Trusted Virginia Waterfront Property Law Services
If you have a problem at your waterfront property—beachfront, lakefront, riverfront, or any property connected to a body of water—Jim Lang and his team of attorneys can help. From wetlands to rivers to deep water, they have experience and knowledge that literally spans the entire waterfront.
Jim and his team use their experience in waterfront property law to help people fight to keep large businesses from setting up big, ugly oyster farms in the water in front of their property. They have the training in environmental law to defend wetlands owners against the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local Wetlands Boards.
They know how to draw the waterfront property lines that create a riparian area in which a waterfront property owner can build a pier. They worked with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and the City of Norfolk to clear out a floating boat junkyard that was harming the Elizabeth River and destroying the value of a client's riparian property rights. They also use their background in maritime & admiralty law to protect both shipbuilders and vessel owners. Jim's team has helped pier owners on the Potomac, homeowners on the Eastern Shore, and vessel owners on the James River.
Jim Lang and his team care about Virginia's waterways beyond purely legal matters. They work with private groups such as The Elizabeth River Project, Lynnhaven River Now, Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to clean and protect waterways in Virginia.
Our Waterfront Law Practice Areas
Comprehensive legal services for every challenge that comes with owning, developing, or operating waterfront property in Virginia.
Environmental Law
Navigate the complex web of federal, state, and local environmental regulations that govern waterfront properties in Virginia.
Riparian Property Rights
Protect your waterfront access, views, and property value through experienced riparian and littoral rights representation.
Residential Riparian Rights
Pier permits, wetlands disputes, dredging, aquaculture conflicts, and Chesapeake Bay preservation cases for homeowners.
Commercial Riparian Rights
Environmental site assessments, commercial pier cases, dredging, and environmental violation defense for businesses.
Maritime & Admiralty Law
Jones Act claims, vessel negligence, maritime personal injury, commercial disputes, and wrongful death on navigable waters.
Wetlands Violations
Defense against enforcement actions, permitting guidance, and environmental compliance for property owners and developers.
Client Testimonials
"Trust and heart are the two words that I will use to describe working with Jim Lang. I trust Mr. Lang to do a great job for me, and let me know up front what my legal fees will total. In the past, he has given me the option to do some of the legal work myself in order to stay within my budget. Mr. Lang also has a heart. He understands life's many ups and downs. I felt that he was really on my side, that he was concerned about me, and how I was doing with my new business. Mr. Lang is an outstanding lawyer but more importantly, Mr. Lang is a good man. I highly recommend him."
— Liz R.
Real Estate Investor, Virginia Beach
"Jim Lang has represented my company and myself in litigation several times. These were events that occurred at years of doing business of no fault of my own. I can not express the relief of having Jim by my side. He was very knowledgeable, professional, and understanding. He explained all my options and even what was going to occur before it happened. He knew what opposing council was going to do like as if he read their notes. I never at any time felt my decision for him to represent me was a wrong decision."
— David M.
Small Business Owner, Virginia Beach
"Thank you so much Bryan Peeples, attorney for Pender and Coward for representing my company in a legal matter. The situation was handled in a timely, professional way and we are so happy with the positive outcome!! We would highly recommend Mr. Peeples and the firm of Pender and Coward to anyone needing sound, legal representation."
— Gary S.
Construction Company Owner, Chesapeake
"Jim and Jeff, we always were confident that we found, not only the right attorneys in you, but also true advocates for our case. Thank you so much for your diligence and for the thoughtful and thorough way you represented us!"
— Mary S.
Pier Litigation, Potomac River
"Because of their professionalism, their vast knowledge and the ease with which they worked with us, it ended up to be a great success story. They were able to handle something a bit out of the norm and helped us achieve our goal without the issue escalating. They lifted a huge weight off our shoulders and we are forever grateful."
— Louisa F.
Pier Case, Eastern Shore
"Your presentation (plus Tom's) was one of the most important educational sessions I've attended in my 30+ years in real estate. I sincerely value your good advice."
— Betty Moritz
Associate Broker, BHHS Towne Realty
Need Help With a Waterfront Property Issue?
Contact Jim Lang and his team when you need help solving any type of problem involving the water in Virginia.
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