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Pender & Coward attorneys are committed to your success and peace of mind. Our motto is simple, yet effective: “Service. Integrity. Results.” Our adherence to that motto transcends the legal services we provide, whether in complicated business law, complex litigation, family law or estate planning. Our attorneys are dedicated to each client’s best interests, and strive to provide first rate legal services at a very fair value. With offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk, our team of experienced attorneys can provide all your legal needs.

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From the Blog

Opinions & Observations

The Rise of Trademark Scams: How Small Businesses Can Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late

March 13, 2026

by Jeffrey D. Wilson

It often begins with an alarming email.A business owner opens their inbox to find a message warning that someone else is about to register their company name as a federal trademark. The email explains that an application has been received, that the sender is “holding” the competing filing, and that the recipient has only a few days to respond if they want to secure the rights themselves. The implication is clear: act now or risk losing the name your...

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AI in Litigation: Your New (Very Fast) Associate

March 01, 2026

by Anne C. Lahren

Let’s be honest: modern litigation is not for the faint of heart. Between ESI productions that rival small libraries, last-minute filings from opposing counsel, and the constant need to distill chaos into coherent arguments, the practice of law can feel like drinking from a firehose.Enter artificial intelligence — the newest member of the litigation team. It doesn’t sleep. It doesn’t bill for coffee breaks. And it can read faster than any first-year...

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2026 Midsession Virginia Legislative Update

February 18, 2026

by Kathryn N. Byler

Today, February 18th, is Crossover Day! This is the day when the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate exchange bills that have been passed by their chamber and will be considered by the other. Any proposed bill that hasn’t been approved and passed on to the opposite chamber is dead for this session. A bill doesn't become law until both chambers approve it and the governor signs it. Key Bills and Proposed Changes to WatchFamily & Medical Leave –...

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The EEOC Rescinded Its Harassment Guidance—So How Does This Affect Employers?

February 13, 2026

by Jeffrey D. Wilson

In January 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. For many employers, the headline raised an obvious question: Does this change what we’re supposed to do about harassment complaints?The short answer is no.What changed is the EEOC’s internal enforcement playbook. What did not change are the laws that govern workplace harassment – and the litigation risks...

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At Pender & Coward, every member of our legal team is committed to accomplishing client goals through proven experience, resourceful solutions and effective communication.

Joining the Pender & Coward team provides a solid foundation to maintain a dynamic practice and deliver outstanding legal services. Our investment in career development and mentor relationships is particularly attractive to new attorneys.

If you share our pride in performing outstanding work and you are committed to excellence for every client, then let’s talk.

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We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence then is not an act but a habit.

Aristotle