Atty. Michael Phelan
Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claimes, product liability cases, and tractor-trailer crashes. Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding communication skills, and his sincerity and dedication.
Profile Summary
About Michael Phelan at a glance
Michael Phelan is a Partner based in Richmond, Virginia, practicing at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Their practice focuses on truck accidents, product liability, tbi/sci, and health care. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts (1987) and Virginia (1989). Educated at University of Richmond Law School (J.D. Law, 1987) and Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A. Economics, 1984). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of ATAA) American Association for Justice (AAJ) (Board of Governors, Leaders Forum and Truck Litigation Group) Virginia Bar Association, 1987 to present Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors and Product Liability Section, former chairperson), Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Serands clients in Richmond, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claimes, product liability cases, and tractor-trailer crashes
- Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding communication skills, and his sincerity and dedication
- As one of his valued clients said, “Mike puts his heart into it.” Michael’s tenacity on behalf of his clients resulted in one of the largest settlements in the country in a benzene exposure case, and he has been twice recognized for achieving some of the highest settlements in Virginia in traumatic brain injury cases
- Michael and his wife Laura have been married since 1987, and they have three grown children
- His daughter has intellectual disabilities due to a birth-related traumatic brain injury, and Michael credits her for inspiring him to work tirelessly and fight for the victims of brain injuries
- Awards and Recognition • AV (highest possible) rating from the Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory since 1996 • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) – 2019 - Invitation-only organization of trial attorneys and judges - Members must exhibit virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism • American Association for Justice, Weidermann Wysocki Award recipient — 2016 and 2019 • American Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers — 2007 • United States Supreme Court, Outstanding Pro-Bono Service award for representing victims in the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — 2003 • The Best Lawyers in America - 2020 - Personal Injury Litigation - Mass Tort Litigation - Product Liability Litigation • Virginia Super Lawyers Personal Injury General, Plaintiff, 2019 • Top 100: 2019 Virginia Super Lawyers Community Involvement and Leadership • Former chairperson, Northstar Academy • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) • United Parents Against Lead • Commonwealth Community Trust Professional Memberships • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) • American Association for Justice (AAJ) - Board of Governors - Leaders Forum - Truck Litigation Group • Virginia Bar Association, 1987 to present • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association - Board of Governors - Product Liability Section, former chairperson • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Phelan's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Phelan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Michael Phelan is one of 4,975 truck accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse truck accidents attorneys in Virginia →
Michael Phelan is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Virginia →
Michael Phelan is one of 10,267 tbi/sci attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tbi/sci attorneys in Virginia →
Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.
Michael Phelan is one of 66,735 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Virginia
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Richmond or all attorneys in Virginia.
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