Charlottesville Attorneys

Our Charlottesville law firm is comprised of knowledgeable and highly-competent attorneys who are trusted partners in our clients’ legal matters. We pride ourselves on the caliber of our attorneys. Please feel free to review their credentials.

William D. Tucker, III

Founding Partner - practicing law since 1972.

Tucker@TGBlaw.com 434-951-0858 (Direct Dial)

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Biography - Real Estate Attorney

Charlottesville attorney William D. Tucker, III is the founding partner of Tucker Griffin Barnes, and one of Charlottesville-Albemarle’s leading experts in real estate law. Mr. Tucker’s 40 plus years of experience as a real estate lawyer, and his business acumen have helped create the success of Tucker Griffin Barnes. People seek out "Tucker" (as he likes to be called) for his real estate and business expertise.

Tucker received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and then earned his JD from the University of Virginia. He was subsequently admitted to the bar in both Virginia and Florida. Tucker resides in Charlottesville with his wife of 30+ years, Elly, and their children, Dory, an elementary school teacher, and Josh a twelfth-grader at Tandem Friends School. His eldest son, Tee, is a realtor in the Charlottesville area.

Tucker is an active member in the community - literally. Every Sunday he perfects his jump shot with a group of aging basketball players. Tucker is also an avid supporter of the local performing arts and is a dedicated member of Congregation Beth Israel. Currently, Tucker serves as a board member of the Piedmont Housing Alliance, Tandem Friends School and Camp Albemarle.

Under Tucker's keen eye, his dedicated real estate staff handles traditional real estate transactions - purchases, refinances and sales - with such professionalism and courtesy that many clients return for future transactions or refer their friends to Tucker and his team. Tucker offers valuable advice to buyers and sellers. For example, his instructions for buyers include the following:

Select an experienced real estate agent and settlement agent early in the process
Shop for Homeowner's insurance and include hyour car in the pricing as some discounts may be available
Understand that the actual amount of cash needed to close may not be known until just before closing (sometimes not until the day of closing)

For smooth selling, Tucker urges all sellers to (among other tips):

Select an experienced real estate agent who has knowledge of your local market
Provide a copy of the title insurance policy and physical survey to your listing agent
Leave the utilities on until the actual settlement and transfer of title

Every week, Tucker publishes "Tucker's Tips": his tips and advice for local Realtors and lenders. These tips cover topics from dealing with homeowner's association dues to selling distressed properties. In fact, Tucker is locally known as a distressed property expert. He has established a team of paralegals who deal entirely with short sales. He and his short sale paralegals offer legal advice to involved parties, negotiate with lenders, and handle the closings for what can often be a stressful situation. Back to Top

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Yvonne T. Griffin

Partner & Senior Trial Attorney - practicing law since 1988.

YGriffin@TGBlaw.com 434-951-0854 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0875 (Fax)

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Biography - Personal Injury & Senior Trial Attorney

Charlottesville attorney Yvonne T. Griffin is a trial lawyer who practices only law for injured persons. She is the only local female attorney in Charlottesville and Albemarle County concentrating in car, truck and motorcycle crash cases. Although she has been practicing law since 1988, for the past 20 years she has done nothing but injury law. During that time, she has handled thousands of personal injury cases. She handles car accidents and other types of vehicle wrecks, bodily injury, wrongful death, animal bites and medical malpractice.

After graduating from Georgia Southern University in 1980, Ms. Griffin received her MBA from Northwestern State University in 1985 and her JD from the College of William and Mary Law School in 1988. Ms. Griffin served as Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for two years in Hampton, Virginia. There she tried hundreds of cases and used that experience to develop her courtroom style.

Ms. Griffin has been practicing in Charlottesville since 1993. A member of the Virginia State Bar, Ms. Griffin is also active in numerous professional organizations such as the Charlottesville/Albemarle Bar Association and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. She is currently serving on the state-wide Board of Governors for the Virginia Trial Lawyers. She is a past member of the American Bar Association, the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Courts, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Ms. Griffin was recently selected by the American Society of Legal Advocates as one the Top 100 Litigation lawyers in Virginia. Her volunteer activities include Past President of the Albemarle County Police Foundation and Trustee of the Blue Ridge National Multiple Sclerosis Chapter, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Please contact Ms. Griffin or her staff if you've been injured. She's eager to hear your story and discuss your options (free, no-cost consultation.)

Several of Ms. Griffin's case results:

[The results obtained under one set of circumstances cannot be a predictor of future results.]

Brain Injury Accident case - $3,500,000
Cerebal Palsey case - $2,600,000
Medical Malpractice case - $800,000
Assault and Battery against client - $600,000
Stop Sign Automobile Accident case - $600,000
T-Bone Automobile Accident case - $300,000

[The results obtained under one set of circumstances cannot be a predictor of future results.]

Immediate tips if you've been injured in a wreck:

Get the names and telephone numbers of any potential witnesses.
Take pictures of bruises, cuts and other injuries.
Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Do not sign consent forms for the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Remember, the insurance adjuster is on the at-fault driver's side – not yours.
Be sure all your healthcare providers are billing your health insurance.
Call your own auto insurance carrier and ask if you have “med pay” coverage.
Do not tell anyone you are “fine” or “good” if you are not.
Contact us right away, before the evidence disappears.

PS - Ms. Griffin has been able to help many clients who were not wearing their seatbelts. Although the fact that you were not wearing a seatbelt is not admissible in court, she urges everyone to be safe and wear his or her seatbelt. This short video is one of her favorite safety videos: Embrace Life.

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Mary Ann Barnes

Partner - practicing law since 1988.

MBarnes@TGBlaw.com 434-951-0871 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0891 (Fax)

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Biography - Social Security Disability & Estate Planning Attorney

Charlottesville attorney Mary Ann Barnes received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Paralegal Certificate from James Madison University in 1983. After college she worked as a Real Estate Paralegal in Charlottesville for a few years before proceeding to law school. In law school she clerked for Doroshow & Pasquale, a law firm in Wilmington, Delaware. Those years were spent focusing on Worker's Compensation, Personal Injury and Family Law cases. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Delaware Law School in 1988.

Shortly thereafter, she returned to Virginia and devoted the next eleven years to personal injury practice. In 1999 she joined William Tucker and Yvonne Griffin to form Tucker Griffin Barnes. At that time, she hoped to focus on an area of law that involved medical issues, while at the same time expand into other areas. Today her practice includes Social Security Disability, Estate Planning, Adoptions and Premarital Agreements. Quite an eclectic mix!

"I enjoy being part of a law firm that is committed to providing the highest caliber of legal representation while at the same time maintaining its hometown perspective. We strive to represent the members of this community. Our goal at Tucker Griffin Barnes is not to be a mass production mega firm. Each department is an intimate group led by a partner and staffed with highly qualified individuals. Every one of my clients gets my personal attention."

Please contact Ms. Barnes or her staff to discuss your case. She understands the difficulty you're facing.

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Lynn A. Bradley

Partner - practicing law since 1993.

LBradley@TGBlaw.com 434-951-0857 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0875 (Fax)

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Biography - Workers' Compensation & Collaborative Divorce Attorney

A 1993 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law, Charlottesville attorney Lynn Bradley, has dedicated herself to fighting for the rights of Virginians. Early in her career, she enjoyed a varied general practice with a heavy emphasis on litigation. She was exposed to many areas of the law and logged many hours in the courtroom. As time progressed, Ms. Bradley was able to identify her strengths and follow her interests.

Ms. Bradley now concentrates her practice in workers’ compensation and collaborative divorce law. Her zeal for helping people injured in the work place comes from her blue-collar roots. Working her way through college waiting on tables gave her a deep appreciation for hard working people. Ms. Bradley is not afraid of hard work. She also has a place in her heart for helping people restructure their families during divorce. Her extensive training in collaborative divorce allows her to support those clients who desire to settle their divorce in an open, supporting setting, while avoiding a public courtroom.

Ms. Bradley has been with Tucker Griffin Barnes, P.C. since January, 1996. She is proud to be a member a firm that values individuals and supports the needs of families in and around central Virginia. Ms. Bradley resides in western Albemarle County with her daughter, Katie. In her spare time she enjoys reading, photography, cooking and volunteering with many local non-profits. Back to Top

Please contact Ms. Bradley or her staff if you need asistance. Her desire to be a true advocate for her clients is a hallmark of her representation.

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André A. Hakes

Partner - practicing law since 1996.

AHakes@TGBlaw.com 434-951-0867 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0884 (Fax)

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Biography - Criminal Defense, DUI & Traffic Attorney

A “double Hoo” graduate of the University of Virginia, (1993 CLASS, 1996 LAW); Charlottesville attorney André Hakes has 17+ years experience as a practicing attorney in Charlottesville, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Ms. Hakes is a partner at the law firm of Tucker Griffin Barnes, handling criminal defense and civil litigation cases. To the art and science of criminal defense, Ms. Hakes bring prosecutorial and police educator experience, and a long, successful track record defending clients on murder, sex crimes, drug charges, DUI, embezzlement, assault, and many other criminal allegations. Ms. Hakes has a reputation for "out-working" her opponents in preparing for trials.

Ms. Hakes practices regularly in Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange, and travels outside those jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis. Señora Hakes habla español, y frecuentemente asiste personas quienes no hablan ingles.

Please contact Ms. Hakes if you need an attorney on your side. She has a deep understanding of the tactics used by police to get people to talk.

Immediate Tip: What to do if the police asked you to come down to the station and just talk with them?

Do not speak with the police until you have an attorney. Miranda rights don't apply until you are actually in custody or arrested. To avoid them, the police "ask" you to come down to the station "voluntarily" to "clear things up." They put you in a little room with hidden cameras and microphones, where you are being videotaped without your knowing it. They use psychological interrogation techniques to get you to say things that may hurt you later in court. They are allowed to lie to you. You are not allowed to lie to them. How do you protect yourself? Don't talk. Call us right away.

Local Headlines from several of Ms. Hakes' Criminal Defense Cases

[The results obtained under one set of circumstances cannot be a predictor of future results.]

FREE MAN: Morris avoids 2nd murder trial - The Hook, August 27, 2009
Unenforceable: Unshoveled sidewalk cases thrown out - The Hook, March 16, 2010
Man found innocent of embezzling from Little League - Daily Progress, May 6, 2010
Harris found not guilty in murder case - Daily Progress, November 29, 2012

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Laura Blair Butler

Partner - practicing law since 1995.

LButler@TGBlaw.com 434-973-7474 (Main Line) 434-951-0882 (Fax)

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Biography - Divorce & Family Law Attorney

Laura Blair Butler began her Family Law practice over 18 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina. After relocating to Charlottesville, Virginia, she joined Tucker Griffin Barnes in May of 2005. As a member of the North Carolina and Virginia State Bars, Ms. Butler is a zealous advocate for her clients struggling with the emotional and financial concerns of divorce, child custody, child support, and other family matters. She has been described by her clients and peers as professional, exceptionally knowledgeable and well-prepared. She is also known for her "blunt" assessment, telling her clients what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. Many of her clients find this straight talk helps them reach important decisions faster, and with a clear vision of what they want to accomplish.

Ms. Butler was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1995, and continues to be an active member. In 2004, she was admitted to the Virginia State Bar. Ms. Butler is Past Chairman of the Family Law Section of the Virginia Trial Lawyers’ Association. She is a member Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association and The Thomas Jefferson American Inn of Court. She has also served as a Member of the Advisory Committee for Virginia Continuing Legal Education.

Ms. Butler received her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington in 1995. Ms. Butler has practiced exclusively in family law since 1997, although she often jokes that her practice started at the age of three when her parents divorced. Ms. Butler is married with one daughter. She is dedicated to the practice of family law and ensuring that her clients receive the best representation possible.

Please contact Ms. Butler when you need divorce or child custody advice. Her experience with complex financial and property distribution, plus her aggressive negotiating approach with opposing counsel is a great asset for her clients. Back to Top

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Carol M. Caesar

Contract attorney

Charlottesville attorney Carol M. Caesar received her law degree from the University of Denver College of Law. After graduation, she worked as counsel for a public employees association and union representing public employees in litigation matters. She also advocated for public employees employment rights by testifying before state boards and commissions. She then worked for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office representing state agencies in employment law matters, and advising state agencies on federal and state employment law statutes and administrative rules as First Assistant Attorney General.

In addition to representing employees and state agencies in litigation, she gained appellate experience handling cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. She also worked for a boutique labor law firm in Washington D.C. where she represented unions and union members. Ms. Caesar is a native of Warrenton and returned to Virginia in 2004 . After working as a real estate investment consultant for approximately four years, she returned to the practice of law. She currently supports Tucker Griffin Barnes as a contract attorney.

Ms. Caesar resides with her husband and son in the City of Charlottesville. Back to Top

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Peter R.J. Ervin

Peterervin@TGBLaw.com 434-951-0889 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0876 (Fax)

Biography – Criminal Defense & Family Law Attorney

Charlottesville attorney Peter Ervin received his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, VA, in 2011. His accomplishments included Head Honor Advocate, Honor Advocate Program, Finalist, Moot Court Counseling Competition and Translator and Interpreter for the Citizenship and Immigration Clinic at Washington and Lee School of Law. In May 2007, Mr. Ervin received a Master of Arts, Spanish from Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT and Madrid, Spain. He earned his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, Spanish, with Honors, from Washington and Lee in June 2004. He studied abroad with the La Universidad de la Habana, Havana, Cuba during the spring of 2003.

At Tucker Griffin Barnes, Mr. Ervin represents clients in the areas of criminal defense, traffic and family law. He also maintains native fluency in Spanish; he spent seventeen years of expatriate residency in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Thailand and Japan. Back to Top

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Caroline Klosko

CKlosko@TGBLaw.com 434-951-0843 (Direct Dial) 434-951-0875 (Fax)

Biography – Consumer Protection Attorney

Charlottesville attorney Caroline Klosko received her law degree from the University Of Virginia School Of Law in Charlottesville, VA, 2009. Her accomplishments included internship with Blue Ridge Legal Services, the Housing Law Clinic, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Employment Law Clinic and the Hunton and Williams Domestic Violence Project. In 2007, Ms. Klosko received her Master of Arts, Philosophy from Yale University, New Haven, CT. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with High Honors in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia in 2004.

Ms. Klosko was admitted into the Virginia State Bar in 2009, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia in 2009, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia in 2010 and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth circuit in 2012. Prior to joining Tucker Griffin Barnes, Ms. Klosko was a senior attorney for the Virginia Legal Aid Society, Danville, VA, where she handled the following types of cases:

Represented Clients in areas of consumer, housing, and unemployment insurance benefits law
Defended credit card suits in General District court; employed creative advocacy strategies to secure nonsuits from tenacious plaintiffs
Affirmatively litigated automobile fraud cases in State and Federal courts to successful conclusions
Collected attorney’s fees for the program in both negotiated settlements and court judgments
Devised and employed creative advocacy strategies to collect judgments
Represented clients in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy proceedings
Represented clients in numerous Unlawful Detainer cases in General District Court; obtained injunction for wrongful utility shut-off in Circuit court
Wrongful foreclosure case based on failure to evaluate client for HAMP modification currently pending in Federal court
Represented clients in Unemployment Insurance claims at all levels from the Appeals Examiner through the Virginia Court of Appeals

At Tucker Griffin Barnes, Ms. Klosko handles all types of consumer protection issues.

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Tucker Griffin Barnes - Where deep insight equals powerful advantage.

Please contact Tucker Griffin Barnes in Charlottesville, VA, or Lake Monticello, VA, when you need legal advice. We have helped people in many areas of the law, including those injured in an automobile accident, car accident, tractor trailer accident and on the job. We are a full-service law firm and represent clients in matters ranging from personal injury, workers compensation, and Social Security Disability to criminal law , divorce, and real estate.

Our geographic reach is broad. We provide legal services all over the state of Virginia, but especially to locations in our immediate area: Charlottesville, Crozet, Ruckersville, Earlysville, Scottsville, Lake Monticello, Palmyra, Stanardsville, Barboursville, Gordonsville, Waynesboro, Albemarle Co., Greene Co., Madison Co., Culpeper Co., Orange Co., Fluvanna Co., Louisa Co., Nelson Co. and Augusta Co.

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