Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, was originally founded by Neal J. Patten and Leake Wornom, Jr., in 1954. Each of these firm founders are past Presidents of the Newport News Bar Association, are well-known throughout the state, and now serve as "of counsel" to the firm. During the past 25 years, the firm has become nationally renowned for its success in representing thousands of asbestos victims. For his pioneering work on behalf of injured victims of asbestos, the firm manager, Robert R. Hatten, received the first Courageous Advocacy Award from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association in 1987. Partner Donald Patten is a long-time veteran of asbestos litigation, having successfully tried numerous jury trials in the state and federal courts. Patten is the Immediate Past-President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Partner H. Duncan Garnett, Jr., is a trial lawyer with more than thirty years of success in the trial of serious injury and wrongful death claims. He is currently President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Simultaneously with the development of the asbestos speciality practice, the Firm developed a broad and experienced business law group, including Alan A. Diamonstein, a partner who served more than 30 years as a member of the Virginia General Assembly, with a recognized record of initiatives in economic development law, project finance, real estate ventures and public policy consulting. Providing a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals in Virginia, the attorneys at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C., continue to distinguish the Firm as a leader in the business community. The Firm’s business attorneys handle all types of business transactions, consulting and litigation and enjoy a reputation for quality work delivered with an understanding of the local business environment.