Fletcher W. Harkrader III brings more than four decades of experience to every client relationship. He focuses exclusively on helping people injured by others’ negligence, including car, truck, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. Fletcher joined Marks & Harrison in 2002 after building broad legal and courtroom experience and now serves as a principal of the firm. He has handled thousands of court cases and numerous jury trials throughout his career, with an extensive track record of resolving cases through mediation and arbitration.
Results Built on Preparation and Persistence
Fletcher has secured significant verdicts and settlements for clients facing life-changing injuries. His results include a $1.24 million settlement in a wrongful death case, which he achieved despite the insurance company initially denying responsibility and compensation. Fletcher has also obtained settlements of $2 million, $1 million, and $1.22 million in cases involving serious car, truck, and motorcycle collisions. (Note that results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.)
Fletcher understands that each result represents more than a financial recovery: it can provide stability, accountability, and hope during an uncertain time.
“The most rewarding part of practicing law is being able to help people out,” he explains. “Particularly in my field, people are dealing for the first time with being injured, which is a major issue for anyone to deal with. They have big medical bills, and then frequently they’re out of work, and they’re dealing with insurance companies and courts.
“Nobody is familiar with that, so they really need someone to help them through the legal process and to get them what they’re entitled to under the law: compensation.”
Making the Legal Process Feel More Manageable
Fletcher particularly values representing people who urgently need guidance and support. He recognizes how quickly a serious injury can disrupt an entire family. Fletcher helps clients pursue compensation that responsible parties and insurers have denied them. He guides clients through the legal process with clarity and confidence.
“In this business, you have the ability to bring some measure of satisfaction to your clients by providing them with compensation the responsible parties have denied them and that they wouldn’t receive otherwise,” he says.
His clients are grateful for such a mindset, based on their 5-star reviews, including the following:
“‘Team Harkrader’ was absolutely the best. Communication [throughout the] entire process was smooth and seamless. Can’t say any more how pleased we were with the team. Thank you.”
– Chad Samuelson
“This is not only a great place to find excellent representation, but a fabulous place to work. Mr. Harkrader is an exceptional lawyer, with expertise in a multitude of areas. He is fair and always fights for the best outcome for the client. All in all, if I could give more stars … I would!”
– Bobbie Jarvis
“I have had the honor of working with Marks twice, represented by Fletcher Harkrader. Not only were they thorough, they were professional and fought hard to make sure that I was compensated for my injuries. They took my case seriously as if I was family. I highly recommend Marks and Harrison!”
– Missy Jasper
Local Roots and a Natural Connection with Jurors
Fletcher’s interest in law began long before he entered a courtroom. As a teenager, he worked at his father’s Louisa County law firm. Fletcher watched his father and other attorneys address everyday problems for local families and saw firsthand how practical legal guidance could make a meaningful difference.
Fletcher carried those early lessons throughout his career. In his first years as an attorney, he handled criminal defense and civil litigation matters. Fletcher believes that varied experience helps him understand the legal system more completely. It also gives him additional perspective when developing strategies for injured clients.
By understanding the people, values, and communities throughout this part of Virginia, Fletcher believes that connection helps him communicate naturally with local juries. His background also shapes how he presents each client’s story.
“I try to bring my Virginia country upbringing to bear at trials in making a connection with jurors in this area,” he says. “I believe that it helps to have an understanding of the area when you are talking with a jury about an injury that has occurred in their community.”
Fletcher says he knows that jurors must understand how an injury affects someone’s daily life. He presents complicated facts through clear, relatable language. Fletcher also helps jurors see the person behind the medical records and legal arguments. His local perspective allows him to approach those conversations with authenticity.
Leadership Within Virginia’s Legal Community – and Beyond
Fletcher has earned recognition from clients and professional peers alike. He belongs to the American Board of Trial Advocates and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fletcher is also a member of the American Association for Justice. His professional affiliations reflect decades of commitment to trial advocacy and client service.
Fletcher has held several roles with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He previously chaired its General Legislation Committee and served on two additional subcommittees. Fletcher is also a past president of the Louisa County Bar Association. He previously served as a circuit representative for the Virginia State Bar.
He has been recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer. He was selected in 2013, 2015, and 2016. Fletcher also belongs to the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court. His involvement keeps him connected with attorneys throughout Virginia’s legal community.
Fletcher’s leadership extends beyond the legal profession. He is a past president of the Louisa County Rotary Club. Fletcher was also named a Paul Harris Fellow for his Rotary service. His community involvement reflects the same local commitment that guides his legal practice. He has also led the Louisa County Ruritan Club and served as president of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce.
Education and Public Service
Fletcher graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University. He earned his law degree from the University of Richmond. Fletcher then entered general practice and handled a wide range of legal matters. His early work created a strong foundation for his later personal injury practice.
He served as Louisa County attorney from 1990 through 1998. Fletcher later represented the Virginia Transportation Commissioner as trial counsel via an appointment in 1994 from the governor. He continued serving until joining Marks & Harrison in January 2002.
Fletcher’s career has given him experience from several sides of Virginia’s legal system. His background helps him anticipate challenges and pursue practical solutions. Fletcher uses that perspective to guide clients through complicated personal injury claims. He remains focused on helping them secure accountability and meaningful results.
Interesting Cases / Settlements / Verdicts
- Truck Collision Settlement $2,000,000
- Wrongful Death Settlement $1,240,000
- Motorcycle Collision Settlement $1,200,000
- Auto Collision Settlement $1,000,000
- Taxicab Collision Settlement $900,000
- Auto Collision Verdict $850,000
- Auto Collision Settlement $650,000
Meet Our Team
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