Joel McClellan is zealous advocate for his clients. Since joining Marks & Harrison in 2013, Joel has represented hundreds of clients in and out of the courtroom. He is experienced in civil litigation having successfully represented clients in bench trials and jury trials throughout Virginia. Joel is a former Chair of the Young Trial Lawyers for the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (“VTLA”). He currently serves on VTLA’s Board of Governors. Joel is an Executive Committee Member of the Richmond Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (Under 40) and is currently the Young Lawyers Section Chair. Joel also serves on the Richmond Bar Association Board of Directors. Joel is an Executive Committee member of the Lewis F. Powell Inn of Court and is its Membership Chair.
In 2022, Joel was elected by his peers by popular vote to Bar Council to represent the 14th Judicial Circuit (Henrico). Bar Council is an 81-person body which includes 65 lawyers to represent the lawyers of 31 circuits throughout the Commonwealth, nine members appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia, four conference chairs, and three officers. Joel was elected in a special election caused by the elevation of the Hon. Marrisa D. Mitchell who became a Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge.
During law school, Joel interned with United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (formerly United States Magistrate Judge of the same court) Judge M. Hannah Lauck in Richmond, Virginia. He also participated in the Valparaiso Law Mediation Clinic where he mediated civil disputes for the Porter County (Indiana) Court system. Joel graduated from law school with honors.
When Joel is away from his desk, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
He also enjoys golfing and cheering for the Virginia Tech Hokies, Washington Nationals, and Washington Commanders.
