C. Stephen Setliff

C. Stephen Setliff is a transportation litigation lawyer and partner at Setliff Law, P.C. who represents clients in complex state and federal trials and appeals across the United States. He focuses on trucking and railroad matters involving catastrophic injuries, property damage, environmental cleanup, workers’ compensation, and employment claims. He guides motor carriers, insurers, drivers, and railroads from immediate accident investigations through discovery, trial, and appellate proceedings. His broader practice includes commercial disputes, construction matters, traffic charges, premises liability, and landlord-tenant litigation.

Mr. Setliff earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law. He belonged to the McNeill Honor Society, served as an associate editor of the law review, and competed on the National Moot Court Team. He is admitted in Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. His federal admissions include district courts in Virginia and North Carolina and the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Mr. Setliff defends railroads against FELA claims involving crossing accidents, workplace injuries, occupational exposure, repetitive stress, hearing loss, and property damage. He represents transportation companies in STAA and FRSA whistleblower disputes, negligent hiring claims, independent contractor issues, and commercial agreement enforcement. His clients include utilities, hotel and resort operators, fitness companies, commercial property owners, management companies, and national insurance carriers. He also serves as trial counsel in serious casualty, commercial, and premises liability matters.

C. Stephen Setliff has earned recognition for his trial work and leadership within the transportation industry. He serves as general counsel to several trucking, moving, logging, forestry, and wood-production associations. He holds leadership positions with the Virginia Trucking Association and participates in national railroad and transportation organizations. His frequent presentations address accident response, catastrophic claims, employment exposure, driver hiring, artificial intelligence, and business risk management. His professional record reflects extensive courtroom experience and a strong understanding of transportation operations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Setliff Law, P.C.
• Member, Virginia Trucking Association, Executive Committee
• Member, North Carolina Trucking Association
• General Counsel, Virginia Movers and Warehousemen’s Association
• Member, National Truck and Heavy Equipment Claims Council (NTHECC)
• General Counsel, Virginia Loggers Association
• General Counsel, Carolina Loggers Association
• General Counsel, Southeastern Wood Producers Association
• General Counsel, American Loggers Council
• Member, South Carolina Timber Producers
• Member, Virginia Forestry Association
• Member, Tennessee Forestry Association
• Member, Virginia Motorcoach Association
• Member, Southeastern Coalition of Motorcoach Operators
• Member, Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, North Carolina State Bar
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Former Member, National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, Executive Committee
• Member, Virginia Maritime Association
• Member, Virginia Asphalt Association
• Member, Tidewater Motor Truck Association

Licensed State

• Virginia
• North Carolina
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges