J. Chapman (Chap) Petersen

J. Chapman (Chap) Petersen is a partner at Chap Petersen & Associates in Fairfax, Virginia. He handles business and commercial litigation, real estate disputes, and eminent domain matters. His trial experience spans three decades and includes cases in state and federal courts. He represents clients in disputes involving property rights, contracts, and business interests, including matters in which litigation and negotiations both play important roles.

Chap earned a B.S. in Economics from Williams College in 1990 and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1994. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland, as well as several federal courts. He also teaches American Constitutional Law as an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, bringing courtroom and public service experience into the classroom.

Chap’s representative cases include a $9.85 million securities fraud verdict in Sanford v. SCG International LLC and a $2.6 million federal judgment involving international embezzlement. His eminent domain matters include a $1.2 million settlement for a Prince William County property owner and a $1.275 million settlement involving a car wash affected by condemnation. He has also pursued appellate cases involving commercial leases and property purchases.

J. Chapman (Chap) Petersen served in the Virginia State Senate from 2007 to 2023, following service in the House of Delegates and on the Fairfax City Council. He received the Fairfax County Bar Association’s President’s Award in 2017 and was recognized as a Leader in the Law in 2011. His work connects trial advocacy, property rights, and experience with the legislative process.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Chap Petersen & Associates
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, Fairfax Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• State Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates (2002-2006)
• City Councilman, Fairfax City Council (1998-2002)
• Member, Virginia State Senate (2007-2023)

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Williams College
  B.S. Economics (major)

Awards & Badges