Atty. David Whaley
David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, Virginia. Here are some key details about his background, practice areas, honors and awards, representative cases, and professional associations: Background: Native of West Virginia.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Richmond, VA · 47+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About David Whaley at a Glance
David Whaley is an Attorney based in Richmond, Virginia, practicing at Whaley Paules, LLC. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on personal injury and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1979), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (1979), and U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia (1990). Educated at University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 1979) and University of Richmond (B.A., 1977). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Richmond, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David Whaley
- David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, Virginia
- Here are some key details about his background, practice areas, honors and awards, representative cases, and professional associations: Background: Native of West Virginia
- Earned his law degree from the University of Richmond
- Founded the law firm of David Whaley LLC in Richmond in 1979, which is now known as Whaley Paules, LLC
Practice Areas
Focuses his practice in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury
Honors & Awards
- Named to Super Lawyers in multiple years from 2009 to 2023
- Ranked Tier 1 Criminal Defense: General Practice in U.S
- News - Best Lawyers® in 2021
- Named Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Defense: General Practice, by Best Lawyers® in 2021
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for work in Criminal Defense: General Practice
- Holds the AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating
Representative Cases
- United States vs
- Fulcher, 250 F. 3rd 244, United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
- United States vs
- Fulcher, 188 F. Supp. 2nd 627, United States District Court, Western District of Virginia
- Colonial First Properties vs
- Henrico County VA, 166 F. Supp. 2nd 1071, United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
- Commonwealth v
- Taylor, 256 Va. 514, and many others
Professional Associations
- Richmond Bar Association
- Virginia Bar Association
- Virginia State Bar
Practice Areas Explained
David Whaley's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Whaley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Richmond.
Personal Injury in Richmond
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
David Whaley is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Virginia →
Criminal Defense in Richmond
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
David Whaley is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Richmond
Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Richmond are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Richmond Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Richmond-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Richmond or all attorneys in Virginia.
Frequently Asked
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Richmond Choose David Whaley
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David Whaley's practice in the field of personal injury and criminal defense.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
David Whaley brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Virginia, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, and U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia, David Whaley can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering personal injury and criminal defense, David Whaley can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Richmond
A Richmond-based practice means David Whaley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David Whaley Handles in Richmond
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David Whaley has experience with under Virginia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David Whaley directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find David Whaley Online
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David Whaley's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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