J. Benjamin "Ben" English

Joel W. Morgan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Joel W., who practices law in Richmond, Virginia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joel W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robbie’s practice focuses on bankruptcy law, creditors’ and debtors’ rights, and general commercial litigation. Upon graduating from law school, Robbie served as a law clerk to the Honorable Blackwell N. Shelley, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia. Before joining Spotts Fain in 2025, Before joining Spotts Fain in 2025, he was a partner at Hirschler and Hunton Andrews Kurth.

David DuVal’s practice includes all areas of commercial real estate with a focus on the representation of national retailers in the acquisition and leasing of store locations throughout the United States. His work has included preparation and negotiation of ground leases, build to suit, reverse build to suit and sale leaseback transactions. In addition, he has extensive experience in representing regional developers in the acquisition and development of retail “big box” shop...

Eli Jason S. Mackey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Eli Jason S., who practices law in Glen Allen, Virginia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eli Jason S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joan McKenna defends employers faced with discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour litigation under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, FLSA, FMLA, and state employment statutes. Joan’s ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical workplace policies and workable strategies that prevent litigation is second to none in the region. Her approach to dispute resolution combines aggressive courtroom advocacy with preventive counseling that reduces exposure, a balance ref...

Matt Yanovitch's practice focuses on trust and estate disputes and litigation. His practice includes representation of executors, administrators, trustees, heirs, and creditors in disputes involving wills, trusts, and inherited property. He is experienced in probate matters, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, elective share and augmented estate proceedings, constructive trust cases, petitions for aid and direction of the court, and matters involving powers of attorney. He has testi...

Edward J. McNelis III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Edward J., who practices law in Richmond, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Former Virginia Attorney General and Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Jerry Kilgore is a member of Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Practice. Jerry’s distinguished political career and experience as a litigator uniquely positions him to advise clients on important government investigations and regulatory matters, and the interplay with Attorneys General and public policy. Jerry’s experience and hands-on perspective on issues ranging from consumer protection ...

John C. Shea is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. John C., who practices law in Richmond, Virginia, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Marron is Chair of the firm’s Financial Services group. His practice focuses on banking, real estate, closely-held companies, and financial services matters. He has represented private and institutional developers on matters pertaining to land use and development, leasing, sales, finance, and choice of entity issues. He also has represented institutional lenders on matters pertaining to real estate and asset-based lending and the management and disposition of troubled assets. In a...