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.

Education & Admissions

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

Clerkships

Law clerk for the Honorable Richard H. Poff, Supreme Court of Virginia, 1994 – 1996

Honors & Recognitions

"Virginia Super Lawyer®" for Product Liability Defense 2007-2008, 2017-2022, 2024

"Legal Elite," Virginia Business magazine, Young Lawyer (Under 40) 2009; Civil Litigation 2014-2023

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

Experience

  • 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.

Affiliations

Professional

Defense Research Institute

Federal Bar Association

Past President, American Board of Trial Advocates, Virginia Chapter

Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys

Transportation Lawyers Association

Trucking Industry Defense Association

Virginia Bar Association

Virginia State Bar

News & Insights

News

Lack of medical evidence makes cross-examination relevant Virginia Lawyers Weekly, May 2023

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