In 1997, Attorney Yates earned Board Certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) as a Criminal Trial Specialist. The NBTA is recognized by The American Bar Association as a certifying agency for lawyer specialization. Board Certification requires rigorous study and proof of experience, and an examination in the areas of Trial practice, Evidence, and Ethics. This certification has been renewed every 5 years, with proof of experience and high ethical reviews. Virginia does not have a system for certifying attorneys in areas of specialty.
GEORGE HOLTON YATES
BOARD CERTIFIED AS A CRIMINAL TRIAL SPECIALIST
FORMER ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY, VIRGINIA BEACH
As a prosecuting attorney from 1985-1989, he has unique experience and insight into the criminal defense system that allows him to anticipate strategies and build effective defenses. Hiring a former prosecutor gives you a significant advantage, because he knows what it takes to win a case and expose the weaknesses of the other party’s counsel.
EXTENSIVE TRIAL EXPERIENCE
He has now spent the last 25 years as a criminal defense and injury lawyer in the Greater Virginia Beach region. Go to Results for a representative view of some of his trials. He has appeared before judges and juries in every city and county in the Hampton Roads region. He is licensed to practice in Virginia, Florida and Utah, and also regularly practices in the Federal Courts in Norfolk and Newport News.
RADIO SHOW
He is the former host of a radio talk show dedicated to the law, “Justice for All.” This is something that he did to advance the cause of procedural and substantive justice reform in both Criminal and Civil Law as well as civil rights. Through this show, he was able to provide a public platform for speakers concerned about topics such as privacy issues, mass incarceration, indigent defense, racial discrimination, capital punishment terrorism, and fairness. The show included commentary on history, current events, and even sports. He learned a lot about the law from each of the guests and he believes that you will too!
EARLY CAREER
Attorney Yates became a member of the Virginia Bar in 1982 and took a job in Florida, where he practiced briefly before returning home to Virginia Beach in early 1984. He spent a year in private practice with former Congressman Owen Pickett’s firm before joining the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Virginia Beach in 1985. Every former prosecutor will tell you it was his/her favorite job. His true calling was criminal defense, and so he left to start his own practice in 1989. He still calls upon those experiences as a prosecutor when he evaluates and prepares cases for trial.
ACCOLADES
- Former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Virginia Beach (1985-1989)
- Board Certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy Since 1997
- National Trail Lawyers
- Virginia Beach Bar Association
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
BAR ASSOCIATIONS
- Member Virginia State Bar, 1982
- Member Florida State Bar, 1983
- Member Utah State Bar, 2012
He has been dedicated to effectively representing people in the same office here at 1023 Laskin Road for over 30 years.
Call our firm at (757) 491-8800 if you need some advice or representation. We are available 24/7 to all of our clients.