Virginia Symphony Orchestra Board Members

Patrick McDermott

Chair, VSO Board of Directors

Pat, President of McDermottWard, Attorneys at Law, concentrates his practice primarily in three areas. The first area is Business and Corporate Law, which includes the representation of for-profit companies and non-profit agencies, and representation in commercial real estate transactions. Pat’s clients in this field range from general construction companies to public charities. Pat has experience with and represents Limited Liability Companies, C-Corporations, S-Corporations, 501(c)(3) companies, and partnerships. Many of the non-profit entities perform services related to behavioral health concerns such as developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse. He has formed and maintains current relations with numerous successful, active businesses.

The second area of expertise is serving as counsel to local and regional banks on commercial loans.  In this area he either reviews or prepares documents protecting the bank's interest in complex transactions.

The third area of practice pertains to Estate Planning and Probate and Estate Administration. Pat advises clients regarding their concerns for long term care, distribution of their estate and general management of their affairs through drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. In addition, Pat helps surviving families of deceased persons in the administration of their loved one’s estate.

Throughout his career, Pat has served on professional boards including on the Virginia State Bar Council as the elected representative from the 8^thJudicial Circuit. He has served as President of the Hampton Bar Association (2009). Currently he is a member of The Virginia State Bar and The Virginia Peninsula Estate Planning Council (President 2011).

Pat has always participated actively in the life of the community, serving on, or advising as counsel, various charitable and non-profit boards among them are Alternatives, Inc. (past President), The Center for Excellence in Aging and Geriatric Health, The Hampton Yacht Club Board of Directors, The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Hampton,  The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, Peninsula Agency on Aging Foundation, Hampton Public Library Foundation, Hampton Public Schools Foundation, The American Red Cross, Hampton Roads Chapter, and Mennowood Retirement Community (Board President, 2011-2012).  Involvement in for-profit companies includes TowneBank (current Board Member).

Pat earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary in 1977 subsequent to earning his Bachelor’s degree from Montclair University in 1973.