Overview
Dustin DeVore doesn’t just handle complex transactions and legal dilemmas—he makes them work. As Managing Director of Kaufman & Canoles’ Williamsburg office and Chair of the firm’s Credit Union and Lender Representation teams, he helps financial institutions, businesses, and real estate investors tackle their toughest legal and regulatory challenges with practical insight and a deep understanding of how deals really get done. Known for his responsiveness and clarity—rare qualities in the legal world—Dustin is the attorney clients call when stakes are high and the path forward isn’t obvious. He delivers decisive solutions, manages risk with foresight, and turns complexity into results with discipline and a mission-focused approach shaped by his time at VMI and as a Marine Officer.
"I’ve worked with Dustin and his team for over ten years. They’ve helped me navigate a variety of issues and opportunities spanning many aspects of our business. Their team is responsive, experienced, and extremely knowledgeable. They not only understand my business, they care about my business. I very much appreciate Dustin’s partnership and friendship." --Rob Garr, President, Moholland Family of Companies
Dustin’s clients include credit unions, regional and community banks, commercial lenders, developers, real estate investors, and business owners across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. He counsels executives, general counsel, and lending officers on structuring and documenting commercial financings, negotiating workouts, resolving distressed debt, and navigating regulatory and governance matters.
He joined Kaufman & Canoles in 2002 and has practiced from the Williamsburg office for over two decades, recently rising to serve as its Managing Director. Dustin also Chairs the firm’s Lender Representation practice group and leads the Credit Union team, combining firm leadership with deep subject-matter expertise. He is adept at handling complex real estate and hospitality matters— including acquisition, disposition, development, and joint ventures—as well as advising on entity formation, restructurings, and operational contracts.
Over the course of his career, Dustin has cultivated long- standing relationships with financial institutions, often acting as outside general counsel. His depth of experience, responsiveness, and business-oriented mindset make him a primary resource for clients confronting any number of high-stakes transactional or restructuring challenges. Even though Dustin handles numerous emails and phone calls daily, every client receives his full attention, as if they are the only person he’s assisting.
Dustin’s depth of experience and leadership have made him a trusted advisor to financial institutions, developers, and business leaders who rely on his ability to anticipate challenges and deliver practical, business-oriented solutions. Under his leadership, Kaufman & Canoles has expanded its role as a go- to firm for credit unions, assisting with governance, regulatory strategy, compliance audits, and operational policy development. He also collaborates with in-house counsel and boards on emerging issues such as fraud prevention, member data protection, and lending technology modernization.
Beyond his financial services work, Dustin has guided clients through complex business restructurings and high-value real estate transactions involving hotels, retail centers, and mixed- use developments. He is often sought after for his ability to coordinate multi-party negotiations and align diverse interests to achieve smooth, successful closings.
Clients describe Dustin as accessible, composed, and results- driven — an attorney who combines strategic foresight with grounded legal judgment. His blend of leadership, industry knowledge, and disciplined approach continues to set him apart among Virginia’s business and real estate attorneys.
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Representative Matters
Represented national retailer in land acquisition for new green design expansion
Represented national resort hotel in acquisition, financing, development, and expansion of theme park hotel
Represented international manufacturer in $100 million dollar expansion
Represents commercial lenders and borrowers in complex commercial financing and re-structuring transactions
Negotiates and structures purchases and sales of businesses
Represents developers, buyers, and sellers of hotels, retail properties, sports complexes, and golf courses
Forms & structures limited liability companies and corporations
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America, 2022-2026
15 Under 50; Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, 2021
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ Magazine, 2019-2025
Virginia's Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2011-2012, 2017, 2019-2025
Go To Lawyer - Business Law; Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2020
Top 40 Under 40; Inside Business, 2009
Dillard Award for Outstanding VMI Liberal Arts Graduate; Virginia Military Institute
William and Mary Law Review
Press & Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Community & Professional
Associations
Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance; Board of Directors
Virginia Military Institute Keydet Club; Board of Governors, 2022-present
Williamsburg Bar Association
Child Development Resources (CDR)
Credentials
Education
Virginia Military Institute; B.A., with distinction, 1994
William & Mary Law School; J.D., 2001
Military Service
Commissioned Officer; United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, 1994-2000