Tom Berkley

Tom Berkley head shot

An experienced advocate for waterfront businesses, Tom has represented clients throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and along the coasts of rivers, sounds, and bays of Virginia and Northeast North Carolina for decades on a variety of maritime and employment issues. Reach him at (m) 757-572-2657.

Posts from Tom Berkley

Fisheries Management in Virginia

July 20, 2022

Fisheries management in Virginia is imperative to protecting saltwater fisheries in our tidal waters. Read on to learn more about the agencies and resources that help ensure the conservation of our waterways. Read the full article.

Brown Water Seamen And The Stowaway Virus: Coronavirus Precautions

May 1, 2020

Brown water seamen have "maintenance and cure" rights, but Coronavirus may encourage employers to adopt proactive measures to protect crewmen and to avoid financial repercussions. Read the full article.

Helping At-Risk Citizens During COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order

April 24, 2020

Jim Lang and the Waterfront Law Team volunteered as part of the Shore Delivery Corps helping at-risk citizens of the Eastern Shore of Virginia during the coronavirus shutdown. Read the full article.

Waterfront Law Team Volunteers at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

March 19, 2020

On March 14, 2020, Jim Lang and the Waterfront Law Team helped resurface a trail at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve in Portsmouth, VA. Read the full article.

Exploring Environmental Law Issues at Virginia's Eastern Shore

July 19, 2019

Virginia's Eastern Shore is facing environmental issues, such as oyster farming, and riparian property rights lawyer Tom Berkley is here to give you the scoop. Read the full article.

Deciphering Navigational Warranties in Marine Insurance Contracts of Adhesion

May 20, 2019

Maritime and Admiralty Law attorney (and licensed insurance agent) Tom Berkley explains the Navigational Warranty Clause in Marine Insurance Contracts Read the full article.

Protecting Your Virginia Riparian Property Rights & Derelict Vessels

February 15, 2019

Tom Berkley explains how Virginia and several Mid-Atlantic States, as well as the District of Columbia, enacted laws that streamline a waterfront riparian property owner’s ability to remove and dispose of derelict vessels dumped at the shoreline. Read the full article.

Virginia Maritime & Admiralty Law Regarding Derrick Barges

September 8, 2018

Derrick barges, widely used in Hampton Roads, are considered a "vessel", creating a complex maze of legal exposure for the employer if an employee is injured while working on the barge. Tom Berkley explains how employers can manage this exposure. Read the full article.

Categories

Most Viewed Articles

VMRC and Oyster Farms in Virginia - How to get Oyster Leases and More
February 9, 2021
Riparian Rights Explained - What Are Riparian Rights in Virginia?
September 1, 2018
How to Build a Pier in Virginia? Waterfront Property Rights Explained
November 9, 2019
Do I Control What Happens on the Water at my Waterfront Property on a Lake or Pond?
June 2, 2020

Client Testimonials

REAL ESTATE INVESTOR IN VIRGINIA BEACH VA

★★★★★

Thank Trust and heart are the two words that I will use to describe working with Jim Lang. I trust Mr. Lang to do a great job for me, and let me know up front what my legal fees will total. In the past, he has given me the option to do some of the legal work myself in order to stay within my budget. Mr. Lang also has a heart. He understands life's many ups and downs. I felt that he was really on my side, that he was concerned about me, and how I was doing with my new business. Mr. Lang is an outstanding lawyer but more importantly, Mr. Lang is a good man. I highly recommend him.

- Liz R.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN VIRGINIA BEACH VA

★★★★★

Jim Lang has represented my company and myself in litigation several times. These were events that occurred at years of doing business of no fault of my own. I can not express the relief of having Jim by my side. The courtroom is not a place I like to find myself. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. He explained all my options and even what was going to occur before it happened. He knew what opposing council was going to do like as if he read their notes. I never at any time felt my decision for him to represent me was a wrong decision. I know sometimes life has a way of creating issues beyond your control. These issues can be handled in and a lot of times out of court. I know as long as James (Jim) Lang is my attorney I sleep better at night for those what if's life sometimes throws at you.

- David M.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OWNER CHARGED WITH WETLANDS VIOLATION IN CHESAPEAKE VA

★★★★★

Thank you so much Bryan Peeples, attorney for Pender and Coward for representing my company in a legal matter. The situation was handled in a timely, professional way and we are so happy with the positive outcome!! We would highly recommend Mr. Peeples and the firm of Pender and Coward to anyone needing sound, legal representation. Great job!!!

- Gary S.

LITIGATION INVOLVING LARGE PIER ON POTOMAC RIVER IN LORTON VA

★★★★★

Hi Jim and Jeff, Yay!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! . . . I can't tell you how relieved I am and how much I appreciate your efforts on our behalf! . . . Jim and Jeff, we always were confident that we found, not only the right attorneys in you, but also true advocates for our case. Thank you so much for your diligence and for the thoughtful and thorough way you represented us!

- Mary S.

HELPED CLIENTS BUILD PIER ON THE EASTERN SHORE VA

★★★★★

My husband, Paul, and myself cannot say enough good things about our experience with Pender and Coward. We worked with James Lang and Jeff Wilson on a rather complicated issue that we were not sure we could get a solution to. However, because of their professionalism, their vast knowledge and the ease with which they worked with us, it ended up to be a great success story. They were able to handle something a bit out of the norm and helped us achieve our goal without the issue escalating. They listened and actually heard us and their communication was always immediate and personal. We can't thank them enough. They lifted a huge weight off our shoulders and we are forever grateful.

- Louisa F

WATERFRONT PROPERTY RIGHTS FOR REALTORS ASSOCIATION IN VIRGINIA BEACH VA

★★★★★

Your presentation (plus Tom’s) was one of the most important educational sessions I’ve attended in my 30+ years in real estate. I sincerely value your good advice.

- Betty Moritz Associate Broker, BHHS Towne Realty Liz R.
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Email: jlang@pendercoward.com

Phone: (757) 502-7326

 

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Phone: (757) 572-2657