Overview
Chuck McPhillips is a Member in the firm’s Norfolk office. His business law practice includes mergers, acquisitions and financings, public-private partnerships (P3s); international sales and investment transactions; joint ventures; and corporate/limited liability company law.
Representative Matters
Mergers & Acquisitions
Represented multiple defense contractors and construction firms in acquisitions of industrial concerns
Represented ESOP-owned ship repair company in sale to private equity fund
Represented U.S. manufacturer in acquisition of specialty supplier
Represented independent industrial distributor and residential mortgage banking firm in sales to national purchasers
Represented local defense contractor in acquisition of aerospace supplier
Represented leading Southeastern fuel-equipment distributor/contractor in sale to private equity fund
Represented U.S. purchaser of U.K. defense contractor
Represented small-business defense contractor in sale to Alaska Native Corporation
Represented defense contractor with top-level facility security clearances in sale to roll-up firm
Represented leading regional accounting firm in a merger with international accounting firm
Represented leading Southeastern U.S. Customs Broker in sale to a Canadian acquirer
Represented 'facilitized' ship repair company in consolidation with a 'non-facilitized' ship repair company
Represented graduates from Section 8(a) program throughout their developmental and transitional stages of growth, culminating in exit sales to publicly-held buyers
Represented U.S. provider of point-of-sale software in sale to German acquirer
Represented purchasers of wide range of businesses, including the marine sonar, industrial distribution and construction materials industries
Public-Private Partnerships
Represented developer in $335 million surf park, entertainment venue, multi-family housing, retail and office project at resort location
Represented design-build contractor in negotiation of P3 project to build five schools in Norfolk, Virginia
Represented design-build contractor in negotiation of P3 project build a new high school in Norfolk
Represented national developer in negotiating a P3 agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia for the construction of an $88 million medium-security correctional facility
Represented developer in the negotiation of a P3 agreement with locality for a $40 million office tower and parking garage
Represented private owners in development of an $18.5 million mega-yacht repair facility and associated marine operations on city-owned property
Represented contractor in negotiation of $59.5 million design-build contract with the Virginia Port Authority
Miscellaneous
Represented ship repair companies and manufacturers in a wide range of commercial agreements
Represented non-profit landowner in negotiation of joint venture agreements for the development of multi-family and office projects based on ground leases from the non-profit landowner
Represented U.S. distributor in negotiation of exclusive distributorship of an Italian manufacturer's product line in the United States
Prepared and negotiated numerous limited liability company (LLC) operating agreements for operating businesses, complex joint ventures and real estate developments
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Papal Cross), 2013
First Citizen of Norfolk; Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club, 2025
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Humanitarian Award, 2014
Bishop’s Humanitarian Award; Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, 2011
Best Lawyers in America, 1998–2026
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ, 2017-2025
Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2004–2009, 2011-2016, 2018-2025
Norfolk Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year”; Best Lawyers in America, 2021
The Power List; Inside Business, 2018-2020
Fellow; Virginia Law Foundation, 2011-Present
AV® Rated; Martindale-Hubbell
Order of the Coif; University of Virginia
Phi Beta Kappa; Hampden-Sydney College
Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Fraternity; Hampden-Sydney College
James Madison Political Science Award; Hampden-Sydney College
Press & Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Community & Professional
Associations
Next Step to Success; Founding Chairman, 2021-present
Saint Patrick Catholic School; Founding Chairman, 2000-2009, Secretary and Director, 2009-present
Norfolk Innovation Corridor; Founding Director, 2019-present
Greater Norfolk Corporation; President, 2013-2020
Hampden-Sydney College; Board of Trustees, 2009-2013, 2014-2018, Vice Chairman, 2017-2018
Norfolk Forum; President, Board of Directors, 2013-2015, Chairman, Nominating Committee, 2015-present
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation; Founding Chairman, Board of Directors, 2016-2023
NexGen Title Agency; Founding Chairman, 2017-present
TowneBank; Norfolk Board of Directors
James Barry-Robinson Home for Boys Trust; Chairman, Board of Trustees, 1999-present
Virginia Catholic Conference, Chairman, Policy Committee
757 Angels; Board of Directors, 2015-present
Barry-Robinson Center; Former Chairman, Board of Directors, multiple terms
UpVote Virginia; Board of Directors of 501(c)(4) Organization, Former Chairman
The New E3 School; Board of Trustees, 2014-2024
Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance; Executive Committee, 2013-2019
McMahon-Parater Foundation; Chairman, Board of Directors, 2009-2017
Catholic Community Foundation, Diocese of Richmond; Board of Directors, 2017-2023
Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, Inc.; General Counsel (pro bono), 1997-present
Virginia Stage Company; President, Board of Trustees, 2003-2005
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Knight)
Thomas C. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership; Former Chairman, Hampton Roads Regional Advisory Board
Catholic High School Foundation; Board of Directors, 2004-present
Norfolk Commission on Arts and Humanities; Former Commissioner
Hampden-Sydney College National Alumni Association; President, 2005-2007
World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads; Past Vice President, 2003-2005
Downtown Republican Club; Founding President, 1999-2003
Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Association; President, Tidewater Club, 1999-2001
Virginia State Bar; Past Chairman, International Practice Section, 1995-1997
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; Chairman, International Business Council, 1995-1997
Virginia Club; President, 1995-1997
Credentials
Education
Hampden-Sydney College; B.A., magna cum laude, 1982
University of Virginia School of Law; J.D., Order of the Coif, 1985
