John J. Rasmussen

As a highly effective and sought-after trial advocate and proven litigator, Kelvin Newsome knows from longevity of experience that dispute resolution—whether in or out of court—demands more than just legal knowledge; it requires the instinct to anticipate opposition and the composure to execute under pressure. He brings both of these sought-after qualities to his defense practice. Over the course of his career, Kelvin has resolved serious disputes and seemingly intractable litigat...

J. Clay Rollins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. J. Clay practices law in Richmond, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized J. Clay Rollins since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which J. Clay Rollins is held by other lawyers.

For more than 30 years, Tom, who serves as head of Spotts Fain's Corporate and Business Transactions Practice, has represented clients in corporate and LLC governance matters. He serves as outside general counsel to many of the firm's clients in addition to representing them in commercial and business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions of closely held businesses. Tom frequently counsels businesses in entity formation and exit strategy planning.

Meade Spotts's practice emphasizes real estate and environmental issues, legislative representation and lobbying, and general corporate and business law. He represents his clients' interests before the Virginia General Assembly, local and state boards, planning commissions, and agencies. He has participated in public and private trade missions to China and represents companies with interests throughout North America. His off-duty time likewise covers much of the state. Meade lives on the Jame...

With over 30 years of experience exclusively as a litigation attorney, Brewster is among the most experienced medical malpractice lawyers you will find anywhere. He is well-known for being able to get to the core of issues of almost any case and focusing on what matters to get the best results for his clients. In Virginia, Brewster was a leader in medical malpractice defense from the time he was a young lawyer in the early 1990’s until the 2010’s. With well over 100 medical malpra...

Edward J. McNelis III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Edward J. practices law in Richmond, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Edward J. McNelis III since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Edward J. McNelis III is held by other lawyers.

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...

Edward is an accomplished and indefatigable litigator who has tried and won an impressive variety of cases in state and federal courts including personal injury, premises liability and insurance coverage matters. An extremely talented trial attorney, he has mastered the courtroom skills necessary to obtain substantial verdicts for his clients. Edward helped spearhead the firm's expansion to Northern Virginia and has been the managing partner there since the Fredericksburg office opened in 199...

Thomas A. Lisk is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Gaming Law and Government Relations Practice. Thomas A. practices law in Richmond, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas A. Lisk since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Thomas A. Lisk is held by other lawyers.

Jen West serves on Spotts Fain's executive committee and is president of the firm. She focuses her practice on creditors' rights, commercial litigation, insolvency, workouts and foreclosure. She primarily represents banks and other lending institutions, with a particular focus on community banks. In 2019, Jen was appointed to the Panel of Chapter 7 Trustees for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. In this role, she is responsible for the administration of Chapter 7 cases to wh...