A law office focused on wills, trusts and estate planning
with over three decades of helping clients
A law office focused on wills, trusts and estate planning
with over three decades of helping clients
Attorney John M. Sadler has more than 30 years of combined experience as an estate planner, counselor at law, and trust officer, including over a decade as president of a wealth management and trust company. He believes in a counseling oriented approach to estate planning, which begins by listening carefully to each client's unique personal goals and wishes for their legacy. From there, he works and communicates with clients to craft a personalized plan to meet their goals, providing the peace of mind that comes from planning important affairs properly with an experienced professional. The process lends dignity to clients, their loved ones, and the practice of law.
EDUCATION:
Juris Doctor
Western Michigan University
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Lansing, Michigan (1991)
Bachelor of Arts (English)
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia (1987)
(studies abroad at University of London, 1986)
Legal Intern
U. S. Army JAG Corps
Mainz, Germany (1990)
ADMITTED:
Actively licensed as an attorney with the Virginia State Bar (VSB# 36267) for over 30 years
Admitted to practice law before the
Supreme Court of Virginia
and the United States District Court
(Eastern District of Virginia)
Previously admitted to practice law
before the highest courts of
Maryland, Michigan and the District of Columbia
(currently inactive)
APPOINTED:
Commissioner in Chancery
City of Williamsburg/County of James City Circuit Court
(1999)
EXPERIENCE:
President
Chesapeake Wealth Management
(formerly Chesapeake Trust Company)
Williamsburg, Virginia (2012-2023)
Chairman
Virginia Bankers Association Trust & Wealth Committee
(2018-2020)
President
Virginia Peninsula Estate Planning Council
(2015-2016)
President, owner and principal attorney
Williamsburg Estate Planning
Williamsburg, Virginia (2003-2012)
Partner, co-owner and principal attorney
Williamsburg Legal Associates, LLP
Williamsburg, Virginia (1998-2003)
Attorney at Law
Wood & Brooks
Williamsburg, Virginia (1993-98)
Solo practitioner
Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan (1992-93)
(member 1998-2023, government affairs committee)