Hugh M. Fain III 20YEARSAWARDED

Hugh M. Fain III

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008
Awarded Practice Areas
Bet-the-Company Litigation Commercial Litigation Litigation - Intellectual Property Litigation - Labor and Employment
Hugh M. Fain III
Hugh M. Fain III
Richmond, VA
Works at
Spotts Fain PC

21 Best Lawyers awards

Spotts Fain PC logo

Biography

Hugh M. Fain III is a trial lawyer and dispute resolver with more than forty years of experience representing businesses, executives, and organizations in complex litigation matters. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Hugh practices with Spotts Fain PC and is licensed in both Virginia and Texas. His practice focuses on commercial and business litigation, including matters involving contracts, corporate governance, intellectual property, employment disputes, construction claims, real estate litigation, trust and estates disputes, and shareholder, membership, and partnership conflicts.

Hugh represents clients in state and federal courts and regularly handles high-stakes business disputes involving significant financial and operational considerations. His recognized practice areas include Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property, and Litigation - Labor and Employment. He works closely with companies and business leaders to evaluate litigation risks, develop practical strategies, and pursue efficient resolutions through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, or trial when necessary.

Over the course of his career, Hugh has tried cases involving multi-million dollar contract disputes, business tort claims, employment discrimination matters, and disputes related to the preservation and enforcement of intellectual property rights. He has also represented clients before administrative agencies, including the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

In addition to his trial court experience, Hugh has argued appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Virginia Court of Appeals, and federal circuit courts of appeal. His litigation practice reflects decades of experience navigating complex legal and business issues across a broad range of industries.

Hugh is a Past President of the Virginia Bar Association and a Past President of the Bar Association of the City of Richmond. He has been recognized by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Employment Litigation, and Intellectual Property Litigation. Hugh is also a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation and currently serves as a Commissioner in Chancery for the Henrico County Circuit Court.

Works at
Spotts Fain PC

21 Best Lawyers awards

Spotts Fain PC logo

Locations

Education

  • University of Virginia, J.D., graduated 1983
  • Virginia Military Institute, BA, graduated 1980

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia, Virginia State Bar
  • Texas, State Bar of Texas

Affiliations

  • Richmond Bar Association - President, 2006-2007
  • Virginia Bar Association - Past President

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Bet-the-Company Litigation
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Richmond (2025)
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Richmond (2023)
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation, Richmond (2021)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for work in:
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus:
  • Business Disputes
  • Civil Litigation
  • Complex Litigation
  • Construction
  • Intellectual Property
  • Labor and Employment
  • Partnership Disputes
Awards:
  • Virginia Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, 2024

  • Chambers USA 2014-2025 for Litigation (Virginia)

  • Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

  • Virginia Super Lawyers for Business Litigation 2006 - 2025

    • Top 100 Virginia, 2012-2018; 2021-2025
    • Top 50 Richmond, 2012-2018; 2021-2025
    • Top 50 Virginia, 2009
  • Virginia Business magazine's Legal Elite 2003 - 2024 for Civil Litigation

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