Litigation has traditionally been the only option to resolve legal matters. Challa Law was formed with the vision that mediation is a more effective tool for conflict resolution.
Ms. Challa has a unique background in counseling, law and mediation. This combination of empathy, legal training, and practical people skills has enabled her to be an effective communicator, facilitator and advocate.
She graduated with a B.A in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies and worked as a counselor in an outpatient treatment center for 5 years. In this position she counseled adults and juveniles facing behavioral, educational, legal, and substance abuse issues. She also conducted individual, family and group therapy. Although this experience provided a compassionate outlet for helping others, Ms. Challa desired a more active role in advocating for those in need and pursued legal studies.
During law school, Ms. Challa was recognized for distinguished oral advocacy in the first year, as well as an award for exceptional job performance in working for the school law library. She worked in the Family Law Unit of Legal Aid. In this position she worked closely with clients dealing with divorce, custody, and visitation issues. After graduation, she worked as a contract attorney for 3 years for a large corporate law firm.
After moving to the Hampton Roads area, Ms. Challa obtained certification from the Supreme Court of Virginia as a mediator and has been mediating cases for over 10 years. These included highly emotional and complex cases such as landlord-tenant, contract disputes, corporate issues, protective orders, and neighborhood disputes. From her extensive experience in court, Ms. Challa began to understand the power of mediation and its potential for change. This power was most evident in the area of Family Law due to the intensity of the emotions involved, and the likelihood of lasting negative impact on children.
When Ms. Challa is not helping clients resolve their legal issues, she can be found giving back to students and the community. Ms. Challa enjoys teaching and has taught legal courses as adjunct faculty at a local college. She has been given an award for superior teaching and professionalism.
Challa Law is committed to giving back to the community. She often participates by volunteering and fundraising to help children and families in the Hampton Roads area.
Currently a member of the Virginia Mediation Network, Virginia State Bar, Chesapeake Bar Association, Virginia Beach Bar Association, and the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association.
She is currently certified in the following areas:
Supreme Court Certified Mediatior,Supreme Court Certified Peer Mediator, Supreme Court Certified Guardian Ad Litem, Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, Certified Arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau
Practice areas
Represent children in Custody cases by private appointment of court appointment. We strive to conduct a thorough investigation to advocate for the best interest of the child.
Certified Guardian Ad Litem for the Virginia Courts. Experienced in detailed investigation and reporting to ensure that the best interest of the child standards are met. We are passionate about helping children and families in the Hampton Roads area.
Supreme Court certified mediator. Can mediate cases involving landlord- tenant , contract negotiation, peer to peer, neighborhood disputes, corporate issues, protective orders.
Can provide an uncontested divorce
Represent defendants for failure to pay child support.
Can advocate for children having difficulty in the school system due to IEP, special needs, truancy , juvenile issues
Assault and battery
Languages spoken
English, Gujarati
Challa Law PC
One Columbus Center Suite 678
Virginia Beach
Virginia, VA, 23462
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 2016 | 02/12/2017 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Second Place recipient Legal Food Frenzy | Southeastern Food Bank | 2019 |
Second place recipient | Legal Food Bank | 2019 |
Legal Food Frenzy Second Place | Southeastern Virginia Food Bank | 2018 |
Instructor of the Quarter | Everest College | 2010 |
Patricia Brown Service Award | Suffolk Law Library | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Challa Law PC | 2018 - Present |
Certified Guardian Ad Litem | Supreme Court Of Virginia | 2018 - Present |
Court Appointed Counselor | Supreme Court Of Virginia | 2018 - Present |
Certified Mediator | Supreme Court Of Virginia | 2015 - Present |
Bar exam essay grader | Kaplan Bar | 2017 - 2017 |
Adjunct Professor | Everest College | 2010 - 2010 |
---|---|---|
Americorp Vista | Community Mediation Center | 2008 - 2010 |
Contract Attorney | Ropes & Gray (Assigned By Update Legal) | 2003 - 2005 |
Law recruiter | Suffolk Law School | 2002 - 2002 |
Law librarian | Suffolk Law School | 2000 - 2002 |
Legal Intern | Boston Legal Aide | 2000 - 2000 |
Legal Intern | Knoxville Legal Aid Society | 1999 - 1999 |
Legal Intern | Elder Law Clinic | 1999 - 1999 |
Behavioral Health Insurance Associate | Covenant Health Systems | 1998 - 1998 |
Counselor | Covenant Health Systems | 1994 - 1997 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Virginia Bar Association | Executive Board Member | 2020 - Present |
Virginia Bar Association | Public Service Committee | 2020 - Present |
Virginia Bar Association | Domestic Relations Council | 2019 - Present |
Best Practice Committee Suffolk | Member | 2019 - Present |
Virginia Bar Association, Domestic Relations Section | Young Lawyers Division liaison | 2019 - Present |
Virginia Mediation Network | Member | 2018 - Present |
---|---|---|
Better Business Bureau | Arbitrator | 2018 - Present |
Virginia Bar Association | Member | 2018 - Present |
Chesapeake Bar Association | Executive Board Member | 2018 - Present |
Virginia Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division | Member | 2018 - Present |
Virginia Beach Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
Chesapeake Bar Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
Virginia State Bar | Member | 2017 - Present |
South Asian Bar Association | Member | 2000 - 2002 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Virginia Lawyer (Virginia State Bar) | Virginia Lawyer (Virginia State Bar) Vol. 57/No. 5 (Featured Executive Committee Member Attorney in Article) | 2019 |
Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association | Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association - Bar Bulletin (A Featured New Member Attorney in Article) | 2018 |
Blog | Choose Mediation Over Litigation | 2018 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Suffolk University Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2002 |
University of Tennessee | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Virginia State Bar | Lawyer Wellness | 2019 |
Chesapeake Bar Association Bench Bar | Lawyer Welness | 2019 |
Family Law | Networking and law student wellness | 2019 |
Foster care training | Role Of the guardian ad litem | 2019 |
Guardian ad litem motivational speaking | Guardian ad litem motivational speaking | 2019 |
Ethical considerations in guardian ad litem practice | Ethical considerations in guardian ad litem practice | 2019 |
---|
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Child support | Suspended sentence contingent on paying $65 towards arrears. |
Child support | client filed for disability and case was dismissed. |
Child support | Case dismissed |
Assault and Battery | Case dismissed |
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Thu Nov 19 2020
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Thu Sep 06 2018
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Tue Jul 17 2018
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Tue Jul 10 2018
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Sat Apr 14 2018
Robert Foley, Child custody Attorney on Oct 7, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I've worked with Mrs. Challa in contested custody cases where she acted as guardian ad litem for the minor child. Her professionalism and open communication enabled the parents to come to an agreed resolution in the best interests of their child.
Sarah Buitrago, Child custody Attorney on Sep 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Hetal is an all around excellent attorney. She is personable, compassionate, and professional. She gives each case the attention that it deserves and devotes herself to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients. I would highly recommend her.
James Higginbottom, Child custody Attorney on Aug 8, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Ms. Challa served as Guardian ad Litem in a Child Custody matter. She conducted a thorough investigation on behalf of the child and provided a reasonable and fair recommendation to the court. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again.
Angela Dinger, Family Attorney on Mar 29, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have been a trial attorney and mediator for 9 years. I have worked with Attorney Challa on dozens of cases. She is an excellent attorney, guardian ad litem, and mediator. She is a staunch advocate and works tirelessly for her clients. She has excellent communication skills and vast experience in both counseling and mediation. She has a heart for helping people and when she is not in court, she volunteers her time. She is trustworthy and ethically beyond reproach.
Tazewell Hubard, Family Attorney on Mar 19, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have practiced law and mediation for almost 50 years, while serving as a Substitute Judge for 19 of those years, and have known Hetal for at least the last 10 years. I have collaborated with her on several cases and have always found her to be both highly competent and ethical. She has the unique ability to not only focus upon the issues but also the needs and best interests of a client. She is both a caring and emphatic attorney, which is unusual in today's legal environment.