Logo mark Terrence Graves
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Terrence L. Graves

Favorite Book: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Terrence provides dependable and experienced guidance to clients in litigation matters and offers strategic counsel to businesses designed to avoid litigation. 

With more than 30 years of experience in trials, taking and defending depositions, arguing motions, arbitrations and mediations, Terrence brings principled support to first-party actions involving insurance coverage issues, with a niche supporting self-insured individuals and insurance companies.

He carefully addresses your unique legal needs, customizing a unified and appropriately aggressive defense handling of any matter from when the case starts to its settlement, trial, or appeal. Terrence handles high exposure matters with diligence, and will offer judicious advice when investigating accidents and preserving evidence.in all areas of his practice.

Terrence’s passion for the law, work ethic, and integrity have helped clients navigate a vast range of complex legal issues. His deep legal talents include trying cases in a majority of judicial circuits and all federal district courts in Virginia. He has also been admitted pro hac vice in state courts in Maryland, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.

Further, Terrence is well acquainted with regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Virginia’s Department of Occupational Regulation, and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality among others. Terrence works to help his clients understand the regulatory landscape and protect their futures.

Education & Admissions

Education

University of Virginia
J.D., 1991

Howard University
B.A., 1986, cum laude

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

Honors & Recognitions

Super Lawyers® in Transportation/Maritime 2007 - 2024

Best Lawyers in America® in Transportation Law and Personal Injury-Defense, 2010 – 2024

Virginia Business magazine "Legal Elite” in Civil Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution 2006-2023

Civility and Professionalism Award Virginia Trial Lawyers & Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, 2021

"Leader in the Law” for service as the first African-American President of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2008

Virginia Law Foundation Fellows Class of 2019

"Virginia's Top Lawyers” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2011

"Virginia Legal Eagle” Virginia Living Magazine, 2012

Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers 2012

Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America 2007 (Senior Fellow 2015)

Experience

Terrence has successfully handled high-stake cases, such as:

  • Obtaining defense verdicts in several matters filed by multiple residents of an assisted living facility in which they claimed personal injury and property damage as the result of alleged mold exposure.
  • Obtaining a favorable settlement on behalf of a national motor carrier in a matter involving limited insurance coverage that involved personal injury claims by 15 individuals and 2 wrongful death claims.
  • Obtaining a favorable coverage response from an insurance carrier following a challenge to a food retailer’s request for insurance coverage following a devastating fire that destroyed the client’s plant and its inventory.
  • Negotiating a favorable settlement for the owner of a warehouse following the installation of a roofing system that was inadequate.
  • Negotiated a favorable settlement for an attorney who was sued for malpractice following a missed deadline.
  • Negotiated a favorable settlement for a masonry subcontractor in a matter that involved allegations of improperly installed pre-cast concrete foundation and brickwork that did not comply with plans and specifications resulting in water intrusion.

Affiliations

Community

Union Branch Baptist Church Member

Professional

American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow, Immediate Past Chair of the Virginia State Committee

Bar Association of the City of Richmond - President, 2018-2019, Member of Board of Directors, 2005 - 2009, 2011 - 2020

Defense Research Institute

Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel

Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association

Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys - President 2007-2008, Member of the Board of Directors 1997 - 2009

Virginia Trucking Association

Virginia State Bar - Professionalism Course instructor as appointed by Chief Justice Hassell, 2003 - 2006

News & Insights

News

Events & Speaking Engagements

Frequent lecturer on many aspects of law at the local, state, regional, and national levels

Presented on Virginia procedure, transportation law, trial tactics, legal technology, general liability, landlord/tenant law, construction law and other topics

  • “Terrence and his team at Sands Anderson provided solid advice, grounded in knowledge of the law, practical understanding of the legal process, and respect for my needs as a professional and client. I would use his services again without hesitation.”

    Tim Loughran, client
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