Summer 2021 Newsletter

The Decker Law Firm’s 60th Anniversary: The History Behind the Firm

The Decker Law Firm was founded by the late {Hon.} Peter G. Decker Jr. (1935-2012) in 1961. His law practice began in Downtown Norfolk, where he originally purchased the Historic Decker Building on Plume St., but eventually fully settled in at the Towne Bank Building at 109 East Main St., where the Decker Law Firm currently resides. Decker’s main goal was to help people in need throughout his community, regardless of where they lived or worked. This goal continues to be the Decker Law Firm’s focus today.

The Firm was one of the very first to specialize in Personal Injury, helping folks who have been injured by the negligence of others. Throughout time, the Decker Law Firm has expanded – excelling in the areas of Criminal Defense, Traffic Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, Business Law and Medical Malpractice. We even grew to practicing in all 7 cities of Hampton Roads.

Giving back to our community has always been an important part of the Decker Law Firm, as Peter Decker found it to be a true blessing to help those in need. In the early 60’s, the well-known entertainer Danny Thomas reached out to him, asking him to help fulfill his dream of curing childhood diseases. Decker then spent the next 50 years raising millions of dollars for the Children of St. Jude Hospital, which is just one of many different charities we have supported over the past 60 years. Following his passing in 2012, Decker’s son, Peter G. Decker, III, and law partner, Martin A. Thomas, Jr., founded the Peter Decker Children’s Charity, which has donated to St. Jude, CHKD, St. Mary’s, Connect with a Wish, Edmarc and other worthy children’s charities.

Following his father’s legacy, Pete Decker, III also serves on other charitable & civic boards including Old Dominion University Board of Trustees, Towne Bank Norfolk, Norfolk Airport Authority, Norfolk Public Library Foundation, Virginia Beach Police Foundation, Norfolk Police Foundation and many others. He has been repeatedly recognized for civic engagement – even named “Best Lawyer” for several years by Virginia Living Magazine. If you ever ask Pete what makes work worthwhile, he’ll say “Being able to help people in the community, is the greatest part of my job.”

Martin Thomas, Sr. has been with the Decker Law Firm for nearly 5 decades and currently is the President and General Managing Partner of the firm. He primarily focuses on helping clients who have been injured and every year is recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the legal community. Thomas, Sr. has also served as the President of the Ocean Park Civic League, been on the Bay Front Advisory Committee, the Columbian Club and Knights of Columbus in Ocean View, Catholic High School Board of Directors, and many others. His son, Martin Thomas, Jr. specializes in helping personal injury clients, just like his father, and also serves as the Vice Mayor for the City of Norfolk. He has served as the Vice President of the Wards Corner Civic League and is the founder of Wards Corner Now.

Partner George A. Neskis, also recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in the areas of Criminal Defense and Traffic Law, is an expert in Personal Injury. Most of his clients are referred to him by other clients, all of which he provides the finest care. He has served as the President of the Church Council of the Annunciation Greek Church in Norfolk, the Alcohol Safety Action Program, the Law & Disorderly Club, and many other causes.

Attorney Michelle Parker has been with the Decker Law Firm since 2004. She graduated from Regent School of Law, and along with being an expert Personal Injury attorney, also excels in the area of Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Parker has served as President of the Virginia Women’s Attorney Association, the American Inns of Court and currently serves on the Board of the Virginia Beach Health Clinic. Attorneys Jeff Partington, Lindsey Cole and Jennifer Gebler, in addition to our dedicated staff, are also focused on providing quality customer service in a timely, compassionate, and discreet manner to their clients.

It’s been 60 years of helping people and that will always be the primary focus of the Decker Law Firm. We cannot thank our thousands of clients enough and we promise to continue providing excellent legal representation while giving back to the community that we love.

Enjoy Your Norfolk Beach Day the Safe Way

It’s the middle of summer – the sun is shining, and your kids are itching to get out of the house. Where should you go? The beach!

Norfolk houses 3 public beaches, all of which have free parking and lifeguards on duty from 11am – 6pm daily. The Community Beach Park is located at 700 E. Ocean View Avenue, Sarah Constant Beach Park at 300 W. Ocean View Avenue, and Ocean View Beach Park at 100 W. Ocean View Avenue. These public beaches are perfect spots to take children and enjoy the salty ocean air. However, any beach trip is going to run some risks, so it’s important to keep these 4 tips in mind to assure safety for yourself and others.

Swim when there is a lifeguard nearby and only if you know how to.
It only takes 30-60 seconds to drown, which is why it is so important to make sure that you’re in a lifeguard’s line of vision when you swim. If you don’t know how to swim, getting in the ocean is not worth the risk!

Know the signs of rip currents and avoid swimming in those areas.
Signs of a rip current include choppy water and a difference in water color. If you ever find yourself in a rip current, don’t panic or fight it. Instead, swim in a parallel direction following the shoreline and/or draw attention to yourself by waving your arms or yelling for help.

Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Be sure to apply sunscreen when you first get to the beach and continue reapplying throughout your visit. A single application won’t keep you from getting sunburnt and the water could easily wash it off, as well.

Stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight.
It is very easy to get dehydrated when at the beach, so make sure you drink plenty of water. Wearing a hat that shades your face or sitting under an umbrella are both great ways to avoid getting overheated. Too much heat on the body could result in serious conditions like a heat stroke or fainting.

These tips are sure to help you have the safe and successful beach day that you deserve. So, go ahead and pack up the car and head on over. The sunshine is waiting for you!

Tomato-Watermelon Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds

Via Bon Appetit

Ingredients:

• 8 cup 1 1/4-inch chunks seedless watermelon (abut 6 pounds)
• 3 pounds ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom) in assorted colors, cored, cut into 1 ¼-inch chunks (about 6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon (or more) fleur de sel or coarse kosher salt
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons chopped assorted fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, and mint)
• 6 cups fresh arugula leaves or small watercress sprigs
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 5 ounces)
• ½ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted)

Instructions:

• Combine melon and tomatoes in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon fleur de sel and toss to blend; let stand 15 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, and herbs to melon mixture.
• Season to taste with pepper and more salt, if desired.
• Toss arugula in medium bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Divide arugula among plates.
• Top with melon salad; sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted almonds and serve.