FIRM NEWS & PRESS

News – News Archive -  Press

BECAUSE THE RESULTS OBTAINED IN SPECIFIC CASES DEPEND ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE, PAST CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN FUTURE CASES UNDERTAKEN BY A LAWYER OR LAW FIRM.

News & Press

1-18-11 - West Virginia on the Move (WVOM) names Jeffrey A. Foster to the Board of Directors. WVOM is a non profit organization that works with individuals, communities and governments to promote physically active lifestyles in West Virginia.

1-09-11 - James Mick Kessel was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the Country. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts. Mr. Kessel was sworn in before Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. and all eight Associate Justices of the Supreme Court.

 

1-01-11 - James Mick Kessel was featured in the Member Spotlight section of the Henrico Bar News.

12-29-11 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes congratulates Marks & Harrison on its 100th anniversary.

 

12-23-11 - Marks & Harrison employees made donations to help deserving families this holiday season. Employees who took part in the Firm wide fundraiser made donations every other Friday for the opportunity to enjoy a casual dress day. Funds raised by employees at each of our nine locations were used to help local families have a delicious and festive holiday dinner.

 

12-19-11 - Marks & Harrison is pleased to announce that James Mick Kessel was named to the 2011 Virginia Legal Elite in Civil Litigation by Virginia Business Magazine.

12-14-11 - WRIR 97.2 interviewed Joanna L. Suyes on FLSA requirements for paying tipped employees.

12-07-11 - Joanna L. Suyes was named to the Board of Directors of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. The Virginia Poverty Law Center is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and litigation support on civil justice issues that affect low-income Virginians.

12-01-11 - Elliott Robinson of The Hopewell News covers Marks & Harrison: 100 years in the Tri-Cities. 

11-28-11 - James M. Kessel received AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. AV Preeminent is the highest rating a lawyer can receive from Martindale-Hubbell and is a testament to the lawyer's professional excellence.

11-18-11 - James M. Kessel served as a judge of the National Moot Court Competition. Since 1950, the New York City bar and the American College of Trial Lawyers have sponsored this national competition. 150 law schools compete in the regional rounds throughout the U.S., and the winners advance to the final rounds held at the New York City Bar. This nationally recognized competition allows law students to hone their appellate advocacy skills by arguing before prominent members of the bar.

11-15-11 - Joanna L. Suyes spoke at the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association's 2011 Advanced Workers' Compensation Retreat on Wage and Hour law.

11-14-11 - Dean C. Marcus spoke at the Legal Information Network for Cancer seminar "Coping with Cancer Through the Law" at the University of Richmond School of Law. Dean discussed handling social security disability claims when assisting clients with medical issues.

11-02-11 - Marks & Harrison is proud to support the 2011 City Point 5K in Hopewell, VA. In conjunction with the John Randolph Foundation, the City Point 5K promotes community wellness through health education for the residents of Hopewell. Along with Marks & Harrison's sponsorship, several Firm employees and their families supported the race by participating in the 5K.   

11-01-11 -  John D. Ayers, James Mick Kessel, and Ryan E. Wind served as presenters at this year's First Day in Practice Seminar. The seminar is put on by the Virginia State Bar and is a continuing legal education program designed for new attorneys who are just beginning their legal careers. Offering practice tips on various types of law as well as law office management and even courtroom expectations, the course is a wealth of information for lawyers just beginning their legal careers.

10-30-11 - Marks & Harrison has been recognized as a tier 1 top law firm for Personal Injury in U.S. News and World Rankings  Read More

10-26-11 - Marks & Harrison is proud to announce Andrew Neville and Brett West are the 2012 recipients of the Marks & Harrison Scholarship. Andrew graduated Cum Laude from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Minor in Psychology. Andrew is a John Marshall Scholar at T.C. Williams School of Law. Brett graduated from James Madison University with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration in Marketing and a Minor in Spanish. Brett currently serves as a Member of the Trial Advocacy Board and was a finalist in the Trial Advocacy Competition.

10-18-11 - Best Lawyers® Names Marks & Harrison Attorney John C. Shea 2012 ‘Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year’.  Read More

10-17-11 - John C. Shea spoke at the 2011 VCU Pain Management & Spine Symposium on October 15 & 16, 2011 on the topic of "Expert Witness 101: Preparing For & Making the Most of the Experience."

10-15-11 - J .Penn Crawford and James Mick Kessel attended the Personal Injury Lawyers Marketing and Management Association's (PILMMA) fall conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the summit lawyers discussed better ways to reach clients and help them meet their goals. 

10-13-11 - John D. Ayers served as a judge for the 2011 Carrico Moot Court Competition at the University of Richmond School of Law.

10-12-11 - Along with several lawyers from across the country J .Penn Crawford and James Mick Kessel volunteered to work an American Association for Justice membership drive and helped to successfully recruit over 100 members to the organization. The mission of the American Association for Justice is to promote a fair and effective justice system - and to support the work of attorneys in their efforts to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in America's courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests.

10-4-11 - The lawyers and staff of Marks & Harrison, along with their families, celebrated the Firm's 100th Anniversary. The event was held in the newly renovated Marble Hall of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Marks & Harrison was founded in 1911 by David A. Harrison, Jr. and has continued its practice uninterrupted since that time. Marks & Harrison's growth has been fueled by the hard work of the Firm's lawyers and staff and their dedication to helping families throughout Virginia and West Virginia.

10-3-11 - James Mick Kessel served as a judge for the 2011 Carrico Moot Court Competition at the University of Richmond School of Law.

9-27-11 - James Mick Kessel participated in NBC's No Bill Night. James, along with other members of the Young Lawyers Conference and the Virginia State Bar, offered legal advice to NBC viewers across Richmond.

9-26-11 - Marks & Harrison is proud to support Rappahannock Legal Services. This non-profit corporation provides free civil legal assistance to low income individuals and families.

9-19-11 - Marks & Harrison is pleased to announce that John C. Shea and Gregory S. Hooe have been selected, by their peers, for inclusion in the 2012 edition of Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation. John C. Shea was also named Best Lawyers' 2012 Richmond Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Lawyer of the Year.  Selection to Best Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey sent to over 3.9 million top attorneys. Due to this exhaustive and rigorous survey process, and because no fee or purchase is required to be listed, Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Read More

9-18-11 - Marks & Harrison was proud to sponsor the annual Hooray for Hopewell Festival. The event was held downtown Hopewell around the new Appomattox Regional Library and the historic Beacon Theatre. Lawyers and staff from the Firm helped children and their parents complete child identification kits. These kits give families a place to keep important information on hand for emergencies.   

9-10-11 - St. Mary's Hospital celebrated its 45th Anniversary and the 25th Anniversary of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a Parisian themed picnic. Current and former staff members, patients, families and community members of St. Mary's Hospital gathered to commemorate the occasion with French food, children's activities, various learning areas and a history of nursing tent. James Mick Kessel worked the Families Are Magic "FAM" table inside the learning tent and distributed pamphlets on various parenting issues.

9-5-11 - Marks & Harrison sponsored the 5^th Annual Norhside We Care Festival. Attorney J. Penn Crawford also volunteered his time at the festival. The event fosters community and educational programs in the inner city of Richmond through health and wellness information, school supplies distribution, and various entertainment events.

9-1-11 - John C. Shea will speak at the National Interstate Trucking Super Summit on September 15-17 in St. Louis, MO. John along with 40 of the nation’s top experts on interstate trucking cases will speak on vital tips, tools, and tactics for each step of a interstate trucking case.

8-31-11 - Richmond Car Accident Attorneys Encouraged By Virginia’s Reduction in DUI Fatalities Read More

8-11-11 - Marks & Harrison is pleased to announce that Jeffrey A. Foster has become associated with the Firm as an attorney working in the Firm's Charleston West Virginia office. Mr. Foster is a graduate of Concord College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. 

7-21-11 - James M. Kessel volunteered for the Richmond MDA Lock-Up. This community wide event is a way for business and community leaders to help raise funds for people with neuromuscular diseases. MDA is a non profit health agency dedicated to curing neuromuscular diseases through comprehensive health care, support services, advocacy, and education.

7-20-11 - John C. Shea was invited to speak at the 2011 Advanced Auto Retreat held at the Board Head Inn in Charlottesville. John spoke with P. Christopher Guedri of Richmond on "Our Recent Large Damage Cases: What They Have Taught Us." The Advanced Auto Retreat is a gathering of selected Plaintiff attorneys from Virginia who represent individuals and families injured in automobile collisions.

7-15-11 - Fletcher W. Harkrader, III and Bridget N. Long have been named members of the American Board of Trial Advocates by the organizations National Board of Directors.

 

7-5-11 - Marks & Harrison is pleased to announce that four members of its team have been recognized in 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers®. John C. Shea was named to the Super Lawyers Top 10 List. Bridget N. Long, John D. Ayers, and James Mick Kessel were all named to the Rising Stars List.

6-20-11 - Marks & Harrison was proud to sponsor the RivahFest in Tappahannock, Virginia last weekend. The Festival is an annual event that provides family fun for community members and visitors from all over Virginia. Marks & Harrison sponsored the RivahFest Idol and volunteers from the Firm handed out water and t-shirts at the merchant booths.

6-11-11 -  James Mick Kessel worked as a volunteer at the 2011 Summer Special Olympics, held at the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA. The Summer Special Olympics is Virginia’s largest statewide competition, The Summer Games, allows more than 1,200 Special Olympics Virginia athletes to compete each June. Athletes come from all corners of the state to compete in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling and tennis. For more information on how you can help these athletes go to:http://www.specialolympicsva.org/View/Page/About_Us

6-6-11 - On Monday, June 6, 2011,James Mick Kessel joined with several members of Spotts Fain law firm to prepare and serve an Italian meal to the guests of Hospital Hospitality House. The theme was a “cookout” indoors and included several homemade dishes such as brats, roasted peppers, hotdogs, potato salad, and several pies in the hope of giving the guests a little taste of home while their loved ones get well. 
Hospital Hospitality House is located at 612 East Marshall Street in Richmond and "provides lodging and non-medical services to families and individuals in medical crisis. Guests are referred from physicians, staff and social workers from area hospitals... Referred families are served with dignity, integrity and without regard to financial resources." 
Hospital Hospitality House Website: www.hhhrichmond.org/hhh/

5-27-11 - Marks & Harrison is proud to support K95's Music for the Military. Until July 4th, you can drop off CD's at any of our locations and K95 will send them to the men and women serving in our Military.

5-25-11 - Attorneys John D. Ayers, James M. Kessel and John C. Shea along with Sarah R. Parris, Director of Human Resources, and Tracy E. Phillips, Director of Administration attended the Masters Marketing Group meeting in Washington, D.C. Masters Marketing Group is a group of law firms from around the country who confer on management and marketing issues relating to personal injury practice.

5-20-11 -  James Mick Kessel has been reappointed to serve a second term on the Board of Young Professionals of Great Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now).  Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the Greater Richmond area. SCAN was founded in 1991 in response to the rapidly growing rate of child abuse and neglect in the City of Richmond and its surrounding counties. SCAN is an affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse Virginia.  For more information on Greater Richmond SCAN visit their website at: http://www.grscan.com/index.html

5-20-11 - Joanna L. Suyes spoke on the topic of How to Succeed at the Administrative Law Judge Hearing at NBI's Seminar Entitled Handling a Social Security Disability Case.

5-16-11 -  Marks and Harrison is pleased to announce the addition of three new Principals to the firm.
 

                     

 

5-15-11 - Deirdre A. Snyder presented at The Personal Injury Paralegal's Guide to Lien Process and Procedure for the Institute for Paralegal Education.

5-12-11 -  Investigator J.R. Davis delivers Marks & Harrison's donation to the Central Virginia Food Bank for the 2nd Annual Legal Food Frenzy. Each year the event helps raise over a million pounds of food for Virginia's food banks.
 

                     

5-9-11 - Marks & Harrison sponsored a team in the 6th annual ASK Walk and 5K at Short Pump Town Center. ASK is a Richmond based non profit organization that provides financial, spiritual, social, and emotional support to over 1,000 children every year. The Ask Walk is the primary fund raising event for the organization.  

5-1-11 -  James A. McCauley was awarded AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards. This is the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell based on peer reviews of expertise, experience, integrity, and overall professional excellence.

4-24-11 - James Mick Kessel manned the Families Are Magic “FAM’s” booth at the Monument Avenue Easter Parade.  FAM was founded by parent education professionals who believe that asking for help is the sign of a good parent, not a bad one.   FAM is a resource of information, a source of camaraderie, and a helping hand for anyone who wants to be the best father, mother or caregiver they can be.  You can visit FAM by clicking on the following link: http://www.famrichmond.org.

4-11-11 - Lori L. Smith presented The Hopewell Law Library with a donation to the Judges' Portrait Fundraiser. The Library is raising funds to have portraits of the Honorable Judges Luke and O'Hara place in the Hopewell Courthouse to honor them for their many years of service.

4-11-11 - Marks & Harrison is proud to support Little Sisters of the Poor and their efforts to provide support to the elderly. More information about Little Sisters of the Poor can be found on their website.

4-7-11 - Bridget N. Long presented "Hearsay in Expert Testimony Since Commonwealth v. Wynn" at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

4-1-11 - For over 12 years, Marks & Harrison has sponsored a teen drinking and driving safety program called "Make It Home." The program has been shown to over ten thousand students in high schools throughout Virginia in an effort to educate young drivers on the tragedies that can happen if they choose to drive while intoxicated. The program had a record month in March reaching over 1,000 kids in two weeks. John D. Ayers presented the program to a majority of these students after he was asked to conduct the program to all driver's education students at L.C. Bird and Massaponax High Schools.

3-31-11 - Virginia Personal Injury Law Firm Stresses Importance of Wearing Motorcycle Helmets
Read More

2-2-11 - James Mick Kessel served as a judge for the 2011 Client Counseling & Negotiation Board, Merhige Environmental Law Competition at the University of Richmond School of Law.

3-9-11 -  Marks & Harrison is proud to announce that William F. Dudley is the 2011 recipient of the Marks & Harrison Scholarship. William graduated from Old Dominion University with an undergraduate degree in Finance and an M.B.A. At the T.C. Williams School of Law, William is a member of the Black Law Students Association, Virginia State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Each year Marks & Harrison presents the Marks & Harrison Scholarship to a law student at the T.C. Williams School of Law who is interested in a career in personal injury.

2-28-11 -  Tonight on NBC 12, Marks & Harrison lawyers are staffing the Call Center to help with any legal questions viewers might have. Also, Joanna L. Suyes is being interviewed about employment law. Tune in at 5:00 p.m. if you have any legal questions.

2-26-11 - James Mick Kessel and Marks & Harrison, sponsored the SCAN 5K Race to Protect Children on February 26, 2011 and supported SCAN's work to help Richmond's most vulnerable children. This event was held at West Broad Village in Short Pump on February 26, 2011. More information on the race can be found here: http://www.grscan.com/SCAN5K/

2-22-11 - James Mick Kessel served as a judge for the Barnett Moot Court Competition at the T.C. Williams School of Law.

2-17-11 -  Joanna L. Suyes and Dean C. Marcus have been asked to speak as distinguished faculty at the National Business Institute's seminar Handling a Social Security Disability Case in Richmond, VA on April 27, 2011. This seminar is for lawyers how want to maximize the Social Security Disability benefits their clients receive.

2-11-11 - James A. McCauley, John C. Shea, Ryan E. Wind, and Eric D. Yost attended the 2011 American Association for Justice (AAJ) Winter Convention in Miami, FL. AAJ Conventions give accomplished trial lawyers and experts an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in trial advocacy and other specialized legal topics.

2-5-11 - Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers Support More Safety Education for Teen Drivers. Read More

1-28-11 - Marks & Harrison is pleased to announce Lori L. Smith has joined the Firm.

1-7-11 - Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers Urge Motorists to Review Their Car Insurance Coverage. Read More

News Archive

• News Archive: 2010
• News Archive: 2009
• News Archive: 2008
• News Archive: 2007
• News Archive: 2006
• News Archive: 2005

Press

 

• Handling a Tractor Trailer Case: The Team Approach by John C. Shea
• "The Ten Worst Insurance Companies in America" – American Association for Justice
• Marks & Harrison Brief Amicus Curiae filed on behalf of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association on October 2, 2006, in support of trial court's award of monetary penalties against a Ford Motor Company lawyer whom the trial court found filed defenses for which the trial court found the Ford lawyer lacked a sufficient good faith basis in fact and law. Click here for the Ford v Benitez opinion and here for the Ford Motor v Benitez, VTLA Amicus Brief
• Decision Allowing Plaintiff to Recover Full Amount of Medical Bills Despite Medicaid Write-offs
• Day-In-The-Life Videos: How to Make Sure the Jury Sees It All
• W.D. VA 2005 Opinion Rejects Write-Offs Argument in Medicaid Context
• Investigating Tractor-Trailer Wrecks
• Fibromyalgia: The Rodney Dangerfield of Medical Diagnoses
• Personal Injury: Case Evaluation and Selection
  
• Motor Carrier Is Liable For 'Independent Contractor'
  
• Just What is a Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement and Why Should I Care?
  
• Death Case Mediated For $1 million
• Role of Defense Neuropsychologists Should Be Limited Under Virginia Evidence Law
• VADA/VSCA Presentation on "Medical Expense Coverage From The Plaintiff¹s Perspective."
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, "Settling Auto Accident Claims."
• "Advertising Regulation in Virginia" Presentation to the Virginia Beach Bar Association.
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Evidence Seminar; Speaker on Demonstrative Evidence.
• Richmond Bar Association Bench Bar Panelist on "Pre-Trial Procedures."
• "Ethical Considerations In Solicitation In Virginia," The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "Use Of Neuropsychologists As Expert Witnesses," The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "How Insurance Companies Evaluate And Negotiate Settlement Of Automobile Accident Cases: What the Attorney Can Do To Maximize Recovery," The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "A Lawyer's Guide To Mediation Preparation," Presentation at the 1998 Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Convention.
• "Personal Injury By the Numbers," The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "Computer Animation-Dealing With The Stealth Witness," Vol. 9, No. 4 Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Journal.
• A Guide To The Preparation And Trial Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Cases; Published By The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "A Growing Number of Circuit Courts Reject Wrongdoer Attempts To Reap Windfall Benefits From Their Victims' Collateral Health Insurance," Vol. 11, No. 3 The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "The Collateral Source Rule Keeps Pandora's Box Of Health Insurance Write-off Issues Closed": Vol. V, No. 3 Virginia State Bar Litigation News.
• "Health Insurance Write-Offs Irrelevant Under Collateral Source Rule," Vol. 10, No. 3 The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
• "A Current Guide to Civil RICO in New York Federal Courts," 66 N.Y. St. B.J. 18.
• "U.S. Supreme Court Applies 'Operation or Management Test' to RICO Section 1962(c) Claim," 42 Va. Lawyer 16.
• "Public/Private Cooperation Not Barred By Constitution," 34 Va. Bar News 16.
• Note, "The Admissibility of Testimony Influenced by the Use of Hypnosis," 67 Va. L. Rev. 1203.
• "Role of Defense Neuropyschologists Should Be Limited Under Virginia Evidence Law," Vol. 14, No. 4, The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association 24.
• Seminar Presentation on Motions in Limine at Virginia Trial Lawyers Association May 2003 Tort Seminar.
• "Silencing the Witness," Vol. 14, No. 1 The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association 18.
• "The Post-Trial Perils of the 21-day and 30-day Rules," Vol. 12, No. 2 The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association 2.
• Seminar Presentation on Collateral Source Rule and Medical Expenses at the Annual Convention of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association on April 1, 2000, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
• Seminar Presentation on Marketing for the Small Law Firm at Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, October, 2003.
• "Trial Themes" Presentation at Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Advanced Auto Retreat, July, 2003.
• Presentation to Young Lawyers Section of the Richmond Bar Association on Trial Strategies, October, 2003.

Proudly Serving our Community as well as our Clients

Our philosophy hasn’t changed since 1911—clients come first, period. For us that means helping injured people and their families both within the courtroom and in the community. Marks & Harrison has a proud tradition of supporting community and charitable organizations. Each year, Marks & Harrison staff and attorney donate time and money to organizations that promote safety and help injured people.

Brain Injury Association of Virginia's 2008 Charity Golf Classic

Marks & Harrison contributed to a Hole Sponsorship of the 2008 BIAV Charity Golf Classic which takes place October 13th at the Independence Golf Club.

VCU Medical Center Trauma Program

Marks & Harrison donated to the Program's fundraising gala which will take place March 28th, 2009.  VCU Medical Center's Trauma Program is the fastest growing and one of the largest in Virginia.  It is one of two Trauma Programs in the state verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

March of Dimes

Marks & Harrison helped the Charlottesville community raise over $44,000 to aid in pediatric research.

Louisa Thunder

Louisa Thunder is the only girls fast pitch travel program in Louisa county, outside of school sports.

Enon Football & Cheerleading

After Enon found itself without money, or equipment, to field teams for the 2008 season, Marks & Harrison donated money to help the football team and cheerleaders purchase new equipment.

Historic Richmond Foundation

Marks & Harrison sponsored the Historic Richmond Foundation's Gala Celebration at the National Theater.

Along with the Historic Richmond foundation Marks & Harrison is a sponsor of the 2007 Art of Richmond show. The event will be held on May 3, 2007 at Planet Zero Art Center. The event will feature architectural salvage and vintage photographs of Richmond.

Richmond County Little League

Marks & Harrison is proud to sponsor a team in the Richmond County Little League for the 2007 season.

Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

Marks & Harrison is proud to sponsor a team in the 10th Anniversary of the Komen Richmond Race for the Cure. The race will take place on May 12 on Brown's Island. "Events such as the Komen Richmond Race for the Cure® allow the Richmond Affiliate to support Komen's vision of a world without breast cancer and promote the promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing sciences to find the cures" (www.komenrichmond.org).

Tappahannock Rivah Fest

Marks & Harrison has partnered with the Tappahannock Rivah Fest. The firm will have a tent at the event providing drinks to those in attendance. The Rivah Fest will take place on June 16 in Tappahannock, VA.

Oliver White Hill Foundation

Marks and Harrison is pleased to have joined with a number of law firms and businesses in the Central Virginia area in sponsoring the celebration of the 100^th birthday of Oliver W. Hill on Friday, May 4, 2007. Oliver W. Hill is a legal legend having joined with other civil rights pioneers in pursuing civil rights litigation on behalf of African Americans in Virginia. The work of Oliver W. Hill led to greater rights for all American citizens and in August of 1999 Mr. Hill received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in America. In July of 2005 Mr. Hill was awarded the NAACP’s highest award, the Spingarn Medal.

VCU Children's Medical Center

On April 20, 2006 Marks & Harrison continued their support of the VCU Children's Medical Center by making a donation during a telethon hosted by CBS 6. With the centers 100,000 outpatient visits, 450 air and ground transports, 19,000 emergency room visits, 1,000 intensive care admissions, and 3,500 acute care admissions per year Marks & Harrison understands the importance of pediatric heath in Central Virginia. A video clip of of the telethon is available under Firm News & Press.

Rappahannock Legal Services, Inc.

On January 25, 2007 John C. Shea of Marks & Harrison made a donation to Rappahannock Legal Services, Inc. This non-profit corporation provides free civil legal services to those who are unable to afford needed legal assistance.

In Memoriam: Sarah Hearney

In 2004, the firm helped to establish grants in memory of a Marks & Harrison client killed in a trucking crash. Grants were given to two Petersburg organizations, the Crater Criminal Justice Society and the Progress-Index, in memory of Sarah Hearney. At the time of her tragic death, Ms. Hearney, age 25, had been a police officer for only one week and was a former reporter with the Progress-Index.

Make It Home – keeping high school students safe

The firm also continues its community service program “Make It Home” which is directed at reducing drinking and driving among high school students. This program has been shown to over 9,000 students throughout central Virginia. Marks & Harrison started “Make It Home” ten years ago in collaboration with nurses at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). Marks and Harrison attorneys, along with nurses from MCV, visit high schools with a presentation that includes a video and a contract that the students and their parents both sign. The student agrees to be responsible if they have chosen to drink, by not driving, and the parent agrees to ensure that their child gets home safely. If you would like more information about this program, please send an email to abarr@marksandharrison.com.

Brain Injury Association of Virginia

Marks & Harrison is a proud sponsor of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. BIAV, uses support groups, education, referral assistance, outreach advocacy and public awareness to support survivors of brain injuries.

The Legal Information Network for Cancer (LINC)

Marks & Harrison continues to support LINC, the Legal Information Network for Cancer. LINC is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to helping people with the legal issues that arise from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Through LINC, the attorneys of Marks & Harrison have assisted several individuals who are cancer patients with numerous non-medical issues relating to their condition. Marks & Harrison attorneys have aided these individuals on health insurance coverage issues, wills, financial support and Social Security Disability. The firm has been active in this program since its beginning in 1997. LINC offers free advocacy services to technical assistance to cancer patients to help them resolve non-medical problems that confront them during their cancer battles. If you are interested in learning more about this program, then call our office at 282-0999 or 1-800-283-2202 or contact LINC at 644-5462 or 877-644-LINC http://www.cancerlinc.org

Richmond Brain Tumor Support Group

Marks & Harrison is proud to support the Richmond Brain Tumor Support Group. The Group is a non-profit dedicated to providing support for brain tumor survivors and their loved ones, promoting awareness for brain tumor issues, and advocating for brain tumor research in Central Virginia. For more information visit their website at www.curebraintumor.org.

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation

Marks & Harrison has sponsored a Co-Rec Softball team for several season. The Marks & Harrison team has made the playoffs several times.

Charlottesville Free Clinic

Marks & Harrison has supported the Charlottesville Free Clinic through the donation of catered meals for volunteers. The Clinic "provides high quality health care to the 'working uninsured' who would otherwise have no access to care."

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

"Founded in 1971, CVLAS' mission is, and has always been, the zealous legal representation without charge to low income or elderly clients in civil cases and to help the low income and elderly client community through preventive community legal education."

Virginia Fair Trial Project

Marks & Harrison supports the Virginia Fair Trial Project as part of the Bob Hall VTLA Board of Governors Challenge.  Our support will help keep the indigent defense reform movement alive so that all Virginians can have access to fair trials.

Greater Richmond Bar Foundation

Marks & Harrison has continued to support the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation for several years.  Our contributions help to provide legal service to the local nonprofit community through their Pro Bono Clearinghouse program, sponsor law-related educational and service projects.

If you would like the firm to consider a specific community service project, please send an email to lawyers@marksandharrison.com.