About
Dirk McClanahan is a Fairfax, Virginia, business litigation lawyer who represents individuals and businesses in disputes, contracts, construction matters, intellectual property, trusts and estate planning, and local counsel matters. He helps clients protect and enforce their legal rights in Virginia state and federal courts. His practice serves both large and small businesses, as well as individuals facing complex commercial or personal legal disputes.
Dirk earned his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing, Michigan. His legal education provides a strong foundation for analyzing business issues, contract claims, intellectual property concerns, and litigation risks. This training supports his ability to guide clients through disputes that require careful legal analysis, practical strategy, and a clear understanding of both courtroom and business concerns.
Dirk has litigated matters in Virginia federal and state courts, including several multimillion-dollar claims. His experience includes business acquisitions, intellectual property licensing, contract enforcement and defense, employment disputes, covenant not to compete claims, fiduciary duty disputes, trade secret issues, and estate litigation. He has also worked with and litigated against major international firms, giving him experience in high-stakes and complex legal matters.
Dirk McClanahan has earned recognition for business law and civil litigation, including an AV Preeminent rating, Virginia’s Legal Elite honors in Business Law, and selection to the Virginia and Washington, D.C., Rising Stars list for Civil Litigation: Plaintiff. He is admitted in Virginia, the District of Columbia, several federal courts, and appellate courts. His work reflects careful preparation and practical advocacy for clients facing important legal decisions.
Law Office Affiliations
- Attorney, McClanahan Powers, PLLC
- Member, Virginia State Bar
- Member, District of Columbia Bar
- Member, Fairfax Bar Association
- Member, Alexandria Bar Association
Licensed State
- District of Columbia
Education
- Michigan State University College of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
Awards & Badges





- Business Litigation
- Contracts & Agreements
- Corporate & Incorporation
- Franchise, Dealership & Partnership
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Media & Advertising
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Professional Liability
- Public Finance & Tax Exempt Finance
- Science & Technology
- Securities Litigation
- Tax
- Telecommunications
- Employee Benefits
- Employment Litigation
- Wage & Hour Laws
- Wrongful Termination
- Power of Attorney
- Probate
- Trusts
- Wills & Living Wills
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Patent
- Trade Secrets
- Trademark
- Litigation
- Administrative
- Construction & Development




