Charles D. Hatley named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Leaders in the Law

Melone Hatley, P.C. CEO Charles D. Hatley has been selected for Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Leaders in the Law class. The honor spotlights his leadership as the firm expands across four states and adds to a second straight year of recognition for the firm.

Why it matters: - Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s Leaders in the Law recognition highlights attorneys for legal leadership, service to the profession and community impact. - The honor adds another profile boost for Melone Hatley, P.C. as the family law and estate planning firm continues to grow across multiple states. - The recognition also gives the firm a second consecutive year of inclusion in the program.

What happened: - Charles D. Hatley, chief executive officer of Melone Hatley, P.C., was named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Leaders in the Law class. - Virginia Lawyers Weekly will honor Hatley and the rest of the 2026 class at a networking reception on Oct. 29, 2026. - The same event will also recognize Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Up & Coming Lawyers class.

The details: - Leaders in the Law is an annual Virginia Lawyers Weekly recognition for attorneys who contribute to the practice of law, leadership in the justice system and service to the legal profession and their communities. - Hatley has helped lead Melone Hatley, P.C. through growth and expansion. - The firm now serves clients in Virginia, Florida, South Carolina and Texas. - The firm has also been recognized nationally for its growth. - Before entering firm leadership, Hatley managed offices for a national law firm. - Hatley also litigated divorce and custody matters in Virginia and Washington, D.C. - Melone Hatley said that mix of litigation and management experience informs Hatley’s leadership and the firm’s client-centered culture. - Hatley serves on the Virginia State Bar’s Standing Committee on Lawyer Discipline and Lawyers Insurance Committee. - Hatley has also written commentary for Virginia Lawyers Weekly and Virginia Business on topics including artificial intelligence in legal consultations and pay transparency. - Hatley hosts the firm’s podcast, I Now Pronounce You Divorced, which covers divorce, custody, co-parenting and related family issues. - Firm founder and managing partner Rebecca Melone was named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Leaders in the Law class. - Melone Hatley, P.C. is a woman-owned family law and estate planning firm. - The firm handles divorce, child custody, child support, military divorce, estate planning, trusts and contested estate matters. - More information is available at the firm’s website or by calling 800-479-8124.

Between the lines: - The selection suggests Hatley’s influence extends beyond internal management into bar service, professional commentary and public-facing legal education. - The back-to-back recognition of firm leaders points to a leadership bench that has become part of the company’s brand. - The award also reinforces Virginia as a core market for the firm, even as the practice spans several states.

What's next: - Hatley will be recognized with the rest of the 2026 class on Oct. 29, 2026. - Melone Hatley, P.C. is likely to keep leaning on leadership visibility as it grows its multi-state practice.

The bottom line: - Hatley’s selection reflects both individual professional recognition and the broader expansion of Melone Hatley, P.C.