Business Details
Experienced Legal Representation in Harrisonburg, VA
Since 1845, our firm has provided sophisticated legal representation to individuals and businesses across Virginia and beyond. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a commitment to integrity, delivering tailored solutions in appellate practice, business law, criminal defense, estate planning, and family law. We prioritize client needs through zealous advocacy, leveraging our collective expertise to resolve complex legal challenges efficiently. Our team of partners, associates, and support staff collaborates to ensure meticulous research, strategic planning, and responsive communication.Rooted in the Shenandoah Valley, we maintain a strong local presence while serving regional and national clients. Our values emphasize honesty, transparency, and lifelong learning, ensuring our legal strategies remain innovative and effective. We approach every case with dedication to achieving favorable outcomes, whether in courtrooms, negotiations, or transactional matters. This enduring commitment to excellence has solidified our reputation as a trusted legal resource since the 19th century.
Services
Appellate Practice
Business Litigation
Criminal Defense
Estate Planning
Family Law
OSHA Compliance
Personal Injury
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Employment Law
Highlights and features
- We offer over 180 years of combined legal experience across diverse practice areas.
- Our attorneys are admitted to multiple state and federal courts, including the Fourth Circuit.
- We provide tailored legal strategies for complex business, family, and criminal law matters.
- Our team includes recognized experts in appellate practice and OSHA compliance.
- We maintain a client-focused approach with responsive communication and transparent advocacy.
What people say
Caring and considerate
Appropriate price
Experienced attorneys
Long-term relationships
Effective solutions
Services
Appellate Practice
Our appellate attorneys handle cases in Virginia Court of Appeals, Virginia Supreme Court, and Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. We identify legal errors in lower court decisions, draft persuasive briefs, and argue complex appeals. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of procedural law and track record in overturning unjust verdicts.
Business Litigation
We represent businesses in contract disputes, shareholder conflicts, and regulatory compliance matters. Our attorneys combine litigation expertise with transactional knowledge to resolve commercial disputes efficiently. Services include pre-litigation counseling, mediation, and courtroom representation for corporations and small businesses across Virginia.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense team handles DUI, felony charges, and misdemeanor cases in Virginia courts. We provide aggressive representation from arrest through trial, including plea negotiations and appeals. Services cover drug offenses, reckless driving, and white-collar crimes with a focus on protecting clients' rights and futures.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance medical directives. Our attorneys advise on asset protection, probate avoidance, and special needs planning. Clients receive personalized strategies to preserve wealth and ensure smooth succession for families and business owners in Virginia.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and protective orders in Harrisonburg and Staunton courts. We provide compassionate representation for adoption, property division, and spousal support. Services emphasize conflict resolution while protecting clients' parental rights and financial interests during family transitions.
People
Jeffrey R. Adams
Managing Partner
Admitted in Virginia and New York, Jeff focuses on corporate law, estates, trusts, and tax litigation. He leads the Commercial and Estate Planning practice groups with over 20 years of experience in business transactions and probate matters.
Derek J. Brostek
Partner
Specializing in OSHA compliance, Derek provides safety training and litigation defense for workplace citations. With 15+ years of experience, he represents clients in federal inspections and appeals while offering proactive regulatory guidance.
Franchesca F. Gomez
Partner
Joining in 2023, Fran specializes in commercial real estate and business law for Waynesboro clients. She brings decades of experience in property transactions, business formation, and estate planning for individuals and corporations in Virginia.
Charles F. Hilton
Partner
Recognized as a top medical malpractice attorney, Frank has 30+ years of experience representing clients in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. He handles complex personal injury cases involving healthcare provider negligence and surgical errors.
Briana A. Stevens
Partner
Licensed in Virginia and West Virginia, Brie focuses on family law matters including divorce, child custody, and protective orders. Clients praise her compassionate approach and courtroom effectiveness in resolving contentious family disputes across the Shenandoah Valley.
Questions
What areas of law does Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver specialize in?
We specialize in appellate practice, business litigation, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, OSHA compliance, and personal injury cases across Virginia.
How does the firm handle complex business litigation?
Our attorneys combine transactional knowledge with courtroom experience to resolve commercial disputes through mediation or litigation, focusing on protecting business interests and contractual rights.
Do you offer estate planning services for small business owners?
Yes, we create customized estate plans including business succession strategies, trusts, and probate avoidance techniques tailored to small business owners' needs.
What makes your criminal defense team effective?
Our criminal defense attorneys leverage decades of trial experience and deep understanding of Virginia law to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and secure dismissals when possible.
How do you approach family law cases?
We prioritize amicable resolutions while preparing for litigation, focusing on protecting parental rights and financial interests in divorce, custody, and property division matters.
Can you handle appellate cases from other states?
Our appellate team regularly represents clients in multi-state cases, with attorneys admitted to practice in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and federal courts across the region.
