Michael Phelan

Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who represents clients in complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He focuses especially on traumatic brain injury matters involving industrial accidents, defective products, tractor-trailer crashes, vehicle collisions, explosions, dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, and other negligent acts. His practice centers on serious cases requiring detailed investigation, medical evidence, and trial preparation. He works to develop persuasive claims for injured people and families.

Michael earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1987, where he served on Law Review and the Moot Court Board. He received his B.A. in Economics, cum laude, from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1984 and belonged to Omicron Delta Epsilon. His academic background supports the research, analysis, and advocacy required in complex injury litigation, while his training prepared him for demanding courtroom and case-development work.

Michael has achieved significant results in catastrophic injury litigation, including one of the country’s largest settlements in a benzene exposure case. He has also been recognized twice for obtaining some of Virginia’s highest settlements in traumatic brain injury matters. His experience includes product liability, truck accident, industrial accident, and defective medical device claims. He applies detailed research and trial preparation to cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, and substantial damages.

Michael Phelan has received professional recognition for his trial work, including an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1996 and selection to Virginia Super Lawyers. He was named among The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in 2021 and 2023 and a Virginia Go To Lawyer in 2025. He has served in leadership roles with the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, supporting his commitment to trial advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers
• Member, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA)
• Member of Board of Governors, American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• President, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Virginia Chapter
• Member, Virginia Bar Association
• Member of Board of Governors, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Virginia
• Massachusetts (Inactive)

Education

• University of Richmond Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ohio Wesleyan University
  BA in Economics with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges