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L. Steven Emmert
(View Video Introduction)
Chairman, Appellate Practice Committee of Virginia State Bars Litigation Section
Practice focuses on appellate advocacy in the state and federal courts, and federal civil litigation
Born: Elkhart, Indiana
Tidewater resident since 1961
Admitted to:
----- Virginia State Bar
----- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia; Western District of Virginia
----- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals |
Education
J.D., University of Virginia, 1982
B.A., Economics, Richmond College, 1979 (departmental honors; Phi Beta Kappa)
Experience
Private practice: 1982 - 1990 and 1999 - present
Public sector: Virginia Beach City Attorney's Office, 1990 - 1999
Handled a variety of litigation for the City of Virginia Beach, including major tort cases, challenges to municipal authority, eminent domain, tax challenges, civil rights, public sector employment cases
Lecturer before several groups on appellate practice, municipal law, taxation
Work of Distinction
AT&T Wireless PCS v. City Council of Virginia Beach, 155 F.3d 423 (4th Cir. 1998)
This was the first reported appellate opinion in the nation interpreting the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Obtained a reversal of a trial courts order compelling the Virginia Beach City Council to approve a controversial cell tower site.
Harris v. City of Virginia Beach, 1997 U.S. App. Lexis 30912 (4th Cir.)
Won two separate federal appeals, ultimately resulting in a reversal of a substantial award against a police department.
Hadeed v. Abraham, No. 03-1779, No. 03-1962, 103 Fed. Appx. 706; 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 13496, (4th Cir. June 30, 2004)
Upheld significant award of sanctions for the filing of a frivolous civil rights lawsuit.
City of Virginia Beach v. Giant Square Shopping Center Co., 255 Va. 467 (1998)
Obtained reversal of sizeable condemnation award due to the landowners appointment of improper commissioner.
City of Virginia Beach v. Bell, 255 Va. 395 (1998)
Reversal of substantial inverse condemnation award against City of Virginia Beach; land use issues.
Author of plain-English guide to Part V of Virginia Supreme Court Rules, relating to practice before the Supreme Court
Legal Affiliations
Virginia Beach and Federal Bar Associations
Virginia State Bar (Member, Board of Governors, Litigation Section)
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
American Bar Association (Council of Appellate Lawyers)
Community Involvement
Board of Directors, Lynnhaven Civic Association
Volunteer, several community youth athletic leagues
Virginia Beach Bar Association's Mentor Program | | |
