David W. Hearn

David W. Hearn is a shareholder at Sands Anderson PC in Richmond, Virginia. He represents companies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region in high-risk litigation and advises businesses on critical management and risk issues. His practice includes complex commercial disputes, product liability defense, appellate matters, professional liability, insurance, cybersecurity, commercial transportation, and mass-claim litigation. David works closely with clients to understand their goals, develop effective courtroom strategies, and pursue practical resolutions.

David earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1994 and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Roanoke College in 1991. After law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard H. Poff of the Supreme Court of Virginia from 1994 to 1996. His legal education and appellate clerkship strengthened his abilities in legal analysis, written advocacy, and the careful evaluation of complex disputes.

David represents manufacturers, service providers, insurers, transportation companies, and other businesses in litigation involving substantial financial exposure. His experience includes defending product designers, manufacturers, and distributors in cases concerning medical devices, industrial equipment, automotive components, household fixtures, maritime products, and commercial vehicles. He has also handled constitutional and RICO class actions, contract and fraud claims, wrongful death litigation, mediation, trial, and negotiations involving contractual risk and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

David W. Hearn has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for personal injury and product liability defense and by Virginia Super Lawyers for product liability defense. Virginia Business has repeatedly named him among its Legal Elite in civil litigation. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and previously served as president of its Virginia chapter. Through careful preparation, creative strategy, and practical business insight, David helps clients manage risk and resolve demanding legal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Sands Anderson PC
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, Transportation Lawyers Association
• Member, Trucking Industry Defense Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• University of Richmond School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Roanoke College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges