Biography
For over 30 years, Barnes & Diehl, P.C., has tirelessly protected the rights and interests of our clients living in the Richmond, Virginia, area. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and assist you in achieving the best possible outcome for your unique legal matter.
From our Henrico law office, our attorneys have assisted and supported many clients facing a variety of issues, including those listed below:
- Personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice and more
- Family law, including issues pertaining to divorce, child custody and support, adoption and more
- Criminal defense for felony and misdemeanor charges ranging from DUI to murder and most everything in between
- Elder law and estate planning, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, benefits planning and more
- Appeals in criminal cases originally tried in Virginia or federal courts up to and including the U.S. Supreme Court
The above matters usually elicit strong emotions and often have significant impacts on your and your family's future. Our law firm understands this, so when you need compassionate and competent legal representation, we are here to help.
To receive the help and support that you need, you can contact Barnes & Diehl, P.C., through our website or via telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We will carefully take the time to advise you of your rights, answer your questions and concerns and provide you with the most viable legal options for your particular situation.
Professional Associations
- Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association, Past President
- American Bar Association, Member
- Richmond Bar Association, Member
- Henrico County Bar Association, Member
- Chesterfield County Bar Association, Member
- Metropolitan Women's Bar Association, Past Board Member
- Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association, Past Board Member
- Metro Richmond Family Law Bar Association, Annual Bench Bar Conference, Past Co-Chair
- Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association, Member
- Virginia State Bar, Member
Published Works
- Third Party Custody and Visitation, VA Lawyer’s Weekly, 2017
- The Evolving Realm of Family Law – Non-Traditional Family Units – Melissa S. VanZile, NBI Advanced Family Law Seminar, 2010
- Child Custody and Visitation: The Interplay of Statutes on Parental Rights, Responsibilities, and Parent/Child Content: Commencing & Defending an Initial Custody Proceeding, Contributing Author, NBI, 2008 - 2009
- Relocation and Custody and Visitation, Bench Bar Conference, 2007
- Changes to Child Support Deviation Factors: It’s Effect on Antonelli and It’s Progeny, Bench Bar Conference, 2006
- Cross Examination of Experts in Custody Cases, Bench Bar Conference, 2005
- Child Custody and Visitation: Commencing & Defending an Initial Custody Proceeding, Contributing Author, NBI, 2009
Honors
- Top 50 Women Attorneys, Virginia by Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America, Family Law
- Leader of the Law Award, Virginia Lawyer's Weekly
- Virginia Super Lawyers Family Law Attorney, Richmond Magazine
- Reader's Choice for Lawyer's, Richmond Times Dispatch
- Virginia Legal Elite Lawyer
- Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star, Richmond Magazine
- Virginia Legal Elite Young Lawyer
Classes & Seminars
- "Grandparents and Third Party Custody and Visitation," Richmond Legal Staff Association, 2015
- "Financial Planning in Divorce," Financial Planning Association of Central Virginia Chapter Meeting, 2014
- "Custody and Visitation," Richmond Paralegal Association Meeting, 2014
- "Drafting Separation Agreements, The Who, What, Where, When and How,"Virginia Trial Lawyer's Association, Seminar for Paralegals, 2011
- "Child Custody and Visitation," Richmond Paralegal Association, 2011, 2014
- "The Evolving Realm of Family Law-Non-Traditional Family Units," NBI Advanced Family Law Seminar, Speaker, 2010
- "Child Custody and Visitation - The Interplay of Statutes on Parental Rights, Responsibilities and Parent/Child Content," Commencing & Defending an Initial Custody Proceeding, NBI Seminar, Speaker, 2009
Pro-Bono Activities
- Innsbrook Rotary Club, Member
- St. Joseph’s Villa Flagler Home, Board Member
Past Positions
- Hall & Hall, PLC, Partner, 2004 to 2013
Education
- University of Richmond, School of Law, Richmond, Virginia
- J.D. - 2004
- Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia
- B.A. - 2001
- Honors: Political Science Scholastic Honors Society
- Major: Political Science
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 2004