Atty. Ray Ferris
A former prosecutor, Ray Ferris is a trial attorney experienced in both the civil and criminal courts and is listed as one of the "Best Lawyers in America". His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Roanoke, VA · 44+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Ray Ferris at a Glance
Ray Ferris is a Senior Partner based in Roanoke, Virginia, practicing at Ferris & Eakin, P.C.. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Their practice focuses on personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and estate litigation. Admitted to practice in Virginia U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia U.S. Supreme Court (1982). Educated at University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 1982) and Roanoke College (B.B.A., 1976). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of American Association for Justice Virginia Trial Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Serves clients in Roanoke, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Ray Ferris
- A former prosecutor, Ray Ferris is a trial attorney experienced in both the civil and criminal courts and is listed as one of the "Best Lawyers in America"
- His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense
- His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense
- Practice Style Named one of the Legal Elite among Criminal Defense Attorneys in Virginia by the Virginia Business Journal, Mr. Ferris balances aggressive advocacy and common sense tempered by civility
- He takes pride in maintaining a relationship based on trust with his clients and zealously protects their interests
- Professional Associations Mr. Ferris belongs to the American Association for Justice, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- He frequently lectures on criminal and traffic law for the VTLA and VSB
- He served on the Board of Governors for the Criminal Law Section from 1998 until 2002
- Ray is on the faculty of the Virginia State Bar's Professionalism Course, is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and has been named as one of Virginia's Super Lawyers for four consecutive years by the publishers of Richmond Magazine
- Personal Outside the office, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters
- He is an active member of the Roanoke Valley Rotary Club and serves as legal counsel to his church, St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
- He was recently elected to Roanoke City Council
- Education Mr. Ferris earned a BBA from Roanoke College in 1976, and entered Law School at the University of Richmond in 1979
- Graduating in 1982 with his Juris Doctorate Degree, he returned to Roanoke to practice law
- Honors • Named one of the Legal Elite among Criminal Defense Attorneys in Virginia by the Virginia Business Journal • Virginia’s Super Lawyers Classes & Seminars • Criminal and traffic law, VTLA and VSB Fraternities or Sororities • Pi Kappa Phi Professional Associations • American Association for Justice • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association • National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys • Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Practice Areas Explained
Ray Ferris's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ray Ferris handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Roanoke.
Personal Injury in Roanoke
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.
Ray Ferris is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Virginia →
Criminal Defense in Roanoke
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Ray Ferris is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Virginia →
Estate Planning & Probate in Roanoke
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Ray Ferris is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Virginia →
Estate & Trust Litigation in Roanoke
Ray Ferris is one of 19,876 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Roanoke
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 Roanoke 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.
Roanoke Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Roanoke-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 Roanoke or all attorneys in Virginia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Roanoke Choose Ray Ferris
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 Ray Ferris's practice in the field of personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and estate litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Ray Ferris brings 44+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering personal injury, criminal defense, and estate planning, Ray Ferris can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Roanoke
A Roanoke-based practice means Ray Ferris 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 Ray Ferris Handles in Roanoke
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Ray Ferris 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 Ray Ferris directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Ray Ferris Online
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Ray Ferris's Practice Areas & Specializations
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