Phyllis C. Spence
Partner | Roanoke »
Phyllis C. Spence
Partner | Roanoke »
Phyllis has been practicing as a civil defense trial attorney in Central and Southwest Virginia for twenty years, litigating cases in both state and federal courts. She has represented hundreds of individual and commercial clients across a broad range of civil tort and contract matters, including automobile accidents, premises liability, slip-and-fall claims, product liability, contractor-subcontractor disputes, and intellectual property matters.
In addition to her trial practice, Phyllis brings extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, including mediation, judicial settlement conferences, and arbitration.
At Harman Claytor, Phyllis focuses her practice on the defense of civil litigation matters, with particular emphasis on transportation, premises liability, and insurance-related claims.
Professional Honors & Activities
- Defense Research Institute
- Federal Bar Association – Western District of Virginia Chapter
- Board Member
- Chair of the Membership Committee
- Roanoke Bar Association
- Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
- Virginia Bar Association
- The Ted Dalton American Inn of Court
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Best Lawyers in America (2027)
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Community Activities
- Peace Corps Environmental Action Volunteer – Benin, West Africa (1996-1998)
- Worked with community leaders to plan and execute the creation of an eco-tourism park within the village of Niaouli to protect its vanishing tropical forest
- Composed and conducted training sessions for eco-park tour guides
- Conducted technical and cross-cultural training for newly arrived volunteers
Reported Cases
- Davis v. Lake, Case No. 6:22-cv-00050, Dec. 22, 2022, WDVA Lynchburg (Judge Moon). VLW 022-3-558.
Education
- Davidson College, B.A (1995)
- University of Missouri School of Law, J.D. (2005)
- University of Virginia School of Law (visiting Spring Semester 2005)
- George Mason University School of Law (visiting Fall semester 2004)
- Externship with Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
Bar & Court Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
- United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- Supreme Court of Virginia