Attorney Bio
William “Bill” Wilkinson, Esq. is the Managing Litigation Attorney for the Virginia Beach, VA office of Melone Hatley, P.C., where he leads strategy across complex family law and civil litigation matters. As an experienced Virginia family law attorney, Bill handles cases involving divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property division, bringing both compassion and precision to every client matter.
With a strong background spanning family law, criminal law, bankruptcy, immigration, and civil litigation, Bill offers clients a comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of a legal situation. His diverse experience allows him to identify connections between financial, criminal, and family law issues—an essential skill when resolving high-stakes divorce and custody cases.
Bill has represented clients in trials and appeals before both state and federal courts in Virginia, earning a reputation for his strategic advocacy and meticulous preparation. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or litigating in court, he is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and helping them move forward with confidence.
Before joining Melone Hatley, Bill clerked for the Maine Attorney General’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office, later serving as a judicial legal assistant to the Honorable Rossie D. Alston, Jr. on the Virginia Court of Appeals. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law, where he was a two-term president of the Federalist Society Student Chapter, reflecting his dedication to constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Originally from just outside Portland, Maine, Bill now calls Hampton Roads his home. When he’s not in the courtroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two golden retrievers. A passionate reader of history and philosophy, Bill finds inspiration in timeless ideas about justice, leadership, and society.
