Richard H. Matthews – Pender & Coward – Virginia Beach, VA

Distinguished Business and Litigation Attorney

Richard H. Matthews is a senior shareholder and former CEO of Pender & Coward, P.C., one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Virginia. Based in the Virginia Beach Town Center, Mr. Matthews brings decades of high-level legal experience to his practice, specializing in banking, business litigation, and labor and employment law. With a career that began in 1976 and includes service as an Assistant City Attorney for Virginia Beach, he possesses a deep understanding of both the private and public legal sectors. He is widely regarded as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer,’ frequently called upon to handle complex civil cases and advise financial institutions on critical regulatory matters.

Strategic Corporate Counsel

Richard Matthews’ practice is built on a foundation of rigorous analysis and strategic foresight. He regularly represents regional banks, businesses, and governmental entities in multi-million dollar litigation and transactional matters. His expertise in employment law allows him to guide management through the maze of workplace regulations, helping to prevent disputes before they arise. In the courtroom, he is a formidable litigator, having argued cases before the Virginia Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

• Banking & Financial Institutions: Advising on lender liability, creditors’ rights, and complex loan restructuring.
• Commercial Litigation: Representing businesses in contract disputes, tort claims, and civil rights defense.
• Employment Law: Counseling employers on hiring, termination, discrimination claims, and wage compliance.
• Local Government Law: leveraging past experience to represent municipalities and school boards in civil matters.

A Leader in the Legal Community

Mr. Matthews’ leadership extends beyond his firm. He has served as President of the James Kent Inn of Court and is active in the Virginia Bar Association. His peers have consistently recognized his excellence, voting him into the Legal Elite and Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law. Despite these accolades, he remains committed to providing personalized service to every client. If you need to hire a business attorney with the gravitas and experience to handle your most challenging legal issues, Richard H. Matthews at Pender & Coward is the premier choice.

Located in the Armada Hoffler Tower

His office is located in the prestigious Armada Hoffler Tower in Virginia Beach Town Center, reflecting the high caliber of his practice. The firm offers sophisticated legal resources while maintaining deep roots in the Hampton Roads community.