Virginia Lawyers Weekly has selected Marks & Harrison for its 2026 "In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms" feature, an honor reserved for state-based law firms that have served clients for 25 years or more while successfully navigating economic shifts, technological advancements, and an evolving legal landscape. The recognition underscores the firm's remarkable endurance and its ongoing dedication to personal injury advocacy.
Founded by David A. Harrison Jr. in 1911, Marks & Harrison has been a fixture in Virginia's legal community for over 115 years. What began as a Richmond-based practice has grown into one of the region's largest personal injury firms, with 34 attorneys and more than 130 support personnel, including in-house investigators and bilingual staff. The firm now operates 14 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., serving clients in a wide array of personal injury and wrongful death cases, as well as workers' compensation and disability benefits matters.
The Legacy Law Firms designation is particularly meaningful in an era when many firms struggle to adapt to rapid change. Marks & Harrison's ability to evolve while maintaining its core focus on injured individuals and their families is a testament to its foundational principles. According to the firm, the recognition reflects its "lasting record of service, preparation and advocacy." For more than a century, the firm has navigated changes in the legal field without losing sight of its mission: providing compassionate, skilled representation to those who need it most.
Community service remains a cornerstone of the firm's identity. Marks & Harrison actively supports local organizations, civic efforts, and community initiatives in the areas it serves. The firm aims to be more than just a law office; it strives to be a trusted resource for people seeking answers, support, and strong legal guidance. This commitment to community is a key reason why the firm has endured for so long, as it has built lasting relationships with the people and neighborhoods it serves.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond the firm itself. For the legal industry, it highlights the value of long-term client relationships and the importance of adapting to change without compromising core values. For the readers of Virginia Lawyers Weekly, many of whom are legal professionals, it serves as a reminder that longevity in law is achieved through consistent excellence and a deep understanding of client needs. For the broader community, it reinforces the role of established law firms as pillars of support in times of personal crisis.
Marks & Harrison's inclusion in the Legacy Law Firms feature also carries practical significance for potential clients. The firm offers free consultations and handles cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney's fees unless compensation is secured. This approach, combined with the firm's extensive resources and local presence, positions it as a reliable choice for those seeking legal representation in personal injury matters.
As the firm looks to the future, it remains committed to the principles that have guided it for over a century. "Being named a Legacy Law Firm reminds us that every case, every client, and every community relationship matters," the firm stated. "We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to providing compassionate, skilled, and effective representation for many years to come."
