Michael Phelan
Partner | Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers
Michael Phelan is a catastrophic injury, product liability and trucking accidents trial lawyer and partner at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers in Richmond, Virginia. J.D., University of Richmond School of Law (1987).
Meet Michael
Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney and partner at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers in Richmond, Virginia. He represents people and families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases caused by industrial accidents, defective products, tractor-trailer and other vehicle crashes, explosions, dangerous drugs and defective medical devices, with a particular focus on traumatic brain injury cases.
According to his firm biography, Phelan secured one of the largest settlements in the country in a benzene exposure case and has twice been recognized for achieving some of the highest settlements in Virginia in traumatic brain injury cases. He earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1987, where he served on the Law Review and Moot Court Board.
Phelan holds an AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates since 2019, serving as president of its Virginia chapter in 2026. He has received the American Association for Justice’s David S. Shrager President’s Award (2026) and its Wiedemann & Wysocki Award (2016 and 2019), and has been named to Best Lawyers in America every year from 2009 to 2026.
Experience and Expertise
Qualifications
Timeline
- Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A. in Economics, cum laude (1984)
- University of Richmond School of Law, J.D. (1987)
Practice Areas
- American Board of Trial Advocates (President, Virginia Chapter)
- American Association for Justice (Board of Governors)
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors)
- Virginia Bar Association
- Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
- American Association for Justice David S. Shrager President's Award (2026)
- AAJ Above & Beyond Award (2020-2022)
- AAJ Wiedemann & Wysocki Award (2016, 2019)
- AV Preeminent Peer Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (since 1996)
- Best Lawyers in America (2009-2026)
- Virginia Super Lawyers, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff (2009-present)
- Top 100 Virginia Super Lawyers (2019-2021)
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2021, 2023)
- U.S. Supreme Court Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (2003)
- Virginia's Go To Lawyer (2025)
Print is Alive
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