Overview
The business and construction world is increasingly complex, and finding a lawyer who can litigate, negotiate and deliver strategic counsel is a huge win. With more than a decade of experience, Clark Belote is skilled at helping businesses (including contractors, creditors and others) as they face litigation, disputes, and issues with contracts, bankruptcy and real estate.
Clark is a Member in the firm’s Norfolk office and a member of the Litigation, Government Contracts & Construction, Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights & Business Restructuring, and Franchising practice groups. His litigation practice focuses on commercial litigation, construction, creditors’ rights, and real estate. His experience includes representing contractors, creditors and corporate clients in cases involving complex commercial litigation, contract issues, business torts, and bankruptcy issues, as well as lenders and other stakeholders in real estate litigation matters. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law.
Representative Matters
Successfully represented subcontractor in multi-week arbitration with prime contractor concerning government contract and construction delay issues
Regularly assist with construction and supply chain contract negotiations, as well construction and government contract dispute resolution advice, including claims, requests for equitable adjustments, and change order issues
Counsel for advertising agency in commercial litigation involving personal jurisdiction issues and breach of contract matters in Federal Court
Counsel for hotel in connection with construction nuisance litigation
Represented multiple national franchisors in connection with franchise litigation
Represented defendants in fraudulent conveyance bankruptcy litigation
Represented homeowners in construction arbitration dispute
Served as local counsel in various matters in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Drafted briefs for successful appeals in the Supreme Court of Virginia, Court of Appeals of Virginia, and United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Represented lenders and property owners in real estate litigation matters
Represented local company and municipality in insurance coverage disputes
Represented entities in pursuing appeals of small business and minority or women-owned business status certifications
Representative Cases
Burstein v. Nonte, No. 2:22-cv-267, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148791, at *1 (E.D. Va. Aug. 23, 2023) and 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 28753 (4th Cir. Nov. 13, 2024)
Strata Solar, LLC v. Fall Line Constr., LLC, No. 4:22-cv-106, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 233138, at *2 (E.D. Va. Oct. 4, 2023)
Arco/Murray Nat’l Constr. Co. v. Owl Creek Energy, LLC, Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-00346, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 2157, at *2 (E.D. Va. Jan. 5, 2023)
Tee Feral Golf, LLC v. MJM Golf, LLC, No. 21-1648, 2022 U.S. App. LEXIS 33928, at *1 (4th Cir. Dec. 9, 2022)
United States ex rel. Concreate, Inc. v. S.B. Ballard Constr. Co., Civil Action No. 2:20cv293 (RCY), 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 149650, at *1 (E.D. Va. Aug. 9, 2021)
New Venture Holdings, L.L.C. v. DeVito Verdi,, 376 F. Supp. 3d 683 (E.D. Va. 2019)
Bauer Compressors, Inc. v. Three Rivers Crane, Inc., 2:18-CV-282, 2018 WL 4655731 (E.D. Va. Sept. 27, 2018)
Soho Wilmington LLC v. Barnhill Contracting Co., 7:18-CV-79-D, 2019 WL 165708 (E.D.N.C. Jan. 10, 2019)
Allan L. Bergano, D.D.S., P.C. v. City of Virginia Beach, 241 F. Supp. 3d 690 (E.D. Va. 2017)
Matter of Mediation in Health Diagnostic, Lab., Inc., 3:17-MC-4, 2018 WL 524711 (E.D. Va. Jan. 23, 2018)
CSX Transportation, Inc. v. Norfolk S. Ry. Co., No. 2:18CV530, 2019 WL 4564564 (E.D. Va. Sept. 9, 2019)
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America, 2026
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ Magazine, 2023-2025
Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2021-2025
Norfolk Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2021, 2023-2025
Norfolk Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2021-2025
Law Clerk to the Honorable Douglas E. Miller; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 2014-2015
Legal Extern to the Honorable Roger L. Gregory; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Fall 2013
Manuscripts Editor, University of Richmond Law Review
Press & Publications
News
Speaking Engagements
Community & Professional
Associations
Alzheimer’s Association; Legal Industry Leadership Council Representative, 2024-present
Federal Bar Association, Hampton Roads Chapter, Former President
I’Anson-Hoffman Inn of Court, Board Member
Virginia Bar Association Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
Alzheimer’s Association, Newport News Walk Committee, Past Member
Virginia State Bar Construction and Public Contracts Section, Member
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia; B.A., 2010
University of Richmond School of Law; J.D., summa cum laude, 2014
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Beyond the Law
Clark enjoys surfing, golf, and coaching his son’s baseball team.
