Atty. John M. Erbach

Atty. John M. Erbach

John Erbach represents a wide variety of business entities and individuals in complex business and commercial litigation, including intellectual property litigation, employment disputes, defense of consumer protection claims, and other complex commercial litigation. As an additional part of his practice, John regularly serves as outside general counsel to small and medium-sized businesses, counseling on employment compliance matters, employment policies, employee handbooks, dispute resolution, commercial disputes, and insurance coverage matters.

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Profile Summary

About John M. Erbach at a glance

John M. Erbach is an attorney based in Richmond, Virginia, practforg at Spotts Fain PC. Educated at University of Richmond (T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 2008). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Serands clients in Richmond, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John Erbach represents a wide variety of business entities and individuals in complex business and commercial litigation, including intellectual property litigation, employment disputes, defense of consumer protection claims, and other complex commercial litigation
  • As an additional part of his practice, John regularly serves as outside general counsel to small and medium-sized businesses, counseling on employment compliance matters, employment policies, employee handbooks, dispute resolution, commercial disputes, and insurance coverage matters
  • John regularly litigates cases in state and federal court, as well as arbitration, having taken a number of cases to successful verdicts upon trial
  • Earlier in his career, John had the honor of serving as law clerk to three federal judges in Richmond, Virginia, including the Honorable Henry E. Hudson, U.S
  • District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • the Honorable Dennis W. Dohnal, U.S
  • Magistrate Judge
  • and, the Honorable David J. Novak, U.S
  • Magistrate Judge (now a U.S
  • District Judge)
  • John regularly serves as local counsel for national and international law firms that have matters pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • In 2015, John was elected to represent the Dale District of Chesterfield County, Virginia, on the county's School Board
  • The School Board sets policy for the school system, makes key hiring decisions for an 8,000-employee organization, and oversees the school system's budget and capital improvement projects
  • John also served as the Board's vice chairman and chairman in 2017 and 2018, respectively
  • He declined to seek a second term and concluded his service after one four-year term
  • This experience has given John perspective as a client served by other lawyers—an experience invaluable to business clients often facing similar employment and operational issues to that of a large school system

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practforg law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand 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 andnue, and the substantiand 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.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Richmond or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John M. Erbach

Where is John M. Erbach's law office located?
John M. Erbach's law practice is located in Richmond, Virginia. The firm is Spotts Fain PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
Where did John M. Erbach go to law school?
John M. Erbach earned their education at (T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 2008).
How can I contact John M. Erbach for a consultation?
You can contact John M. Erbach directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John M. Erbach receiandd?
John M. Erbach's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment; Best Lawyers in America — in America; Best Lawyers in America — from 2024-2025 for work in:.

Education

T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D.
University of Richmond
- 2008

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — in America
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — from 2024-2025 for work in:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property - 2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment - 2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation - 2024
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property - 2024
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment - 2024
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — for Commercial Litigation, Litigation: Intellectual Property and Litigation: Labor and Employment, 2024-2025
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Business
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — magazine's Legal Elite 2022, 2024 for Civil Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — magazines Legal Elite 2023 for Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Super Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rising Stars 2016-2017 for Civil Litigation: Defense
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rising Stars 2018 for Business Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — CALI Excellence for the Future awards in Civil Procedure, Advanced Trial Advocacy, and Copyright Law
- 2026

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