Chuck advises clients on a wide range of complex issues that frequently involve government actions, including investigations, inquiries, regulatory matters, and litigation. With a distinguished background in the law and public service, he served as chief deputy attorney general of Virginia before joining the firm. In addition to overseeing the Department of Law and Division of Debt Collection, Chuck managed a team of attorneys who handle complex litigation and investigations. He also directed the attorney general's legislative affairs and represented the attorney general in various capacities.
As an elected official, Chuck served six years as the commonwealth's attorney of Wise County and the city of Norton in Virginia. His work included leading the largest prosecutor's office in southwestern Virginia, coordinating complex multijurisdictional law-enforcement operations, and serving as the victim witness services director. In addition to prosecuting serious and violent crimes, he drafted legislation, advocated before the General Assembly, crafted programs to promote economic development and public safety, strengthened policies to protect seniors from elder abuse, and addressed the opioid addiction crisis affecting central Appalachia.
Chuck also served in a quasi-judicial capacity as commissioner of accounts and general receiver, responsible for Virginia's probate court and the supervision of various fiduciaries admitted to qualify before the circuit court. As the official responsible for the settlement of fiduciary accounts, he conducted hearings to make determinations on a wide range of issues, including the sufficiency of fiduciary bonds, creditors' claims, and disputes involving estate administration. Before this appointment, Chuck operated his own general practice law firm, where his areas of focus included wills and estate planning law, juvenile advocacy, and criminal defense in state and federal courts. He also served as town attorney for the town of Pennington Gap, providing advice to the town council and officials, drafting ordinances, and handling employment matters.
Chuck has extensive teaching experience, having served as an adjunct faculty member at multiple universities, including Regent University School of Law, Mary Baldwin University, and the University of Virginia's College at Wise. His courses have spanned American government, public policy, business and contract law, and more.
In public service, Chuck has held numerous appointments, including membership on the Virginia Bar Association Board of Governors, the Virginia Crime Commission, and the United Way of Southwest Virginia Board of Directors. He co-chaired the Virginia Violent Crime Task Force and the Organized Retail Crime Workgroup, contributing to significant legislative and policy developments. His leadership extends to various commissions and task forces aimed at improving public safety, criminal justice, economic development, and community well-being.
Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.
Rankings and Recognitions
• Leaders in the Law: Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2021)
• Excellence in Teaching Award: National Society for Leadership and Success (2021)
• Leadership Institute Awardee: Appalachian Regional Commission (2020)
• Young Lawyer of the Year Award: Virginia State Bar (2018)
• Youth and Family Services Award: Lonesome Pine Office on Youth (2018)
Bar Admissions
• Virginia
• Tennessee
Court Admissions
• Supreme Court of Virginia
• Tennessee State Courts
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Education
• Regent University School of Law, J.D., 2009
• Regent University, M.A., 2009; government, law, and public policy
• Hertfort College of Oxford University, 2007; Anglo-American constitutional studies, postgraduate study
• University of Virginia’s College of Wise, B.A., 2003; business administration
