About Mr. Charles David
Mr. Charles David Hatley prefers plain language over jargon. He approaches cases the way he approached law school: quietly, precisely and with attention to detail. Colleagues describe him as methodical and steady. He builds arguments that are meant to be read twice — once for the obvious point and again for the nuance.
Hatley earned his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2013 after completing undergraduate studies at Indiana University Bloomington in 2010. Those years shaped how he thinks about law. Classroom debates, clinic work and appellate briefs were part of his legal education and left a lasting mark.
He practices in Virginia and is admitted to appear before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. His practice has been based at Melone Hatley, PC. Over time he has handled matters that require both trial preparation and appellate filings. The dual exposure has influenced his drafting style; his briefs are organized to communicate at both a granular and strategic level.
Clients and colleagues say Hatley is deliberate in how he chooses cases. He favors matters that require careful legal research and clear advocacy. He is comfortable in courtrooms and comfortable in the quiet work behind the scenes. That balance shows in the types of records he prepares and the courtroom arguments he presents.
Outside the courtroom he keeps up with developments in Virginia practice and Fourth Circuit precedent. He reads opinions that alter briefing strategies and adjusts accordingly. He is also involved in the practical day-to-day operations of his firm, handling client intake, discovery strategy and appellate timelines.
Hatley’s work is practical. He focuses on presenting coherent legal theories, preserving issues for appeal and responding to opposing arguments with concise filings. He practices at Melone Hatley, PC in Virginia and appears in federal appellate matters, and his current practice centers on litigation and appellate work.
