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Joseph F. Verser

Partner

Joe Verser is named each year as a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine, in addition to be included annually in Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star.” Joe is also rated “Superb” with a 10 out of 10 rating with AVVO. Joe has tried a number of cases to verdict in both state and federal courts in a variety of civil matters.

Joe has represented clients that have been seriously injured in automobile collisions, tractor-trailer crashes, as well as victims of medical malpractice and defective products. Joe has also represented businesses and business owners in cases involving shareholder derivative claims, fraud, conspiracy, defamation, and other business torts. In addition, Joe has tried a number of cases involving real estate disputes, contract actions, and suits involving trusts and estates. Below is a listing of several of Joe’s work highlights in different practice areas.

Personal Injury/Wrongful Death

  • $5,075,000.00 settlement of permanently brain-injured client in Hampton Circuit Court. Case handled with Len Heath and Jordan Heath.
  • $3,600,000.00 settlement of permanently brain-injured client who was struck by commercial vehicle. Case handled with Len Heath and Stephen M. Smith of Hampton.
  • $1,535,403.00 jury verdict following 4-day trial in Warren County Circuit Court (Front Royal, Virginia) in traumatic brain injury case. Case tried with Len Heath and Jordan Heath.
  • Six-figure jury verdict following 3-day trial in York County for child injured and scarred by dog bite.
  • Six-figure jury verdict in Williamsburg for victim of high-speed rear-end collision on Interstate 64.
  • Obtained six-figure settlement for boy with shoulder injury following rear-end collision. Settlement reached during jury selection in York County.
  • Obtained favorable settlement in wrongful death case involving drunk-and- texting driver in Newport News.
  • Six-figure settlement obtained on behalf of client with fractured ankle involving a T-bone collision on a country road in New Kent County.
  • $800,000.00 jury verdict, with interest, for permanently brain-injured client in Williamsburg. Case tried with partner Len Heath.

Business Litigation

  • Six-figure jury verdict, including an award of punitive damages, for investor who was defrauded by partner in real estate deal. Jury verdict following 3-day trial in Newport News.
  • Jury verdict for plaintiff shopping center that brought suit against contractor.
  • Obtained an award of sanctions against minority shareholder who was actively competing against company. Case tried in Newport News Circuit Court.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for company owner whose former employees formed competing entity. Suit was filed for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, business conspiracy, and Virginia Computer Crimes Act.
  • Obtained complete dismissal for company that was sued for defamation and business conspiracy by former employee.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for real estate developers who brought suit against title insurance company for negligence.
  • Obtained defense verdict for lady who was sued by her own insurance company alleging fraud. Defense verdict following 3-day trial in Newport News.

Trust and Estate Litigation

  • Verdict on behalf of trust beneficiaries whereby the court enforced the “no-contest” clause and awarded attorney’s fees against the other side. Trust assets in excess of 3 Million with real estate in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
  • Verdict on behalf of trustee who was sued by beneficiary seeking removal. Trust assets in excess of 2 Million.
  • Verdict to establish a Last Will and Testament that had been stolen and suppressed by family members.
  • Verdict on behalf of client who brought action under “Slayer” statute whereby defendant was found to have murdered her husband. The Court established a trust for the minor children to preserve life insurance benefits. Case tried with partner Hunter Old.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for beneficiary in action to interpret trust, with assets including real estate in multiple states.

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit

Education

  • Regent University School of Law, Virginia Beach, Virginia
    • J.D.
  • Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia
    • B.A. magna cum laude
    • Major: Political Science
  • Past President, Newport News Bar Association
  • Judicial Screening Committee, Newport News Bar Association
  • Peninsula Advisory Board, Old Point Bank, N.A., 2024 – present
  • Board, Riverside Health Systems, Lifelong Health & Aging, 2022 – present
  • Executive Committee, Colonial Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America 
  • Virginia State Bar, Standing Committee on Communications, 2012 – 2014 
  • Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors, Risk Management Committee, 2008 – 2010 
  • American Inns of Court, James Kent Chapter (Norfolk), 2006 – 2013 
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association 
  • Monarch Bank, Peninsula Leadership Board (2014 – 2016) 
  • Top Lawyers in Coastal Virginia by Coastal Virginia Magazine: 2015, 2016, 2018 – 2024
  • “Rising Star” Virginia Super Lawyers, 2014 – 2020
  • Virginia Super Lawyers, 2021 – 2024