effective trial or appeal strategy.
- Sex CrimesThe Genieve Shelter was nominated by Nicole Harrell, a Member in our Norfolk office. The Genieve Shelter’s mission is to provide a safe refuge and supportive environment for the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking and provide free information, education, and training services that focus on ending the cycle of violence. Through their 24-hour crisis hotline, they are able help guide callers to safety in cases of domestic violence. Our donation will help provide free housing, purchase clothing, and personal care products and help families deal with legal issues that arise due to domestic violence. If you would like to donate or volunteer your time to help victims escape the cycle of violence and prevent future family violence, please click here.
- FraudKaufman & Canoles Senior Housing and Care Team is comprised of attorneys with substantial experience counseling clients in the unique challenges confronted by providers of housing and services for seniors. We have a keen understanding of the wide range of legal, healthcare and business issues that companies in the industry face, whether they are continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), active adult communities, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities or other combinations of senior living and healthcare services. Our lawyers work with clients as they move through the maze of Medicare, Medicaid, Fair Housing Act, HIPAA, ADA and OSHA issues among other regulatory issues; healthcare fraud and abuse inquiries and investigations; survey and certification matters; facilities and enterprise acquisitions; facility construction; financing transactions for tax exempt and taxable financing whether public or private placement and implementation of business agreements. We understand the challenging regulatory landscape the industry faces as the 62+ population continues to grow.
- White Collar CrimesComprehensive representation for corporations and individuals who have been charged with white collar crimes, including violations of antitrust and trade regulations, bribery, fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy and numerous related prosecutions, principally in federal courts. The firm has represented national, regional and local businesses, as well as officers, executives and other employees in matters of fiduciary violations, public corruption, and government fraud
- Theft
- EmbezzlementData privacy and security is increasingly important to your business and that of your clients. A stolen laptop, credit card data theft, employee embezzlement, or a hacker with access to your company’s website or private databases can be a significant threat not only to your clients, but to your valuable reputation as well. Every breach comes with potential liabilities. That’s why the Kaufman & Canoles Data Privacy and Security Practice Group is standing by to respond to your company’s needs, regardless of your size or industry. You may reach us at any time by calling or emailing our hotline –
- Assault
- Identity TheftKaufman & Canoles’ Consumer Finance Practice Group represents lenders, servicers, debt holders, furnishers of credit and investors in consumer credit litigation and class actions related to residential mortgage origination, servicing and default. It also represents lenders, debt holders, furnishers of credit and credit card issuers in consumer disputes, claims made under the FDCPA, FCRA, SCRA, ECOA, TCPA, unfair and deceptive trade practices, debt collection violations, identity theft, privacy issues, bankruptcy and fiduciary-related claims.
- Restraining OrderWe can help you protect your ideas from others or represent you in trial when you are accused of infringing on the IP rights of others. Kaufman & Canoles’ IP Litigation lawyers have earned reputations as some of the finest trial lawyers (who actually try IP cases to judges and juries). The group’s trial lawyers routinely represent clients in Virginia and throughout the nation on IP matters and are particularly adept at navigating the intricacies of, and trying, IP cases within the “rocket docket” of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The group’s IP lawyers have successfully tried many major patent, trademark and copyright trials to juries for international, national and regional businesses and have been involved in hundreds of such cases, establishing a record of trial success in these complex areas, as well as statewide reputations for their qualifications and capabilities. We can efficiently handle preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders when infringement issues arise. We also have successfully represented clients in disputes before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, WIPO and other tribunals under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, and in other alternate dispute resolution proceedings.
- Internet CrimesOur Internet law expertise ranges from online user agreements, e-commerce and private arrangements, protection under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and domain name and cybersquatting disputes. Our lawyers have litigated IT and Internet disputes ranging from computer crimes, to software copyright and trade secret infringement litigation actions, to domain name disputes under the cybersquatting provisions of the Lanham and ICANN’s Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy. We have developed considerable familiarity with UCITA, the legal code governing computer information transactions that has been enacted into law by the Virginia legislature.
- Corporate LawExtensive experience representing shareholders in corporate disputes, from derivative actions, to proxy battles, to claims of corporate waste and mismanagement
- Mergers and AcquisitionsOur attorneys work closely with members of our other commercial practice areas to collaborate on aspects of executive compensation, employee benefits (both qualified and non-qualified plans), and mergers and acquisitions, among others.
- Business FormationThe Alcoholic Beverage Team is dedicated to providing legal services for vineyards, breweries, and distilleries in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our attorneys have decades of experience assisting clients in business formation, financing, lease negotiation, permit acquisition, environmental issues, employment law, licensing and compliance. We guide our clients through the complex world of alcohol regulation and often represent clients before state and federal alcohol and beverage control agencies.
- Business DisputesAs the largest business law firm headquartered in Southeastern Virginia, we have built our reputation on legal excellence and responsive client service for more than 100 years. We believe we can best serve our clients by continuing to grow, broadening our scope of business, and hiring the best legal talent.
- Business TransactionsIn our experience in business transactions, one plus one rarely, if ever, equals two. Business combinations are generally about leveraging opportunities–combining the strengths and exploiting the synergies of the seller and buyer to create a combination that is greater than the sum of the parts. We understand that there are significant risk/reward elements faced by every buyer and seller in a transaction. A transaction’s opportunities as well as its liabilities and risks must be identified and addressed or the results will suffer—one plus one could fall short of two, or even worse. When transactions are properly planned and executed, both the buyer and the seller reap the rewards. When transactions are ill advised or poorly executed, the acquired entities can create a significant drag on otherwise healthy buyers, while sellers can easily find themselves unduly exposed on representations, warranties and indemnities. In every facet of our engagement, we strive to help our clients meet their business objectives while carefully assessing and managing the risks.
- Limited Liability CompaniesA significant portion of our practice is the representation of real estate developers, investors and related entities including REITs. Tax deferral for the sale or purchase of real estate is a common goal of these clients, and our attorneys constantly oversee and implement tax-deferral methods such as Section 1031 like-kind exchanges and Section 453 installment sales. In addition, our representation of these clients extends to advising them on matters involving new market tax credits, capital gains v. ordinary income planning on sale of assets, and net operating loss issues. We frequently consider the utility of limited liability companies (taxed either as a partnership or as a corporation electing subchapter S status) and subchapter S corporations in addressing clients’ matters and resolving issues. We are also proficient in matters involving entities that are disregarded for federal income taxation purposes such as single-member limited liability companies and qualified subchapter S subsidiaries.
- Construction ContractsAdvised school district on multiple school construction project including development of RFP, design, construction manager and construction contracts
- Trade Secrets
- Intellectual PropertyDue to its impressive depth, Kaufman & Canoles’ Intellectual Property Group is one of the most well recognized and strongest practices in the state. The Group has made a strong commitment to talent, boasting a former President of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the Virginia State Bar and recognition in Best Lawyers in America for Intellectual Property (one member listed multiple times as Patent Lawyer and Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year), Virginia Business’ Legal Elite, Virginia’s Super Lawyers (one member listed in the top 10 and top 50 lawyers in the State several years in a row for IP Litigation) and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers for IP Litigation.
- AntitrustOur focus in the technical area of antitrust law has allowed our trial team to successfully try cases for many different industry segments in both the civil and criminal arenas
- Wrongful TerminationModern business has created a kaleidoscope of federal and state employment laws. No matter which way employers turn, multifaceted legal complexities are in view. Most of these laws provide an avenue for workers – current employees, former employees, and even applicants – to challenge employment decisions in court or before agencies. Employers increasingly are being subjected to lawsuits based on allegations of discrimination, negligence, defamation or wrongful discharge theories. Lawsuits and other formal proceedings are expensive, intrusive, time-consuming and uncertain.
- Employment ContractIn addition, we are frequently involved on our clients’ behalf in the internal issues of physician practices, physician recruitment, physicians’ employment agreements, covenants not to compete, shareholders’ agreements, stock purchase agreements and deferred compensation arrangements.
- Employment LitigationThe Franchise Practice Group at Kaufman & Canoles has a history of success in representing both franchisors and franchisees. Our attorneys have served as counsel for large and small franchisors, as well as multi-unit and single unit franchisees. Come to us for legal advice including: becoming a franchisor, operating your franchise system, evaluating a franchise, setting up the best legal entity for your franchise, negotiating a fair lease, or contract and employment issues. We can also help you with complex issues such as franchise disputes or protection of your intellectual property.
- Severance Agreement
- Real Estate LitigationOur group members possess a wealth of talent and experience and have a proven track record in handling a wide variety of both routine and complex real estate matters. Our group members pride themselves on providing counsel that goes beyond the completion of assigned legal tasks and adds value to our clients’ projects.
- Construction LitigationHome to the largest Naval Base in the world, Hampton Roads is the ideal location for our team of experienced attorneys in Government Contracts and Construction Law.
- Real Estate TransactionsKaufman & Canoles’ long-established Credit Union Team combines attorneys from five of our offices, admitted in many states, each of whom understands the credit union difference: member owned, not-for profit financial institutions that are governed by volunteer boards. Our Credit Union Team attorneys, and dedicated and experienced paraprofessionals, are committed to helping credit union executives and their boards of directors run successful credit unions. On a daily basis, we advise credit unions on federal and state laws and regulations particular to the credit union community. We partner with credit unions to ensure smooth operations in all areas, including labor and employment and general compliance issues; Fair Credit Reporting Act and Uniform Commercial Code compliance; loan participation sales and purchases; commercial litigation including class action defense; corporate governance, and real estate transactions. We not only understand a credit union’s unique needs, we anticipate them.
- Eminent DomainKaufman & Canoles’ Eminent Domain Practice Group is dedicated to the representation of property owners impacted by condemnation matters across Virginia. We combine our thorough knowledge of eminent domain with decades of cumulative land planning, negotiation and litigation experience. Throughout the condemnation process, we work with clients to maximize the economic benefit, while also working to minimize the negative impacts of the condemnation on their overall property interests.
- Easement
- Land Use and Zoning
- Property DamageProducts liability, another area of special focus, includes the representation of manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the defense of personal injury, property damage, and industrial accident cases involving a broad scope of products ranging from consumer goods, chemicals, and power tools to heavy-duty farm, industrial, and military equipment
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Personal InjuryKaufman & Canoles’ Maritime Law team represents terminal and ship owners, cargo shippers, shipyards, terminal operators, towing and barge companies, stevedores and salvors in a variety of maritime litigation matters, including cases involving personal injury and death, cargo, collision, salvage and charter disputes. We are deeply connected to the maritime community and have a firm understanding of the complex laws and standards governing the operations of terminal facilities.
- Medical MalpracticeOur medical malpractice team adeptly handles litigation and counsels hospitals, physicians and allied health care entities in establishing and maintaining risk management programs
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningOur Estate, Trust & Wealth Transfer Group is dedicated to providing experienced trust and estate planning and administration for families, professionals, business owners, charities and fiduciaries. We have offered invaluable service and counseling to clients across Virginia, making sure of the proper transfer of businesses, wealth, property and values of our clients.
- Wills
- TrustsAs part of our service to the bar and keeping intimately involved with ever-evolving laws, we hold or have held leadership positions in professional organizations at the state and local levels, including: Virginia State Bar Trusts & Estates and Taxation Sections; Virginia Bar Association Committee on Wills, Trusts & Estates; Hampton Roads and Peninsula Estate Planning Councils; Hampton Roads Tax Forum; and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
- Probate
- BankruptcyKaufman & Canoles’ Consumer Finance Practice Group is dedicated to the representation of national and regional banks, mortgage companies, loan servicers, community banks, credit unions, card issuers and other secured and unsecured lenders in regulatory compliance and complex consumer, class action and bankruptcy litigation. We also represent furnishers of credit, debt buyers and holders, collection agencies and asset recovery specialists. We work closely with in-house counsel to identify realistic solutions, provide pragmatic advice and achieve solid, cost-effective results.
- ForeclosureFor lenders, we have extraordinary depth and experience in the making, administration and enforcement of secured and unsecured credit facilities. We provide lenders with workout and restructure solutions for a range of loans from the simple term loan with real and/or personal property collateral to complex securitized transactions. When necessary, we orchestrate receiverships with follow on or separate foreclosures of the collateral or sales, whether real or personal property.
- Tax LawOur practice group is composed of attorneys and other professionals who focus on transactional, development and land use matters as well as attorneys who focus on related areas such as environmental law and tax planning. In many instances our attorneys work closely with members of our Public Finance Practice Group in structuring and implementing public/private partnerships.
- Debt CollectionRepresent banks, lenders (home loan, auto, card, etc.), mortgage servicers, online lenders, third party vendors, data brokers and background screening companies in consumer disputes and claims made under FDCPA, FCRA, SCRA, TCPA, unfair and deceptive trade practices, debt collection violations, identity theft, privacy issues, bankruptcy and fiduciary-related claims