Our Attorneys
At MichieHamlett Trial Attorneys, our lawyers in Charlottesville, Virginia bring together decades of experience and a tradition of excellence. For over 75 years, individuals, families, and businesses in Charlottesville and across Virginia have trusted our firm to handle their most challenging legal matters. Our team of more than a dozen accomplished attorneys is dedicated to providing top-notch representation with a personal touch. We pride ourselves on the depth of our legal knowledge, our unwavering ethical standards, and a proven record of successful outcomes that set us apart in the legal community.
A Legacy of Legal Excellence in Charlottesville
Founded in 1946 by Charlottesville attorney Thomas J. Michie, our firm has grown and evolved while upholding the highest standards of the profession. From our early days when Mr. Michie – who later became a federal judge – established a practice grounded in integrity, to the addition of partner Leroy R. Hamlett and many other notable attorneys, MichieHamlett has built a legacy in Central Virginia. Over the decades, our firm’s leaders have included community pillars such as former mayors, judges, and Virginia legislators. This continuity of leadership and commitment to public service speaks to the firm’s deep roots in the community and enduring reputation for legal excellence.
Throughout our history, we have remained committed to serving the people of Charlottesville and beyond. We have expanded our practice areas and expertise to meet the growing needs of our clients, all while maintaining the personalized attention of a hometown firm. Today, with offices in Charlottesville (and an additional office serving Roanoke and Southwest Virginia), we are a full-service Virginia law firm equipped to handle virtually any legal issue. Our long-standing presence in the region means we understand the local courts, the community, and the unique nuances of Virginia law, giving our clients a valuable advantage.
Comprehensive Legal Services for the Community
As a full-service firm, MichieHamlett offers a wide range of practice areas to meet our clients’ diverse legal needs. Our attorneys include seasoned trial lawyers, skilled negotiators, and subject-matter experts across many fields of law. Whether you are seeking aggressive courtroom advocacy or prudent counsel for planning and transactions, our team is prepared to help. We collaborate across disciplines to ensure each client benefits from the breadth of our firm’s collective expertise.
Our primary practice areas include:
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death – Our personal injury attorneys fight for victims of negligence, handling cases involving automobile and trucking accidents, brain and spinal injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, and wrongful death claims. We have a strong track record of recovering fair compensation for injured clients and their families.
Family Law – Our firm’s family law group is led by highly experienced attorneys who navigate sensitive family matters with care and professionalism. We represent clients in divorce, child custody and visitation, spousal support, adoption, and even complex cases involving assisted reproductive technology. Our goal is to protect your rights and family’s well-being through what can be an emotional legal process.
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning – We help individuals and families plan for the future with confidence. Our estate planning lawyers prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced medical directives to safeguard your legacy and provide peace of mind. We also handle probate and estate administration, as well as trust and estate litigation when disputes arise.
Business and Corporate Law – MichieHamlett provides counsel to entrepreneurs, companies, and executives on a variety of business law matters. From business formation and contracts to complex commercial litigation, securities arbitration, and fiduciary duty disputes, our attorneys help businesses protect their interests and resolve conflicts effectively. We serve as trusted advisors to Virginia businesses large and small.
Criminal Defense & Investigations – Our trial attorneys include former prosecutors who leverage their insight into the criminal justice system to defend the accused. We handle criminal defense cases ranging from DUI and serious felonies to white-collar crimes. Additionally, we have experience with Title IX investigations and campus-related matters, protecting the rights of students and faculty. Our priority is safeguarding our clients’ rights, reputation, and freedom at every step.
Civil Litigation & Appeals – Beyond the areas above, our firm excels in general civil litigation. We advocate for clients in disputes involving contract breaches, employment law claims, property disputes, defamation/slander, legal malpractice, and more. If a case result is unjust, our appellate lawyers are also prepared to take matters to the Virginia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court. No matter the forum, we are equipped to pursue justice aggressively on our clients’ behalf.
No matter what type of legal challenge you face, you can count on our Charlottesville attorneys to provide knowledgeable guidance and tenacious representation. Our broad expertise means we can take a holistic approach to your legal needs – addressing not just the issue at hand, but also anticipating and preventing future problems.
Distinguished Attorneys with Proven Results
When you choose MichieHamlett, you are choosing a team of attorneys recognized for their skill, dedication, and outstanding results. Our legal team has accumulated hundreds of years of combined experience in litigation and legal advocacy.
Many of our lawyers have been practicing for decades and are regarded as leaders in their respective fields. We bring together attorneys who have graduated from top law schools, served judicial clerkships, and honed their craft in both prosecution and defense roles. This depth of experience translates into effective strategies and innovative solutions for our clients.
Our firm’s accomplishments reflect the caliber of representation we provide:
Record-Setting Verdicts & Settlements: MichieHamlett attorneys have secured numerous multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients. For example, in recent years our trial lawyers obtained a $3.5 million settlement in a complex wrongful death case involving a school accident, and a $2 million jury verdict for a family whose child was tragically killed due to negligence. In fact, our attorneys achieved five of the top Virginia settlements in a single year, with results exceeding seven figures. We have also won some of the highest jury awards in Virginia history – including a verdict of over $7 million in a single case – demonstrating our ability to go up against formidable opponents and win.
Award-Winning Legal Team: The excellence of our lawyers has been recognized by peer-reviewed publications and industry rankings. Multiple MichieHamlett attorneys are listed in Best Lawyers in America each year, and in Virginia Super Lawyers, including several who have been named among Virginia’s “Top 100” attorneys. Our firm was honored in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firms” rankings, earning Tier 1 regional rankings in numerous practice areas (such as personal injury, family law, trusts & estates, and commercial litigation). These accolades underscore our reputation for professionalism, integrity, and outstanding advocacy.
Leadership & Professional Distinction: Beyond case results, our attorneys are distinguished by their leadership in the legal community. Our founding partner went on to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge, and throughout our history, MichieHamlett lawyers have held prestigious positions – including a past President of the Virginia State Bar and leaders of statewide legal associations. One of our current attorneys, David J. Toscano, served the Charlottesville area in the Virginia House of Delegates for 14 years and as House Minority Leader, bringing invaluable legislative insight to our practice. Others on our team are fellows of elite organizations like the American College of Trial Lawyers and frequently lecture at law schools and legal seminars. This level of experience and respect within the profession translates into strong relationships and credibility in the courtroom, benefiting our clients.
This combination of proven results, professional honors, and client-focused service is what sets MichieHamlett apart. When you work with our firm, you can be confident you have a highly qualified legal team in your corner, fighting for your rights and committed to your success.
Contact Our Charlottesville Attorneys Today
If you are facing a legal issue in Charlottesville or anywhere in Virginia, the attorneys at MichieHamlett are here to help. We encourage you to reach out for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how our experience can make a difference. Contact us by phone at 434-951-7200 or through our online contact form to get started.
When you consult with our firm, you will speak with a knowledgeable Charlottesville lawyer who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and outline a clear path forward. We offer free initial consultations for personal injury and wrongful death cases, and for all matters we provide honest case assessments with no obligation. Let our respected team of lawyers in Charlottesville, Virginia put their skill and dedication to work for you.