About Chad
Chad Dorsk grew up interested in language and public affairs. He completed a double major in English and Political Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, earning his B.A. in 1998. He went on to study law at Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and received his J.D. in 2005.
After law school he entered public service. In 2008 he served as a lawyer with the Portsmouth Public Defender’s office, where he handled trial work for clients facing criminal charges. That role placed him regularly in Virginia courts and introduced him to the procedural demands of criminal litigation.
Dorsk is admitted to practice in Virginia and is also admitted to argue before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Federal Circuit. Those admissions reflect a practice that includes both trial-level defense and appellate briefing. He has navigated courtroom deadlines and appellate procedures across multiple jurisdictions.
He maintains ties to professional organizations. He is a member of the NORML Legal Committee, which addresses the intersection of marijuana policy and the law. He also holds membership in the Bar Association of Norfolk County, where he participates in local bar activities and continuing legal education opportunities.
He practices through The Dorsk Law Office. The firm operates out of more than one office location. Client matters range from courtroom representation to drafting appellate briefs. Colleagues describe his approach as methodical: he breaks down complicated legal questions into clear arguments and follows court rules closely.
Over the years Dorsk has balanced direct client advocacy with time in appellate courtrooms. That balance has shaped the services he offers at his firm. He spends time preparing cases for trial, then transitions to written advocacy when appeals are necessary. His work benefits from practical courtroom experience and an understanding of appellate standards.
Outside the courtroom he remains engaged in legal issues tied to policy and reform through committee work. He continues to handle cases from initial charge through appeal and manages his practice from The Dorsk Law Office. He currently handles criminal defense and appellate matters in Virginia and federal courts.
