Practice Areas
- Real Estate
- Trusts
- Estates Planning and Administration
- Community Association
Biography
Because I have been practicing law for more than 45 years, my practice has evolved over that time. I enjoy helping people with their legal problems, primarily in the areas of real estate, estate planning and administration, and Community Association law. I like working with clients to try and bring them a successful resolution to the issues they are facing.
I have lived in Roanoke since 1972 where my wife and I have raised four children. I am also a grandfather (one of my favourite titles) and currently have 6 grandchildren. I am also the proud owner of 3 English Bulldogs, one of whom comes to the office most days, and is designated as the official mascot for OPN. His name is Ozzie, and he loves the additional attention he receives as “director of security services” for OPN.
My father was a career officer in the Air Force, so I have lived a lot of different places. I attended high school in Arlington, Virginia and went to Wake Forest University for college, receiving my B.A. in History in 1969. I went to Washington & Lee University for Law School, receiving my J.D. in 1972. After serving my military commitment I took a job with a small firm in Roanoke in 1973 and have been in private practice here since that date. OPN was formed in 2000 from the merger of two local law practices and currently has 13 attorneys, offering legal expertise across a broad spectrum of legal specialties.
I am member of the Roanoke City and Salem-Roanoke County Bar Associations, as well as the Virginia State Bar. I am a past President of the Real Property Section Board of Governors for the VSB and currently serve as an area representative on the Board. I am also a past Chairman for the Virginia Bar Association Real Property Section and am also an active member of that group. I received the Courtland Traver Award from the Virginia Bar in 2018 for Leadership and Education in the field of real estate law.
I have done a few Continuing Legal Education presentations, primarily through Virginia CLE on a variety of real estate related topics. I am Legal Counsel to the Roanoke Regional Homebuilders Association and have served in that capacity for more than 20 years. I am a member of St John’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke and have served on its Vestry and as treasurer and Senior Warden.
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1972
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1972
- U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia, 1972
Education
- Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, Virginia
- J.D. - 1972
- Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1969
- Major: History
Professional Associations
- Roanoke Bar Association
- Virginia Bar Association
- Virginia State Bar (member 1972 to present); Chair, Board of Governors, Real Property Section (1985-86); Area Representative (1986 to present)
- VBA Real Estate Council (Chairman, 2005-2006)
- Community Association Institute
- Attorney for Roanoke Regional Homebuilders Association (1990-Present)
Pro-Bono Activities
- Legal Aid Board, 1988 - 1991
Classes & Seminars
- Building a Residential Real Estate Practice, Virginia State Bar/Continuing Legal Education, 1994
References
- Signet Bank
Fraternities or Sororities
- Phi Delta Phi