Charles D. Hatley, Esq.

About Charles D. Hatley

Charles D. Hatley, Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer of Melone Hatley, P.C., where he combines visionary leadership with entrepreneurial drive to shape the firm’s growth, strategy, and culture. Recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering innovation, Charles is committed to creating a workplace where collaboration, professional development, and accountability drive both employee success and client satisfaction. 

A strategic leader with extensive experience across multiple industries, Charles has a proven record of scaling operations, enhancing efficiency, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that deliver sustainable growth. He believes that leadership is not just about guiding a firm, it’s about inspiring people, empowering teams, and building a culture where talent thrives and ideas flourish. 

Before leading Melone Hatley, Charles managed offices for a national law firm, litigating high-stakes family law cases across Virginia and Washington, D.C. Today, he merges that big-law expertise with an entrepreneurial, boutique approach, ensuring clients receive practical, strategic, and compassionate guidance while feeling supported throughout challenging legal processes. Under his leadership, the firm has evolved into a client-centered, innovative practice where people – both employees and clients – feel empowered, supported, and motivated to succeed. 

Beyond his leadership role, Charles shares his expertise as the host of the firm’s own podcast, I Now Pronounce You Divorced, where he explores key topics in divorce, child custody, and co-parenting.

By providing practical guidance and thoughtful analysis, Charles helps families navigate complex legal issues while fostering informed, confident decisions by contributing to various publications: including Virginia Lawyers Weekly where he provided high-level insights into the complexities of clients using AI to self-inform legal strategies and the cultural shifts of AI with legal services. Charles was also featured in Virginia Business magazine to discuss pay transparency laws as he continues to post relevant and sharp commentary on the legal services landscape in Virginia.

Charles also participates as a member on two standing committees of the Virginia State Bar: The Virginia State Bar Standing Committee of Lawyer Discipline and the VSB’s Lawyers Insurance Committee.

Listen to Charles in action on the podcast here: I Now Pronounce You Divorced, listen on Spotify. Available on Apple Podcasts and on video podcasts and playlists on YouTube.