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Monica Lombardi
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Monica Lombardi
Law Office of Monica L. Lombardi
4445 Corporation Lane
Suite 250
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: (757) 309-4764 | Fax: (757) 309-4765
http://www.militarytrial.com
http://www.monicalombardi.com
Experienced * Aggressive * Dedicated
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Clients who are looking to start a small business and need advice on how to handle the legal requirements of complying with state and local laws regarding incorporation.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Commercial Banks & Loans
- Commercial Leasing
- Credit Unions
- International Banking
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
- Savings & Thrifts
- State & Municipal Bonds & Financing
- Liquor Licenses
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Public Offerings
- Shareholders' Rights
- Trade Associations
- Audit Defense
- Corporate Income Taxes
- Excise Taxes
- International Taxes
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Franchises
- International Transactions
- Lemon Law
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
- Communication & Media
- Gaming
- Internet
- Music
- Sports
- Tourism, Travel, & Leisure
- Film
- Literary Arts
- Publishing
- Television
- Debarment
- Defense Contracts
- Defense Procurement
- Federal Contracts
- Government Construction Contracts
- State & Municipal Contracts
- Computer Crimes
- Computer Law
- Digital Signatures
- Domain Names
- Electronic Commerce
- Consumer Class Actions
- Credit Report Problems
- Debt Collection/Relief/Harassment
- Foreclosures
- Frauds, Scams, Hoaxes
- Identity Theft
- Repossessions
- Student Loans
- Truth in Lending
Bar Admissions
CT, Jun 1991
Bar Number: 404050
VA, Nov 2007
Bar Number: 75635
Specialty Certifications
Indigent Defense Counsel (misdemeanors), Adult guardian ad litem.
Other Court Admissions
All courts throughout Virginia, all Coast Guard and Navy Military Criminal Courts, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the U. S. Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
Virginia Beach Bar Association, American Bar Association, Virginia Bar Association, National Institute of Military Justice, Military Officers Association, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association.
Continuing Education
I teach continuing education courses to other attorneys and also take courses to stay current on the latest trends in business law and litigation. I always exceed the minimum required amount of hours in continuing education.
Example Cases
A stay at home mom who recently re-entered the workforce decided to open her own gourmet food shop in town. She also wanted to purchase equipment from another business that was closing, so the case involved not only incorporation and licensing, but also bulk sales purchasing, lease negotiations, and proper state and city licensing issues. The business has been very successful and is growing new customers daily.
An oil transfer terminal was being cited for numerous Coast Guard violations and faced over $75,000 in penalties. I successfully appealed the violation and reduced the penalties down to $9,500.
Education
Degree:
B.S.
School:
The George Washington University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
1987
Focus and Accomplishments:
Environmental Studies.
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Baltimore School of Law
City:
Baltimore
State:
MD
Year:
1990
Focus and Accomplishments:
Vice President, Environmental Law Society.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Virginia and Connecticut.
Firm Focus and History
The firm seeks to represent two distinct business clients: local family owned business and maritime businesses. There are many military retirees who start a second career by owning their own business, and we seek to assist them in getting their business started and maintaining their business in the local community. There are many highly educated moms who put their career on hold to stay at home and raise the kids. Once their children grow up and college costs are looming over the horizon, they want the flexibility of running their own business but need guidance in creating their plan and their product. I can help them with that.
The firm was started in 2007, after I left active duty. Most of my clients are connected to the military in some way and feel comfortable working with an attorney who understands their point of view.
Previous Employment Summary
From 1999 to 2007 I was in the Coast Guard Reserve. I was recalled to active duty after 9/11 and spent six years on active duty working on Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. I also worked on maritime safety and security issues and other operational law matters. I was Chief Trial counsel for the Navy, at Trial Service Office Norfolk and for the Coast Guard in Norfolk.
From 1990 to1999, I was on active duty in Portsmouth, Virginia, Governors Island, New York and Alameda, California. I was the Agency Attorney for EEO cases brought against the Coast Guard. I was also a government contracts attorney, handling multi-million dollar government contracts, negotiations and creating pre-litigation packages for protests and claims against the government.
My previous experience was clerking for the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Administrative Law Judge and I was a research assistant for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I also clerked for a New York corporate law firm, gaining extensive experience working on transactional and letter of credit issues for major corporate clients.
Activities and Awards
Girl Scout Troop Leader, 2005 to present.
School Board member, American International School Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica, W. I., 2001 to 2002.
American Bar Association Legal Assistance Distinguished Service Award, 1996.
Coast Guard Reserve: Senior Reserve Officer, Sector Charleston, 2007 to 2010.
Numerous personal awards while with the Coast Guard.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Absolutely! When I was growing up in New York, I remember the Syms Clothing store commercial where Sy Syms said "an educated consumer is our best customer." I believe that motto and I want my clients to understand what is going on because they need to understand how the law impacts the day-to-day operation of their business.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I do that with every client who has a document. However, many business documents that people do by themselves are not specific enough to comply with Virginia law. The person must first hire me so I can add the proper language to protect their business and be compliant with current requirements. I cannot work on someone's behalf until they hire me as their attorney.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not provide advice to non-clients.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
At the time I decided to become a lawyer, I was working for NOAA on water pollution research and was frustrated that as a scientist, it would take me years to help improve our water quality. I went to law school in order to make a difference and have a greater impact to enforcing our pollution laws. The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred while I was in law school and I joined the Coast Guard to work on those issues.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My experience as a legal assistance attorney early in my Coast Guard career opened my eyes to the problems that people had in their lives. I became sensitive to their needs and worked hard to help them. Later on, as a Senior Officer, I supervised hundreds of people and had to work with them one on one to help them resolve personal issues.
As a criminal defense attorney, I learned that there is always a 'story behind the story'. I learned to work with families on how to pick up the pieces of their lives after a trial, jail time and a federal conviction. While I was a prosecutor, I was also the Victim Witness Assistance Program attorney. The victims of sexual assault, abuse and incest needed more services than just seeing their attacker go to jail.
All of these experiences shaped my ability to listen to my clients and fueled my desire to work with people to solve their problems or protect their business.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I didn't really decide, my career has led me to this point and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. My military career led me to the beautiful Virginia tidewater area. My practice is ultimately about helping people, and I seek to do that through various practice areas.
What do you like best about your career?
I really enjoy helping people learn to resolve conflict in a way that meets their needs. I also really like to argue in court on behalf of my clients, or negotiate a deal at the conference table. I also like to win, so my competitive nature is fulfilled and I feel satisfied that I worked hard for each of my clients at the end of the day.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me. I have an Of Counsel arrangement with a senior corporate attorney with over 40 years of practice to join in on complex business cases. From time to time I do have an associate attorney who will work directly with their clients, under my guidance. My receptionists are trained in attorney-client confidences, and are extremely professional and discreet in dealing with my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
As far as my style of practice, I am very direct and a straight talker. If your case is weak, I'll tell you. I won't take your money if I do not see the value in pursuing the case.
Personal Interests:
I am a supporter of the Virginia Opera Company and go to as many performances when they are in Norfolk. My children are involved in scouting, so you'll find me camping many weekends. I am an avid boater; right now kayaking is my vessel of choice. I do my best thinking when I am in my garden, weeding around my herbs and vegetables. I swim to stay healthy because I have an addiction to coffee and chocolate.
Office Manager/Assistant
Stephanie and Jessica, receptionists.
Fax
(757) 309-4765
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I offer both fixed-price services and hourly fees, depending upon the type of case. I also offer retainer agreements for companies that need ongoing legal work.
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
I will speak to a person over the phone to get a sense of the type of case they have and what type of service they need.
Typical Retainer
Generally, it runs around $2,500, however, if the case involves a lawsuit or other litigation issue, the minimum will be higher.
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