About Us

During a career spanning more than 25 years, Jeff Tinkham has worked in some of the largest law firms in Hampton Roads. However, since 1999, he has worked in a small firm to facilitate proactive, results-driven advice and assistance to his clients. With that perspective and training, he and his staff will apply their "big law firm experience" to your legal matter in order to deliver personalized, high-quality legal services in a responsive and cost-effective fashion. Better does not have to cost more.


Education:
  • J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, Managing Editor of the Virginia Tax Review, 1987
  • B.S., University of Richmond (E. Claiborne Robins School of Business - Marketing / Economics), Magna Cum Laude, 1984
  • Norfolk Academy, 1980
 Community Involvement:
  • Board Member of:
    • Norfolk Sunrise Rotary Club (President 2003-2004)
    • Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
    • Red Cross, Tidewater Chapter
  • Elder, Second Presbyterian Church, Norfolk
  • Leadership Hampton Roads, Class of 1992

Our Services

Business Law

Jeff Tinkham provides a wide range of legal services to large and small businesses throughout their life cycles. His clients consist of both local entrepreneurs as well as regional corporations headquartered in Hampton Roads. These services often involve the following:

  • Sale, acquisition and merger of businesses, including stock purchase and asset purchase transactions
  • Borrower and commercial lender (bank) representation
  • Franchisee representation
  • Promissory notes, security agreements, pledge agreements, escrow agreements and guarantees
  • Formation and representation of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, joint ventures, professional corporations and sole proprietorships
  • Shareholder matters
  • Operating and partnership agreements
  • Business planning
  • Buy-Sell (shareholder) agreements
  • Corporate officer and board member matters (corporate governance)
  • Employment agreements
  • Employee/personnel manuals
  • Covenants not to compete
  • Letters of intent
  • Confidentiality agreements
  • Loan workouts
  • Business succession planning
  • Transfer of stock, membership interests and partnership interests
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Uniform Commercial Code matters
  • Review, negotiation and drafting of contracts of all sorts

Real Estate Law

We prepare and review real estate purchase contracts and commercial leases, as well as serve as bank review counsel for large commercial real estate loan transactions. Our real estate services often include the following:

  • Option agreements
  • Easement agreements
  • Commercial real estate purchase and sale transactions
  • Condominium creation
  • Construction contracts
  • Commercial real estate loan closings
  • IRS 1031 tax deferred exchanges of real property
  • Due diligence coordination (survey, title insurance and environmental review)
  • Ground leases
  • Lease extensions and renewals
  • Tenant estoppel certificates and nondisturbance agreements
  • Commercial leases, subleases and assignments
  • Landlord/Tenant matters
  • Property management agreements
  • Restructuring of loans (loan workouts)
  • Land contracts

    • Estate Planning

    Jeff Tinkham works with business owners to implement successful succession planning so that family-owned businesses can thrive over multiple generations. In addition, he represents individuals to minimize estate taxes and avoid probate. These services include the following:

  • Wills
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Advance Medical Directives (living wills)
  • Living trusts to avoid probate and facilitate asset administration
  • Family limited liability companies to minimize estate taxes
  • Estate administration

    • Client Testimonials

    “ For over 20 years, Jeff Tinkham has been William E. Wood & Associates Inc.'s general counsel. He's handled all of our company's acquisitions, leases, employment matters, bank loan documents, joint ventures and other contracts. Due to his experience, he has furnished me with outstanding legal and business advice over the years. I also value the prompt, personal attention that his firm provides. I'd highly recommend Jeff Tinkham to anyone who needs a great business or real estate attorney. ”
    Dick Thurmond, President | William E. Wood & Associates, Inc.

    “ In the various legal matters that Jeff has handled for us over the years, he has either made us money, saved us money or otherwise simplified our lives in some way. What more can you ask for? He's not only a really good attorney, but he also knows a lot about how businesses operate. ”
    Douglas Smith, President | INTECH Marine Services, Inc.

    “ Jeff has been our "go to" lawyer to form our entities and review our restaurant location leases. He knows the bankers in town and has handled all of my commercial real estate transactions. He's sharp and personable and has been a real asset to our growth. ”
    George Kotarides, President | Doughboy's California Pizza Restaurants

    “ Jeff Tinkham prepared my will, and he did a really good job of explaining what needed to be done to minimize the burdens on my children. He even went the extra mile by driving to Portsmouth so that I could sign my estate documents in the comfort of my home. That says a lot. ”
    V.D. (Full name withheld at client's request)


    Contact Us

    Address

    BB&T Bank Building
    500 E. Main St., Ste 405
    Norfolk, VA 23510

    Telephone

    phone: (757) 640-0020
    fax: (757) 640-0030

    Email

    jeff@tinkhamlaw.com

    Map Canvas