Overview
John J. Chappell, III brings over a decade of experience in real estate title curative litigation, consumer finance defense, and lien enforcement to serve lenders, title insurers, and property owners. He combines deep litigation expertise with comprehensive title law knowledge to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions that resolve complex property disputes while minimizing disruption to his clients' business operations.
John is Of Counsel in the Virginia Beach office of Kaufman & Canoles and a member of the firm’s Real Estate Claims & Title Insurance Solutions Group. His practice focuses on real estate title curative litigation, consumer finance defense litigation, evictions, and mechanic’s liens. John brings a unique blend of litigation skill and title expertise. He has handled a wide range of cases and understands how to protect property interests while minimizing exposure. He also knows how to communicate clearly with clients who may not be familiar with legal jargon. John is collaborative and transparent. He keeps his clients informed at every step and offers options, not just legal advice, and believes in empowering his clients to make informed decisions.
John helps lenders, servicers, title insurers, and property owners resolve disputes involving title defects, possession rights, and lien enforcement. His work often involves litigation, but he also guides clients through curative strategies that avoid court when possible. His clients include national and regional lenders, title insurance companies, real estate investors, and property owners. John also collaborates with attorneys and claims professionals at insurance companies who need litigation support or curative counsel.
Clients appreciate John’s ability to quickly assess risk and deliver practical, cost-effective solutions. He combines litigation experience with a deep understanding of real estate title law, which allows him to resolve disputes efficiently and with minimal disruption to the lives of his clients and their business operations. John is responsive, thorough, and focused on outcomes. One set of clients told him, “We cannot begin to express our gratitude, there are just not enough words. You have lifted a heaviness from our hearts, and we can move forward with joy. I hope you know how much your work matters to your clients. Thank you, John! It was a pleasure to do business with your firm and will absolutely reach out for any future needs. Will also give you a glowing recommendation to anyone who needs guidance.” This comment reflects John’s goal to simplify complex legal issues and his dedication to providing meaningful results for his clients.
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Representative Matters
Secured summary judgment for possession and a $420,000+ award for a lender in a post-foreclosure eviction proceeding
Co-authored analysis of Tidwell v. Goldsmith, a consolidated Virginia Court of Appeals case concerning the ownership and use of certain easements
Co-authored analysis of Smith, et al. v. Allen Creek Associates, LLC, a Virginia Court of Appeals case affirming a petition to relocate two easements under Virginia Code § 55.1-304
Represented lenders, property owners, and servicers in mechanic’s lien defense, title defect litigation, and quiet title actions in federal and state courts across Virginia
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Virginia Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2022–2025
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ Magazine, 2022–2025
Judicial clerk to the Honorable Randall M. Blow in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
Press & Publications
News
Credentials
Education
Randolph-Macon College; B.A., 2010
Appalachian School of Law; J.D., 2013
Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia
Beyond the Law
Outside of the office, John enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, and immersing himself in different cultures.