Lisa Kent Duley

Partner   |   Richmond »

Lisa Kent Duley

Partner   |   Richmond »

With more than 30 years of litigation experience, Lisa is a trusted defense advocate for clients facing complex tort and contract claims across Virginia. She has tried and managed hundreds of matters—jury trials, bench trials, administrative hearings, arbitrations, and mediations—earning a reputation for strategic judgment, meticulous preparation, and strong courtroom presence. In recognition of her skill and professionalism, she was named to the Virginia Legal Elite for Civil Litigation in 2025.

Lisa defends individuals, businesses, commercial property owners, and insurers in high‑exposure cases involving products liability, premises liability, automobile liability, negligent hiring and retention, traumatic brain injuries, and other tort claims. Her practice spans the full lifecycle of litigation, from early investigation and risk assessment through first‑chair trial work, motions practice, and appeals in both state and federal courts.

Clients value not only Lisa’s deep legal experience but also her ability to form strong personal connections. She takes the time to understand each client’s goals, concerns, and business realities, allowing her to deliver practical, results‑oriented solutions tailored to their needs. Commercial companies, insurance carriers, and motor fleet operators rely on her steady guidance and clear communication throughout every stage of litigation.

  • Defense Research Institute
  • Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
  • Virginia Business Legal Elite (2025)
    • Civil Litigation
  • Perdieu v. Blackstone Family Practice Center, et al. 264 Va. 408, 568 S.E.2d 708 (2002)
  • Tried automobile personal injury case after plaintiff rejected defendants’ $500,000 offer to plaintiff’s $2,000,000 demand. Result: Verdict in favor of plaintiff for $21,500, after defendant admitted liability.
  • Successfully resolved a bicycle versus car accident in which the Plaintiff bicyclist claimed neck surgery with a resulting feeding tube.
  • Successfully argued a Motion for Summary Judgment in federal court resulting in a settlement favorable for the defense.
  • Achieved a Motion to Strike in a medical malpractice case in which plaintiff failed to properly qualify her expert.
  • Mediated a significant trip and fall case against major furniture store resulting is a defense friendly resolution.
  • Tried to verdict an automobile case involving a funeral procession resulting in a defense verdict.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for major product distributor following an automobile accident which resulted in a claimed major brain injury.
  • Tried automobile case with a co-defendant. Verdict returned in favor of plaintiff against co-defendant only.
  • Obtained defense verdict for a corporate defendant in a rear end accident involving brake failure.
  • Represented a well-known local company in a slip and fall. Obtained a Motion to Strike after the plaintiff failed to prove the identity of the owner of the property.
  • Obtained a pre-trial dismissal of a trip and fall case filed against landlord.
  • Won a Motion for Summary Judgment in state court in an intentional tort case filed against a restaurant client.
  • University of Richmond, B.A. (1989)
  • University of Richmond School of Law, J.D. (1993)
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Virginia State Bar
  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit