G. William Birkhead

Bill is a principal with Woods Rogers and traditionally concentrates his law practice in corporate and business advice for maritime clients, focusing on corporate finance, transactions and vessel sales and financing.

In the maritime industry, Bill has many years of experience in the fields of shipbuilding, ship repair and vessel finance. After active duty with the U. S. Coast Guard, he joined Vandeventer Black in 1970 and remained in the reserves until 1975. He served as the managing partner of Vandeventer Black from 1998 to 2000.

Bill received a B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute and an LL.B. from the University of Virginia. He is a member of the Norfolk & Portsmouth and Virginia Bar Association, as well as the Virginia State Bar. He is a member of the Propeller Club, the Maritime Law Association of the United States (Board of Directors 1994-1997; Chairman, Fisheries Committee 1997-2001), Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute and Hampton Roads Maritime Association.

• Worked with several maritime companies in sales and financing transactions, including real estate, vessels, federal permits and docking facilities.
• Worked with manufacturing and service company in expanding its territorial footprint and service capabilities.

Recognition

Education

University of Virginia School of Law, L.L.B.

Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, B.S.

Admissions

• American Bar Association
• Hampton Roads Maritime Association
• Maritime Law Association of the United States, Director (1994-97); Fisheries Committee, Chair (1997-2001)
• Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association
• Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers