Bedford, VA

Caryn Pack

Caryn is our Jury and Trial Consultant and works as an expert alongside of the attorneys offering support during trials. She has assisted our attorneys on several high-profile cases, offering trial strategy and other support. Caryn helps with jury profile development, vior dire, analysis of the jury, theme development, witness preparation (including client testimony), and trial monitoring. She also assists attorneys with the development and wording of arguments and questions to make the greatest impact at trial. With Caryn’s expertise in conducting and analyzing data from online research, she helps establish a state of the art and unique approach to collecting extensive and reliable data to litigate cases. Caryn is a recognized expert in helping clients communicate strategically and in sensitive situations during trial. She has received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s in Human Relations with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Oklahoma. She was a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and worked in the drug court system alongside of attorneys and judges in the State of Oklahoma. She was a certified DUI assessor and DUI instructor. She interpreted state law requirements and helped individuals obtain their license and coordinated programs to satisfy court requirements after offenses in the State of Oklahoma. As an expert, she testified in trial, appeared in documentaries for television, and attended numerous court hearings. She spent additional time as a supervisor and therapist working as an assessor, developing treatment plans, and crisis stabilization. She is an incredible asset to our firm.

Darren Shoen

Since 1998, Darren Shoen has dedicated his legal career to standing up for those who need it most. He began as a public defender, advocating for underserved individuals in the criminal justice system with compassion and tenacity. In 2005, he shifted focus to helping injured workers navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation. For the past two decades, Darren Shoen has worked exclusively in this area of law, providing injured employees with the guidance, support, and strong representation they deserve. With a deep understanding of the system and a commitment to justice, he continues to fight for fair treatment and proper benefits for Virginia’s workforce.

Matthew L. Pack

Matthew Pack is Senior Attorney at Pack Law Group, where he represents clients in Bedford and throughout central Virginia in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, and divorce and family law. Matthew has defended numerous clients in Lynchburg DUI cases and has a thorough understanding of how to handle a DUI matter for the best possible outcome. Matthew also brings his strong courtroom skills and aggressive representation to auto accidents and other personal injury cases, fighting to achieve a complete settlement with the insurance company, or taking a case all the way to a jury verdict when necessary. When it comes to divorce, custody and other family law matters, Matthew knows firsthand what it is like to go through the legal system and have to fight to protect your rights to be with your children. From his own experience working through a child custody issue, to helping others through the legal process, Matthew Pack knows what mothers and fathers can expect and works to aggressively represent the rights of his clients in divorce, child custody and other family law issues. Matthew obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s of Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. There he had a successful career in the automotive industry spanning more than 15 years, before following his passion and exercising his faith by moving his family to Virginia, where he attended law school and earned his law degree. Matthew resides in Forest, Virginia with his wife, Caryn, and their children. A devoted father and dedicated attorney, Matthew brings the same passion for life and family into the representation of his clients and their legal needs.

John Wheelock

John comes to us with over 30 years of trial experience as a defense attorney and a prosecutor. He is passionate about representing injured motorists, those seeking social security disability benefits, and injured workers. John’s hobbies include mostly reading European history and literature. His interests include art and culture. He lives in Bedford County and can be seen mostly walking slowly at Blackwater Creek Trail in Lynchburg. His favorite author is Vasily Grossman.

Alisabeth Smith

Alisabeth Smith is a highly skilled family law attorney and a Senior Associate Attorney with Pack Law Group. Mrs. Smith earned her B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College. She then began law school in 2016 and earned her Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law in 2019. After sitting for the bar exam in the summer of 2019, she was licensed to practice law in Virginia in October of 2019. Known for her compassionate and strategic approach, Ali takes pride in understanding each client’s unique needs and goals, whether in complex asset division, child custody disputes, or protective order cases. With a talent for creative problem-solving, she works efficiently to achieve the best possible resolutions, helping clients navigate through what is often a challenging period in their lives. Prior to attending law school, Mrs. Smith worked as a leasing coordinator at a property management company in Kileen, Texas, where her husband was stationed in the United States Army. While her husband was deployed to Afghanistan, Mrs. Smith was active in the community, coordinated sports and health activities, and ran half marathons. After her husband returned from Afghanistan, Mrs. Smith and her family relocated back to Virginia in order for her to attend Liberty University School of Law. Mrs. Smith is certified as a Guardian Ad Litem for children. She is passionate about working with children and their families. Mrs. Smith is committed to helping her clients achieve the best possible resolution. She currently lives in Forest with her husband, two children, and German Shepard, named Ares.

Alex Hempstead

Alex Hempstead is an Associate Attorney at Pack Law Group with a practice focused on Criminal Defense, Contracts, and Wills. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, before completing his legal education at Liberty University School of Law. A proud United States Marine Corps Veteran, with 10 years of honorable service, Alex brings discipline, determination, and a strong sense of justice to every case he takes. Prior to becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney, Alex worked at the Office of Legal Affairs at Liberty University, where he worked with the administration on the drafting and contractual completion of key coaching staff agreements. His ability to navigate high-level, multi-million dollar negotiations and translating complex legal structures into actionable outcomes has made him a trusted legal partner in both athletic and academic circles. He is known for his passionate argument and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of his clients. Alex brought his deep sense of justice to the Lynchburg Public Defender’s Office, where he handled a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases, developing a specialty for Gun-Related charges. From the battlefield to the courtroom to the boardroom, Alex brings a rare combination of grit, integrity, and legal acumen to every case he touches. Beyond the courtroom, Alex is deeply committed to serving his community. He volunteers his time coaching youth flag football and wrestling, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance in young athletes. He also takes part in outreach efforts by distributing hygiene kits to individuals in need, demonstrating his belief that service extends beyond professional duty. Whether advocating for a client or mentoring local youth, Alex Hempstead remains driven by integrity, service, and a profound respect for the law and the people it protects. Alex resides in Lynchburg, Virginia with his wife, Ciria, and their children.