David Hearn brings complex experience to complex matters, representing clients in high-risk litigation and advising businesses on critical management issues.
A seasoned trial lawyer with an accomplished courtroom record, David recognizes the critical importance of understanding every client’s goals at the outset of an engagement. Creative, resourceful, and committed to excellence, David helps clients develop successful courtroom strategies, implement effective case resolution plans, and identify risk in contracting relationships and general operating practices. David will partner with your business to efficiently reach those objectives.
David represents companies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region in all phases of complex litigation, including through mediation and trial. Many of David’s clients operate in the manufacturing, sales, service, insurance, and commercial transportation industries, and rely on him to manage cases with significant financial exposure before and during trial.
As a business advisor, David supports and counsels clients during assessments and negotiations involving contractual disputes, risk-shifting agreements, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Over the last two decades, David has also defended product designers, manufacturers, and distributors in product liability cases involving home medical devices, industrial equipment, household fixtures, maritime products
and commercial vehicle components.
Before entering private practice, David served as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Professional Highlights
Successful defense of Virginia educational entities in a Constitutional and RICO class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Defense of Virginia manufacturer in Federal action filed by its Canadian distributor alleging contract breach, fraud and unfair trade practices.
Dismissal of Federal wrongful death lawsuit filed against a national fuel service provider
Representation of airbag manufacturer in Virginia litigation stemming from the largest national product recall in history.
Defense of product designers, manufacturers, and distributors in litigated cases involving home, automotive, medical devices, industrial equipment, household fixtures, maritime products, and commercial vehicle components.
Law clerk for the Honorable Richard H. Poff, Supreme Court of Virginia, 1994 – 1996.
Recognition
Selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates
Selected as one of America's Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators by America's Top 100 LLC
Attained an AV® rating (highest possible rating) from Martindale-Hubbell
Selected for inclusion in Virginia Business Magazine's “Legal Elite” in Civil Litigation
"Virginia Super Lawyer®" for Product Liability Defense
"Virginia Super Lawyer®" for Personal Injury Defense
Background
Education
University of Richmond School of Law J.D. 1994
Roanoke College B.A. magna cum laude 1991
Admissions
Virginia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia