Stephan is a partner based in the firm’s Norfolk office who focuses his practice on business planning and succession as well as estate planning, estate and trust administration, elder law, and related matters, including guardianships, and conservatorships. 

In his business practice, Stephan leads firm transactional teams on projects related to all phases of the business cycle. Whether assisting in the startup of a new local retailer, functioning as counsel on a merger/acquisition, or serving as outsourced general counsel for a business, he seeks to understand that the needs of the business and formulate a plan to accomplish goals expeditiously.

Having grown his business practice from trusts, estates, and elder law work, Stephan intimately understands the need to consider generational differences, exit planning, business succession, and coordinate both the legal and human elements of the parties involved. Stephan believes in coordinating a team of professionals to fully address the needs of clients. Such professionals often include financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and bankers, among others. 

A Norfolk native, Stephan particularly enjoys contributing to growing philanthropy in the region and assisting business-owners in their legal needs. He is a past president of the Hampton Roads Gift Planning Council, a member of the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council, and regularly speaks to local groups on gift planning, estate planning, and related issues.  He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business Magazine, a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine, and by “Best Lawyers” in several categories including Tax, Elder Law, and Wills/Trust/Estates/Tax. Stephan is an alumnus of Norfolk Academy, University of Mary Washington, and received his law degree of from the University of South Carolina, where he served on the Honor Council. 

A former college lacrosse player and father of three young children, Stephan enjoys using creativity and flexibility to accomplish objectives both personally and for clients.  .