Tate Bywater, Attorneys

07/02/2025

Welcome news from a recently passed bill in Virginia. Virginia's new civil jurisdictional limits will give greater access to justice for individuals and small businesses!

Effective July 1, 2025, the jurisdictional cap for civil claims in Virginia’s General District Court (GDC) will increase from $25,000 to $50,000, thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 1291 on March 21, 2025. This significant change is poised to reshape the litigation landscape for both businesses a...

10/11/2022

We are pleased to announce Ben Ader is now a partner at the firm. Ben is an exceptional attorney and has proven to be an invaluable part of our team. He is a force to be reckoned with in civil litigation, transactional, and estate planning matters and has a great strategic vision for the firm. We look forward to his continued contributions in the future!

04/26/2022

On April 25, 2022, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the Commonwealth’s case in a high-profile police shooting case. Tate Bywater attorneys Jonathan Fahey and Travis Tull had previously won dismissal of all counts in federal district court. The Commonwealth of Virginia appealed the district court’s ruling. After briefing before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Attorney General of Virginia recognized the merits of the firm’s appellate position and moved to dismiss case against the firm’s client.

Virginia initially appealed the dismissal of manslaughter charges against two U.S. Park Police officers, but a new attorney general has ended the appeal.

04/15/2022

It is our pleasure to announce that William Evans has joined Tate Bywater as an Associate Attorney working in our civil litigation and criminal defense practices. Will comes to us from the Culpepper Commonwealth Attorney's office where he served as assistant prosecutor. Prior to his time there, he practiced criminal defense and civil law. Will's unique experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him a broad understanding of the law which we know will serve his clients well.

Will is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School and resides in Northern Virginia with his wife and son.

02/07/2022

We are pleased to announce that Renee Rocheleau-Lucero has joined the firm as a a Senior Associate Attorney. Renee has practiced law for over 25 years in the Northern Virginia area, focusing primarily on family law and civil litigation. During her extensive career, she has worked on appeals before both the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Virginia Supreme Court.

Renee has developed a rich understanding of the law over the course of her career and we know she will provide invaluable legal expertise for our clients.

01/31/2022

On January 21, 2022, the Honorable Claude M. Hilton dismissed all charges brought against a federal agent who was alleged to have violated the plaintiff’s Fourth Amendment rights and conspiring to do so..

On January 21, 2022, the Honorable Claude M. Hilton dismissed all charges brought against a federal agent who was alleged to have violated the plaintiff’s Fourth Amendment rights and conspiring to do so.

01/07/2022

On October 22, 2021, Jonathan Fahey and Travis Tull won dismissal on homicide charges in high profile police shooting case in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Honorable Judge Claude M. Hilton dismissed all charges against a United States Park Police Officer who was facing homicide charges stemming from an on duty shooting of a motorist. After a pre-trial hearing in which Fahey and Tull successfully argued for dismissal of the case for violating the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, the Court found that the Officer’s actions were “necessary and proper” in the performance of his duties. Fahey and Tull had previously successfully removed the case from state to federal court.

Nearly four years after the shooting of Ghaisar, a federal judge rules the two Park Police officers' actions were reasonable because of Ghaisar's erratic driving.

09/14/2021

Paul Mickelsen recently did a podcast interview with Crime Time: With Virginia Defense Lawyers about abusive head trauma:

00:47:24 - In our line of work, some of the most difficult cases involve child victims. Join us with special guest Paul Michelsen as we explore the many issu…

06/12/2021

We're looking for a new team member!

Tate Bywater, a full-service law firm serving the DC metro area since 1972, seeks a VA licensed attorney with 1-4 years of experience in family and domestic law. This position is an opportunity to work and learn within a solid firm culture based on mentorship from seasoned partners and fellow associates. Superior client interaction and writing skills are a must. Responsibilities include but are not limited to drafting and arguing motions, discovery, conducting depositions, and representing clients at trial.

Strong academic record, law review and/or moot court board preferred. Salary negotiable based on experience. Contact Sylvia Updegraff at [email protected] to submit a resume.

04/22/2021

Even if your criminal or traffic case was dismissed, having an arrest record can still carry significant collateral consequences.

Getting charged with a criminal or serious traffic offense is difficult. A million thoughts can run through your mind including, “what does my future look like?” Having a conviction on your record can make obtaining employment difficult. But even beyond a conviction, having an arrest record can ...

03/24/2021

"My husband and I have used Gary Fuller for many years for various legal matters. From complex commercial litigation to simple contract matters, he has never failed to give us excellent advice for both our personal and business needs. He is honest, trustworthy and truly puts his client's interests first. I absolutely recommend his services."
-Lilly, Feb. 2021