Please sign in or create a free account to schedule a consultation.
Atty. Theresa Small

Atty. Theresa Small

Theresa D. Small practices trust and estate litigation, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, fiduciary representations, and trust and estate administration.

Call (703) 273-2288 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Theresa Small at a glance

Theresa Small is a trusts attorney based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at McCandlish Lillard PC. Educated at George Mason University (J.D., 2019). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Theresa D. Small practices trust and estate litigation, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, fiduciary representations, and trust and estate administration
  • Theresa represents clients throughout Northern Virginia
  • Prior to practicing at McCandlish Lillard, Theresa spent two years clerking at the Fairfax County Circuit Court for the Honorable Stephen C. Shannon and the Honorable David Bernhard
  • During her clerkship experience, she not only focused on the intricacies of Virginia law but had the opportunity to become well versed in the evolution of remote hearings
  • Theresa is an active member of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and enjoys speaking on topics concerning the various areas of trust and estates
  • Theresa is a Virginia native who received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University with a focus in Mathematics and Computer Science, her paralegal certificate from George Mason University, and her law degree from George Mason University School of Law
  • Theresa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates since 2024
  • This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Theresa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area
  • She has also been named to the Legal Elite by Virginia Business magazine every year since 2022

Practice Areas Explained

Theresa Small's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Theresa Small handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Theresa Small is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Theresa Small

Where is Theresa Small's law office located?
Theresa Small's law practice is located in Fairfax, Virginia. The firm is McCandlish Lillard PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Theresa Small handle?
Theresa Small focuses on trusts. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
Where did Theresa Small go to law school?
Theresa Small earned their education at (J.D., 2019).
How can I contact Theresa Small for a consultation?
You can contact Theresa Small 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 Theresa Small received?
Theresa Small's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates.

Education

J.D.
George Mason University
- 2019

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026

Reviews

These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.