Our Staff

David McDonald, President

David McDonald David McDonald is a founder of the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and a former mediator for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney. And has been teaching mediator training for 16 years A noted speaker on consumer and business issues, he has effectively resolved more disputes in Hampton Roads using mediation than any other mediator in the field. In 1994, Dave founded the Virginia Beach Courts mediation program; a program which provides mediation services for the court users in that city. Dave received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and his Master of Public Administration, with an emphasis in Conflict Resolution, from Old Dominion University. Back in 1993 Dave became one of the first certified mediators in Virginia. Dave is on the Board of the Friends of Norfolk Juvenile Court, and is a member of the Norfolk/Portsmouth Bar Association's ADR Committee. David is also on the Board of the Ghent Business Association, and is a former member of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board. Read More

J. Dale Bimson Mediator

J. Dale Bimson Dale Bimson is an attorney/mediator for the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and counsel to the firm of Pender & Coward, P.C. in Virginia Beach. His primary focus is mediating commercial and business disputes. Dale has extensive experience in civil litigation, insurance claims, having worked for Travelers Insurance and has arbitrated commercial and construction contracts. J. Dale Bimson worked as the First Assistant Attorney in Virginia Beach and was later appointed to the City Attorney position, where he served for 20 years. As Virginia Beach City Attorney, he represented the City Council, the School Board and the Aquarium. Dale served 15 years on the bench in General District Court; Second Judicial Circuit, 3 of which were as Chief Judge. Read More

Linda Nimershiem Mediator

Linda Nimershiem Linda Nimershiem is a certified mediator with the Mediation Center of Hampton Roads and has an extensive history in domestic violence and victim advocacy. Linda is a dedicated mediator who focuses on family mediations; specifically custody, visitation, and child support. Along with her mediation duties, she is the SAFE Program, Friends of the Norfolk Juvenile Court Program Coordinator. With that position, she supervises staff, interns, and volunteers advocating for victims of domestic violence through the court process. She also assists with initiating Preliminary and Permanent Protective Orders, Bond Hearings and Criminal Trials. Linda also provides training on Family Violence and the Court Process for the Norfolk Police and the community. Read More