Chesapeake Business & Nonprofit Attorneys
Chesapeake is home for our founder, John McCormick, who currently serves as an elected member of the Chesapeake School Board and previously served five years on the Chesapeake Planning Commission. We bring that local knowledge and commitment to Chesapeake businesses, nonprofits, and property owners.

Business Law for Chesapeake Companies
Chesapeake’s business base includes logistics and distribution companies along the I-64 and I-464 corridors, contractors, and many family-owned businesses. We help with LLC and corporation formation, contracts, ownership changes and buy-sell agreements, and mergers and acquisitions.
Nonprofits and Churches
We help Virginia charities, churches, and community organizations start a nonprofit, apply for 501(c)(3) status, adopt bylaws and conflict of interest policies, and stay compliant as they grow. Learn more about our work with nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.
Commercial Real Estate, Land Use, and Zoning
Chesapeake covers more than 340 square miles, from suburban neighborhoods to farmland in the southern part of the city, and growth brings a steady flow of rezonings, conditional use permits, and site plans. We help owners, builders, and businesses with land use and zoning applications, commercial real estate transactions, land purchases, and real estate investment and development. Deeds are recorded with the Clerk of the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Civil Litigation
We represent businesses and property owners in litigation and dispute resolution in Chesapeake General District and Circuit Courts, including contract, partnership, and property disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help with a rezoning or conditional use permit in Chesapeake?
Yes. We help applicants plan the application, work with city staff, and present it to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Do you work with family-owned businesses?
Yes. We help family businesses with ownership agreements, succession planning, and sales.
Where do you meet Chesapeake clients?
At our downtown Norfolk office, a short drive from most of Chesapeake, or by phone and video.
Talk With Our Team
Tell us what you are working on and we will tell you how we can help. Schedule a consultation or call our Virginia office at (757) 250-5300 or our North Carolina office at (919) 521-8820.
Buying or selling a business in Chesapeake? Our guide to buying or selling a business in Virginia covers the state-specific steps, and our legal guide to buying or selling a business walks through the full process, from letter of intent to closing.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Buying, Selling, or Leasing Commercial Property in Chesapeake?
Our guides walk through each stage of a commercial deal under Virginia law, from the letter of intent to closing.
- Buying or Selling Commercial Real Estate in Virginia
- The Legal Guide to Commercial Real Estate in Virginia and North Carolina
- Commercial Real Estate Letters of Intent
- Commercial Purchase Agreements: Key Terms
- Commercial Due Diligence Checklist
- Negotiating a Commercial Lease
- 1031 Exchange Deadlines and Legal Issues
Read What Clients Are Saying
I’ve had nothing short of an excellent experience working with this firm! They are professional, prompt, experienced and fairly priced. They have navigated me through many questions, challenges and documents. I am forever grateful for their quality service and dedication!
I could not have made a better selection on the quality of professionalism and service provided by McCormick Law and if I were to do it 100 times over, I would choose them every time. Thank you very much for your responsiveness, professionalism, and courtesy while assisting me through this process.