Richard H. Matthews

Richard H. Matthews is a highly respected shareholder with extensive experience in litigation, banking and financial institutions, business services, and labor and employment law. He regularly serves as lead counsel in complex civil cases and provides strategic legal guidance to businesses, financial institutions, and governmental entities navigating sensitive legal challenges.

Richard earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 1974, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to complete his Juris Doctor at the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law in 1976. His early commitment to public service was evident through his role as Assistant City Attorney for Virginia Beach, where he served from 1978 to 1983.

Richard’s career spans decades of leadership, having served as his firm’s CEO from 1999 to 2019, where he guided legal teams and clients through a wide range of commercial and tort matters. He also supervises transactional work, ensuring businesses and organizations receive well-rounded counsel. His admissions include the Virginia Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Richard H. Matthews continues to contribute to the legal community by lecturing and judging competitions at Regent University School of Law. His dedication to advancing legal knowledge and mentoring future attorneys reflects his commitment to the profession. Through his litigation and advisory work, he has helped countless clients resolve disputes, minimize risk, and achieve favorable outcomes in both the courtroom and transactional settings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Pender & Coward
• Member, Virginia Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Beach Bar Association
• Member, Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association
• Member, Chesapeake Bar Association
• Past President, James Kent Inn of Court

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Richmond
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges