News Flash

Vanessa Valldejuli, a graduate of the Marshall-Wythe School of Law with 26 years of legal experience, has been named Hampton’s city attorney.

Valldejuli leaves Chesapeake, where she spent that past five months as a deputy city attorney leading the land use team, to return to Hampton, where she had served as a senior deputy city attorney since 2005. In Hampton, she was the lead attorney for land use and development issues, including the Planning Commission and the departments of community development and economic development. She also assisted with services to City Council, the city manager’s office, the Hampton Federal Area Development Authority, Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Economic Development Authority and the Fort Monroe Authority.

She has also served as associate city attorney in Virginia Beach, an associate to two private law firms – Kalfus and Nachman in Norfolk and Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love in Charleston, W.Va.

Mayor George Wallace noted that the council considered years of experience, legal expertise, prior service in Hampton and recommendations from those in the profession. “It was a tough choice selecting the final candidate among those we interviewed,” said Wallace.

Valldejuli rose to the top, he said, noting: “Her legal expertise in economic development is among the best in the region.”

Added Vice Mayor Linda Curtis: "Her service here in Hampton, in Chesapeake and in Virginia Beach, as well as her private practice, makes her an outstanding choice."

Valldejuli graduated at the top of her class at Mary Washington College and received a master’s from the University of Richmond before getting her law degree. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Regent University School of Law. She returns to Hampton on Feb. 18.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected for this position,” said Valldejuli, “and I am excited to be a part, once again, of a team who has Hampton in their hearts and is dedicated to bringing the vision and promise that is Hampton to fruition.”