Atty. Joseph T. Waldo

Atty. Joseph T. Waldo

The founder of the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference, Joe Waldo has practiced law since graduating from William & Mary Law School. He obtained his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Norfolk Norfolk 48 yrs experience 48 year
Call (948) 212-4771 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Joseph T. Waldo at a glance

Joseph T. Waldo is a Partner and President based in Norfolk, Virginia, practicing at Waldo & Lyle, P.C.. They have 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Their practice focuses on zoning. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1978) and District of Columbia (2004). Educated at College of William and Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law (J.D., 1978) and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill A.B. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Norfolk, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • The founder of the Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference, Joe Waldo has practiced law since graduating from William & Mary Law School
  • He obtained his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • In 1998, he founded Waldo & Lyle, P.C., the only law firm in Virginia exclusively dedicated to representing property owners in eminent domain proceedings
  • He has tried over one hundred cases on behalf of property owners facing the exercise of the power of eminent domain
  • He is an elected member of the American Law Institute where he is an adviser on the Restatement (Fourth) of Property
  • He lectures, writes, and frequently makes appearances to advocate for the defense of individual property rights, drawing the connection to individual liberty and human dignity

Professional Activities

  • - Rated “AV” by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
  • Listed as Preeminent in the field of Eminent Domain - Practice limited to the representation of property owners in eminent domain and property rights matters. - American Law Institute, Elected to membership, 2017 to present - Adviser on the Restatement of the Law Fourth, Property project for the American Law Institute: 2015 – present - Licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia - Lecturer and author on eminent domain and property rights matters. - Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law 2007 – present - Virginia Super Lawyers 2007 to present - Planning Co-Chair and Faculty, American Law Institute-Continuing Legal Education (ALI-CLE) Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation Seminar, Planning Co-Chair 2004 – 2021 - Planning Chair, Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, CLE International: 2007 – 2016 - Planning Committee, William & Mary Law School, Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference: 2004 – 2017 - Member, Virginia Housing Study Commission of the Virginia General Assembly Studying Eminent Domain: 2001-2006 - Member , Virginia General Assembly Joint Subcommittee Examining Compensation by Eminent Domain: 1999, 2000
  • Appointed by the Speaker of the House - Member, Virginia Housing Study Commission Subcommittee on House Bill 2453 of the Virginia General Assembly: 1997
  • As a result of this subcommittee’s recommendations, new legislation was enacted in 1998 that gave property owners in condemnation matters initiated by public housing authorities rights to which they had not been previously entitled. - Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Leaders in the Law” 2006 Professional Memberships: - Virginia and American Bar Associations - Member, Founding Member Owners’ Counsel of America, Emeritus - Trustee, The Chrysler Museum of Art, 2012 – 2020 - Trustee, William & Mary Law School Foundation Board, 2005 – 2012 - Director, Norfolk State University Foundation Board 1999-2004 - School Board Member, City of Norfolk, 1992 – 1999 - Past President and Director, Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1986 – 1992 - Past Secretary, Treasurer, and Director, William and Mary Law School Association, 1984 – 1988

Practice Areas Explained

Joseph T. Waldo's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joseph T. Waldo handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Joseph T. Waldo is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Norfolk are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Norfolk or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Joseph T. Waldo

Where is Joseph T. Waldo's law office located?
Joseph T. Waldo's law practice is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The firm is Waldo & Lyle, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Joseph T. Waldo handle?
Joseph T. Waldo focuses on zoning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Joseph T. Waldo practiced law?
Joseph T. Waldo has 48+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1978.
Where did Joseph T. Waldo go to law school?
Joseph T. Waldo earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (—).
How can I contact Joseph T. Waldo for a consultation?
You can contact Joseph T. Waldo directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Joseph T. Waldo received?
Joseph T. Waldo's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
College of William and Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law
- 1978
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill A.B.
- In Progress

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Virginia
Admitted: 1978
District of Columbia
Admitted: 2004

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