Michael G. Phelan Recognized as a 2025 “Go To Lawyer” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
We’re excited to announce that Michael Phelan, one of the founding partners of Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, was featured in Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s Go To Lawyers list for 2025. This distinction highlights Virginia attorneys who are leaders in their fields, demonstrate integrity in their legal practices, and are deeply committed to client advocacy.
Michael Phelan’s career
Michael Phelan has nearly four decades of experience advocating for Virginia injury victims. He focuses on the worst types of injury cases, including life-changing catastrophic injuries from car crashes, product defects, and industrial accident cases. His results include a landmark dangerous drug case that led to one of the nation’s largest settlements, and a severe brain injury case from an industrial fracking rig accident that led to a lifetime of care for the victim.
He’s known among his colleagues as an attorney who is diligent in preparation, tenacious in the courtroom, and compassionate towards his clients. Michael also shared what he thinks it takes to be a successful trial attorney: “Hard work, over-preparation, drive and compassion.”
A lawyer dedicated to access to justice
In his discussion with Virginia Lawyers Weekly, he expressed his concern about political cronyism and the need to protect access to justice. In addition to advocating for his clients, Michael is a force for fairness and accountability in Virginia’s civil justice system. He has served in leadership roles with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the American Board of Trial Advocates—organizations committed to preserving the right to trial by jury and protecting injured consumers.
Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers is based in Richmond and handles complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We’re proud to represent and support members of our community. To learn more about Michael Phelan and our entire team, call our offices or fill out our contact form. Also, don’t miss Michael’s full feature in the October 22, 2025, issue of Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
