Benming "Benny" Zhang Named Best Lawyers: "Ones to Watch" in its 2025 edition

Benny was selected in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America as “Ones to Watch” for the practice areas of Corporate Law and Trust and Estates in the Williamsburg area.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch awards recognize extraordinary lawyers who have been in private practice for less than 10 years in the United States. Like traditional Best Lawyers awards, a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition is based entirely on peer review.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Almost 87,000 industry-leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and we have received almost 10 million evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. For the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, 7.8 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in almost 60,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Read K&C’s press release here.

Benming "Benny" Zhang Elected President of the Williamsburg Bar Association

At the annual meeting of the Williamsburg Bar Association held on June 20, 2024, Benny was unanimously elected President for a two-year term effective immediately. He is joined by the following slate of officers and directors which make up the Williamsburg Bar Association’s Board of Directors:

  • Past President: Liz Parman, Esq.

  • Vice President: Cameron Green, Esq.

  • Secretary and Treasurer: Andrew Dean, Esq.

  • Membership Coordinator: Brian Gillette, Esq.

  • At-large Member: D. Scott Daisley, Esq.

  • At-large Member: Jonathan Gonzalez, Esq.

The Williamsburg Bar Association is a voluntary professional organization for members of the legal profession in the Greater Williamsburg area, of which is part of the Ninth Judicial District.

Local coverage:

Wydaily.com - Business Briefs for July 24

Benming "Benny" Zhang Recognized as a 2024 Virginia Rising Star by Super Lawyers

Benny was selected for inclusion as a Virginia Rising Star in the 2024 edition of Virginia & West Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine. Rising Stars are chosen by their peers as being among the top up-and-coming lawyers (40 years old or younger, or in practice 10 years or less) in the state. Only 2.5 percent of Virginia attorneys are given this honor.

Benny has been recognized as a Virginia Rising Star for two years in a row.

Super Lawyers recognizes the top attorneys nationwide, across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes, using a patented process of independent research and peer input. The lawyers selected include those with many years of experience, as well as the Rising Stars of the profession.

LITERACY FOR LIFE EXPANDS TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY IN LITERACY AND ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES ON THE LOWER PENINSULA

Longtime community-based literacy organization, Peninsula READS, announced last week that it had immediately ceased operations. The sudden and unexpected closure of the organization which serves Newport News and Hampton has left thousands of learners and tutors without the critical support of a community-based literacy organization in the Lower Peninsula. 

As the sole remaining community-based literacy organization on the Virginia Peninsula, Literacy for Life, a well-established institution headquartered in Williamsburg, is proud to meet the moment by expanding services to sustain current programming for learners in the Lower Peninsula.  

Literacy for Life President Benming “Benny” Zhang commented, “Since 1975, Literacy for Life has been empowering adults with skills they need for success in life and work. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are committed to providing the continuity of services our neighbors in Newport News and Hampton deserve.”  

Literacy for Life Executive Director Jason Thornton stated, “Thanks to strategic partnerships and the generosity of our community, Literacy for Life can reach and impact the lives of an additional 31,000 people in Newport News and Hampton to improve their literacy and access to meaningful and substantial employment. One such partnership is with United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.” 

Steve Kast, CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula added, “UWVP is grateful to Literacy for Life for quickly mobilizing to ensure that literacy and adult education services continue on the Lower Peninsula. An expansion of this magnitude requires the collaboration and engagement of local government, corporate, and nonprofit organizations as well as the generosity of individuals who give their time as volunteers and their gifts as donors.” 

For more information about how to give, volunteer, or provide other support, please contact: 

Steve Kast, CEO, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula  

Skast@uwvp.org, (757) 229-2222 

Jason Thornton, Executive Director, Literacy for Life 

jthornton@wm.edu, (757) 221-3326 

Benming "Benny" Zhang Honored as One of the 15 Under 50 by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce

Benming “Benny” Zhang was honored as one of the 2023 15 Under 50 awardees by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce at a reception hosted by the William & Mary Miller Entrepreneurship Center. The 15 Under 50 Award was created to honor up-and-coming business and civic leaders in Greater Williamsburg who are thriving in their respective industries and impacting the community at large. To celebrate the top 15 local leaders under the age of 50, nominations are collected from the community and the final award recipients are recognized at an awards reception.

Benming "Benny" Zhang Selected as a Virginia Rising Star by Super Lawyers

Benny was selected for inclusion as a Virginia Rising Star in the 2023 edition of Virginia & West Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine. Rising Stars are chosen by their peers as being among the top up-and-coming lawyers (40 years old or younger, or in practice 10 years or less) in the state. Only 2.5 percent of Virginia attorneys are given this honor.

Super Lawyers recognizes the top attorneys nationwide, across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes, using a patented process of independent research and peer input. The lawyers selected include those with many years of experience, as well as the Rising Stars of the profession.

Benming "Benny" Zhang Recognized as a 2022 CoVa Biz Next Gen Honoree

Benming “Benny” Zhang has been named one of CoVa Biz Magazine’s 2022 Next Gen honoree. The CoVa BIZ Magazine Next Gen Awards recognize some of the best and brightest young professionals in the Coastal Virginia region, selected for their demonstrated excellence not only in their professional endeavors but in their dedication to the broader community This awards program was previously known as Millennials on the Move and was rebranded in 2022 to reflect a sense of timelessness and the forward-thinking promise that each new generation brings.

Read more here: https://covabizmag.com/introducing-the-next-gen/

Literacy for Life Board Announces New Executive Director

As originally published here

The Board of Directors for Literacy for Life has named Jason Thornton Executive Director. Jason, who had served as Acting Executive Director since November 2020, assumes the permanent post effective immediately.

“Jason earned the unanimous confidence of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council for his demonstrably steady leadership and skillful command in steering the agency through an unprecedented and disruptive year. He is a dedicated servant leader who shall infuse stability and usher the agency to the next chapter of its bold future,” said Benming “Benny” Zhang, President of the Board of Directors. Treasurer Andrea Salamy added, “As we launched the search process, we also observed Jason’s extraordinary performance in the interim position. We promptly recognized that he enjoys the well-deserved respect of the agency’s learners, volunteers, and donors. We have confidence that he is the right choice for the position of Executive Director.”

Prior to serving as the Acting Executive Director, Jason served Literacy for Life as their Deputy Director and English Literacy and Civics Education Program Manager. As a result of his leadership in these positions, the agency’s English Literacy and Civics Education programming saw improved retention and measurable increases in English learners’ language ability, educational attainment, and workplace advancement. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason was the driving force behind the agency’s momentous and timely shift to virtual programming.

As the Acting Executive Director, Jason swiftly ensured a smooth continuity of services and operations and quickly built relationships across the Literacy for Life community. Literacy for Life will be launching a new and inclusive strategic planning process under Jason, with inclusive involvement from the Board of Directors and stakeholders from across the Literacy for Life community participating and contributing authentically to this process.

“I am thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of an organization with such a rich history and promising future," Jason stated. "For nearly five decades, because of the generous support of our donors and the commitment of our volunteer tutors, Literacy for Life has provided thousands of adult learners with the skills and resources they need to achieve success in life and work. We remain committed to meeting the diverse needs of adults in our community with quality and innovation.”

Benming “Benny” Zhang Joins Kaufman & Canoles

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. is pleased to announce that Benming Zhang has joined the firm as an Associate in the Williamsburg office. Mr. Zhang is a member of the Commercial practice group.

Mr. Zhang received his B.A., with honors, from the College of William & Mary and his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. He served as a member of the Williamsburg City Council from 2016 until 2020. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Zhang was a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Gary A. Mills with the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, a William & Mary Property Rights Fellow,  and the recipient of the school’s Thurgood Marshall Award.

Kaufman & Canoles’ Commercial practice group is the cornerstone of the firm. Integrated with other important specialty areas such as securities, environmental, real estate finance, tax, and labor and employment, the team assists clients with a variety of needs for their business.

View the press release here

Notice of Change of Executive Director for Literacy for Life

Literacy for Life's Board of Directors announces Jason Thornton as Acting Executive Director. He has been diligently overseeing transition efforts while maintaining stability among staff and programming.

“Jason is highly regarded by both the entire Board and staff,” said Benming “Benny” Zhang and Andrea Salamy, members of the Board’s executive committee. “We are confident in his ability to navigate through this transition and to fulfill the important mission of Literacy for Life."

Jason commented, “I am appreciative for the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization. The COVID pandemic has made 2020 a year of challenge and transition. Our staff and volunteer tutors have demonstrated remarkable resilience, flexibility, and competence in meeting those significant challenges and continuing to deliver vital services. In light of this and our firmly established programming, we anticipate a bright future as we continue to prepare adults throughout Greater Williamsburg with the skills required for success in life and work.”

Statement on Appointment to the WHRO Public Media Governing Board of Directors

I am both humbled and excited to have been appointed to the WHRO Public Media Governing Board of Directors.

Growing up, public media was always important to my family. Now, its mission is even more crucial for families across the Commonwealth. When schools closed due to the pandemic, WHRO quickly employed online teaching tools & programs for students, parents, and educators to access.

Thank you to outgoing board member and local giant Jayne Barnard for putting my name forward and for the opportunity to serve. Your tireless service and dedication to WHRO have made our community for the better, and while I've got big shoes to fill, I hope and aspire to do the same.

About WHRO Public Media: Since its founding in 1961 to support education, WHRO Public Media has employed creativity and technology to serve the residents of Eastern Virginia in its mission to educate, inform, and entertain viewers and listeners of WHRO’s four public television and six public radio stations. Owned by 21 southeastern Virginia school divisions, WHRO Public Media also delivers online educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month. To learn more, visit www.whro.org.

Today concludes my official city council duties. I thank my family and friends for their steadfast support. I thank God for giving me strength, wisdom, and guidance. To City staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to your city. Finally, to the citizens of Williamsburg and fellow neighbors, thank you for entrusting me with the greatest honor of serving you.

Tomorrow, Williamsburg will transition to the next generation of city leaders. This comes as a welcome respite from the past few months marked by disruption, deaths, anxiety, injustices, and most of all, uncertainty.

Fortunately, our city and its citizens remained resilient and united against a public health crisis that could have divided us. However, we have also seen and acknowledged where we have fallen short in our fight against racial injustices. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that we have work to do.

That’s where we, as citizens, must lead. Our city and its government can only progress as far as its citizens are willing to participate. We are each responsible for the moral fiber of our local conscience. With our training as citizen lawyers, Kels and I will continue to advocate for the public good and to serve our neighbors. We hope you join us.

Your neighbor always,

Benny

Sunday, March 29: COVID-19 Update

Dear Neighbor:

I am touching base to see how you are doing. With the rush of information these past couple weeks, I wanted to quickly recap on the City's response to COVID-19.

We all have a role in combatting COVID-19. To that end, your city government, acting in concert with the Governor's Executive Orders, have extended its closure of public facilities. City employees still report to work, whether by remote or in shifts to limit exposure. If you need to contact city staff, please refer to the online directory here. Our talented staff launched an online COVID-19 hub for all current updates on the City's response to COVID-19.

There is a lot of uncertainty regarding COVID-19's impact to our local economy as city council deliberates on the next fiscal year's budget. We are mandated by law to approve a budget before July 1st. A draft budget is expected to be released soon. We shall have public hearings for your input before we adopt the budget. Because of the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, it is expected that several budget amendments may be needed throughout the fiscal year to balance the budget.

I have joined my colleagues in making clear that essential City services must be maintained. I will not accept any cuts that would impact your quality of life.

Recently, your city council took decisive action at an emergency meeting to postpone meals and lodging taxes to May 1st. This will preserve cash flow for our restaurants and hotels while the city continues to explore measures to assist our local businesses.

While federal and state assistance is imminent, the bottom line is that these local businesses need continuing cash flow to survive. One way to support our local restaurants is ordering food to go. Many of our local restaurants have converted their operations to include take out, curbside pick up, or delivery options. The City's COVID-19 hub has a live GIS feature that details which local businesses have these options. The Williamsburg Area Restaurants Association (WARA) has a dedicated webpage on restaurants open for business, here.

There is a public Facebook community page, called #wmbgEatLocal to support our local restaurants. Click here to join the group.

📷: Williamsburg Community Foundation

Vice Mayor Doug Pons and I pledged $10,000.00 to kick start the Community Emergency Response Fund ("CERF") in partnership with the Williamsburg Community Foundation. To date, we have approximately $56,000 given/pledged - that's awesome! If you are interested in learning more about CERF, please click here.

Got Questions?

The Virginia Department of Health/Peninsula Health District public call center: (757) 594- 7069
The City's 24/7 public info hotline: (757) 259-7200

In Case You Missed It...

Finally, I want to say how immensely proud I am of our City. Throughout this pandemic, we have come together as neighbors and as a community to serve those in need. There have been countless stories on these efforts. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Kels and I are keeping you and our neighbors in this community, our Commonwealth and nation in our prayers.

Yours in service,

Benny

WILLIAMSBURG VICE MAYOR PONS, COUNCILMAN ZHANG & THE WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND TO CONFRONT COVID-19

Williamsburg, Virginia ‒ City of Williamsburg Vice Mayor Douglas G. “Doug” Pons and Councilman Benming “Benny” Zhang have personally pledged $10,000.00 to kick off the Community Emergency Response Fund, which was established by the Williamsburg Community Foundation to confront COVID-19 as the Greater Williamsburg community continues to grapple with the evolving challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Williamsburg Community Foundation agreed to waive all fees associated with administering this Fund for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The Fund is designed to be flexible and aims to provide resources to existing organizations helping to blunt COVID-19’s effects on the Greater Williamsburg area.

“As a lifelong Williamsburg resident, I have experienced many economic cycles - the good and the bad,” said Vice Mayor Pons. “What I’ve learned is that our community is at its best when we come together in difficult times. With the unprecedented impacts we’re seeing from COVID-19, I believe that now is the time that those who are able need to step up and do what we can to help those in most need. I encourage the members of the community who are able to contribute to this Fund.”

“I am heartened by folks who have reached out in these difficult times asking how they can help those affected the hardest by COVID-19, and I am thankful to those who are already taking action to find ways to serve our neighbors,” said Councilman Zhang. “We thank Nancy and the Williamsburg Community Foundation leadership for setting up this Fund.”

“Williamsburg is a caring and resilient community that has a strong history of working together on issues of common concern,” said Nancy Sullivan, Executive Director of the Williamsburg Community Foundation. “As a Community Foundation we have a role to play in bringing resources together to respond to emerging issues like this pandemic. Moving forward, our board, staff and community volunteers will work closely with local leaders in the public and private sector to ensure that these funds get to where they are needed most.”

Those who wish to contribute to the Community Emergency Response Fund may do so online at WilliamsburgCommunityFoundation.org, or by calling 757-259-1660. Contributions may be mailed to Williamsburg Community Foundation, 1323 Jamestown Road, Suite 103, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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Councilman Benming Zhang to Complete His Term; Will Not Seek Re-election

Williamsburg, VA — City Councilman Benming “Benny” Zhang, who is the youngest council member and first Asian-American ever elected in Williamsburg's history, has announced that he will not seek re-election. He will complete his term through June 30, 2020.

“After four fulfilling years on City Council, I have decided against seeking another term. 

Throughout my tenure on City Council, I have consistently advocated for low taxes, prudent investments on city services, and greater transparency in our government. Guided by my Christian faith, I constantly reminded myself, as neighbors, to ‘do justice, love mercy, and walk in the ways of the truth.’ 

To that end, I am proud of the role I played in helping shape our city’s future. In four years, I worked with my fellow councilmembers to hire a new city manager and turnover key departmental heads. I have urged for sensible development that attracts more young professionals to the area, while staying true to our Williamsburg character. I hope my efforts have laid a foundation for my successors to continue.

My wife Kelsey and I plan to stay in Williamsburg and are happily settled in our home in the Burns Lane neighborhood and will continue to proudly call Williamsburg home. 

To all of my neighbors and friends, thank you for entrusting me with the greatest honor of serving you on the Williamsburg City Council. Kels and I look forward to seeing you around town.”

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Statement on the Vice President Appointment to the Virginia Transit Association

 

Richmond, VA - Following this morning's Virginia Transit Association Board of Directors meeting, Williamsburg Councilman Benming “Benny” Zhang was unanimously confirmed as the next Vice President of the Virginia Transit Association. He replaces outgoing Vice President Chad Green (York County Board of Supervisors) for a two-year term. The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority is also a member jurisdiction of the Virginia Transit Association.

Zhang said, “I am deeply honored to earn the appointment for Vice President of the Virginia Transit Association. I look forward to joining President Diantha McKeel (Albermarle County) in supporting VTA’s efforts statewide. I would also like to express my appreciation to outgoing Vice-President Chad Green and past immediate President David Snyder (Falls Church) for their service to all things Virginia transit.”

About VTA: Founded in 1977, the Virginia Transit Association (VTA) provides public education and legislative advocacy to support public transportation systems throughout the Commonwealth. The VTA has 57 total members, which include 24 transit properties and 33 business and associate members. For more info, please visit the VTA website: http://vatransit.com/

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Statement on the Passage of the Tourism Development Fund

Williamsburg, VA - "Over the past few months, residents and business owners have asked us to slow down and consider alternative funding mechanisms, in addition to exploring a regional approach for a shared outcome. With the passage of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) today, I will continue to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively. I welcome any revisions to the TDF to address my concerns and those of residents and business owners should a majority of Council be open to it."

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Statement on Tribe Square Vacancies

WILLIAMSBURG, VA - Williamsburg City Councilman Benming Zhang released the following statement on Thursday morning:

“I am deeply disappointed by the departure of the last remaining tenant from Tribe Square. With the eviction of The Crust, the property is now completely vacant. Students have lost several valuable off-campus options in four years.”

As then-Mayor Haulman stated in 2011, Tribe Square was conceived as a town-gown project that would draw student residents to amenities within walking distance while contributing to our City’s downtown atmosphere.

While this is private property owned by the College’s Real Estate Foundation, there is a vested public interest to see these retail spaces succeed.

“Since I began serving on City Council, I have regularly communicated my concerns to the Foundation to no avail. The Foundation showed promise with their past redevelopment plans, but their lack of action is frustrating.”

“The Foundation should consider the impact their actions have on student residents. If they have imminent plans for filling these vacant spaces, they should release them as soon as possible.”

“This news reaffirms my commitment to pressing the Real Estate Foundation and College administration to provide suitable amenities in the spirit of the original Tribe Square proposal.”

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Statement on the City Council’s Decision Re: Tourism Development Fund

Williamsburg, VA - On Thursday, the Williamsburg City Council postponed a vote on the Tourism Development Fund until July, concluding that members needed more information before making a final decision.  

Zhang said, “I am pleased to see Council make the right move by delaying the adoption of the Tourism Development Fund and an unprecedented tax increase. As I have said from the beginning, we must not approve the Tourism Development Fund without fully understanding the consequences. The City needs to conduct an economic impact study and engage with key stakeholders and the public in a transparent way.”

Zhang received dozens of emails and phone calls from citizens urging against the tax increase. A number of concerned constituents also attended the Thursday City Council meeting to voice their disapproval.

“Today upheld our longstanding tradition of fiscally responsible government. I am thankful to residents for their valuable and diverse input while this proposal was being considered,” Zhang said.  

Zhang also hoped more research would bring clarity to the proposal, “Taking a step back and reevaluating the Fund with more information about its impact on our city, present and future, is the correct way to proceed. We should not waste a prime opportunity to better our community by rushing to implement under-advised policies.”  

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