Firm News


Harman Claytor welcomes our newest associates, Britton Wight and Charles Matthews.

Britton R. Wight

Charles M. Matthews

Super Lawyer Honorees – 2018

Harman Claytor congratulates the 2018 Super Lawyer and Rising Star Honorees.

Super Lawyers List of Honorees

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Insurance Coverage
Danielle D. Giroux – D.C. Metro Office
  • Personal Injury – Products:  Defense
  • Transportation
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Personal Injury – Products:  Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Appellate
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Rising Stars List of Honorees

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Personal Injury –  General:  Defense
Peter C. Nanov – D.C. Metro Office
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense

New Associate

Saemi Murphy

Virginia Business’ Legal Elite – 2017

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, P.C. would like to congratulate the following 15 attorneys for being selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2017 Edition of Virginia Business Legal Elite.      

William J. G. Barnes

  • Civil Litigation

Lynne Jones Blain

  • Civil Litigation
  • Labor/Employment
  • Civil Litigation
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Civil Litigation
  • Civil Litigation
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative

George A. Somerville

  • Appellate Law  
  • Civil Litigation
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

New Associate

Harman Claytor welcomes its newest associate, Laura Lee Miller.  She will focus her practice in general civil litigation and insurance coverage law.

John Owen Recognized for Encouraging Attorney Civility through Golf

The Virginia Way…on the golf course

Garrett argues case in the Tenth Circuit

HCCW’s partner, Tom Garrett, was in Denver, CO on May 9th, 2017, for oral argument in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Higby Crane Services, LLC, et al. v. National Helium, LLC and DCP Midstream.

Super Lawyers List of Honorees – 2017


  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Personal Injury – Products:  Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Transportation
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Personal Injury – Products:  Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Appellate
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
Rising Stars List of Honorees

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Personal Injury –  General:  Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Personal Injury – General:  Defense
  • Civil Litigation Defense

Fisher is named a partner

The firm is pleased to announce that M. Scott Fisher, Jr. has been named a partner, effective January 1, 2017.  Fisher concentrates his practice on defending civil rights claims, discrimination actions, defamation, malicious prosecution, intentional torts, premises liability and general negligence.

Virginia Business’ Legal Elite – 2016

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, P.C. would like to congratulate the following 14 attorneys for being selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2016 Edition of Virginia Business Legal Elite.      

William J. G. Barnes

  • Civil Litigation

Lynne Jones Blain

  • Civil Litigation
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Labor/Employment
  • Civil Litigation
  • Civil Litigation

Michael E. Harman

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Construction
  • Young Lawyer (under 40)
  • Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative

George A. Somerville
(Featured profile in Virginia Business)

  • Appellate Law  
  • Civil Litigation

Celebrating 25 Years with Gratitude

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman is celebrating its 25th Anniversary on December 1st.  We wish to thank all those who have made our success possible.  To our clients, thank you for your continued support and confidence in our firm as we endeavor to meet your needs with quality work.  To our colleagues in the legal community, thank you for your support and referrals.  To our staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication to a job well done.  And lastly, thank you to our families, who have supported us and sacrificed as we spent long hours in the office for the past 25 years.

The idea for this firm began in the fall of 1991, when Mike Harman, John Claytor, David Corrigan and Stan Wellman began talking about starting a new law firm.  The four had previously worked together at the well-respected full service firm Browder, Russell, Morris & Butcher, which dissolved in 1990.  Harman Claytor Corrigan and Wellman longed to re-create the collegiality, professionalism and culture of the Browder Russell litigation team.

On December 1, 1991, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman was formed after Corrigan and Wellman talked Harman and Claytor into including them in the firm name to improve their ability to market for business and to ensure all four had “skin in the game.”  The four were willing to work long hours to make the firm a success, and no one can remember ever having to take a formal vote to make a decision for the firm.

In the beginning, there were the four lawyers, three secretaries, two paralegals and a receptionist.  The firm has been fortunate enough to have Deita Shook as the office manager since our start.  Her talents are virtually unlimited.

For several years, the firm built its reputation as liability and coverage specialists for personal line insurers, gradually expanding into commercial lines, then self-insured companies, local governments and individuals.  Soon, individuals and entities of all types began seeking the firm’s expertise in all manner of liability and insurance coverage cases.

Elizabeth Skilling was an important addition when, in 1993, she joined the firm (from McGuireWoods).  Her experience and expertise in insurance coverage and product liability litigation helped the firm handle more sophisticated cases as our practice expanded.  Over the ensuing years, former Browder Russell colleagues Dick Bennett, Lynne Blain and Jeff Barnes joined the firm and added to the firm’s expertise and depth in a variety of practice areas.

Important lateral hires included Jeremy Capps and John Owen, who joined in 1999 and 2000, respectively.  They have emerged to become firm leaders in management and business production, as well as recognized lawyers in employment law and product liability, respectively.  Danielle Giroux joined the firm in 2003.  She is a gifted litigator and will act as managing partner for the firm’s Washington DC Metro office, which is scheduled to open on January 2, 2017.  Each of Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman’s lawyers, whether a brand-new graduate or lateral hire, has brought special talents to contribute to the firm’s success.

In 2002, the firm was invited to join The Harmonie Group, a nation-wide affiliation of civil litigation firms.  As a result of this experience, the firm’s horizons expanded.  Both through the Group and as a result of the enhanced exposure, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman lawyers became more regionally and nationally focused on marketing as well as professional expertise.  The Harmonie connection helped spur the firm’s consistent growth to its current size of 33 lawyers and 34 staff.

From the start, the firm’s goal was to provide excellent representation to the insurers, their insureds and the companies and individuals that hired it and to do so in the most ethical manner possible.  A collegial work environment that stresses family and community commitment alongside professional obligations is of equal importance.

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman seeks to provide outstanding service to clients at reasonable rates, exceeding all expectations of communication and responsiveness, as well as excellence in preparation, written product and court performance.   As we recognize this 25-year milestone, we look forward to continuing to serve our clients and the legal community with the same high standards and excellent service.

Congratulations to Rob Friedman – VLW – Up & Coming Lawyer – 2016

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman congratulates Rob Friedman on being named one of 14 “Up & Coming Lawyers.”

Rob and his fellow honorees were celebrated on October 27, 2016 at a cocktail reception at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond.

Paul E. Fletcher, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Virginia Lawyers Weekly, stated, “These are legal practitioners who are establishing a name for themselves and displaying the ambition, drive, determination and accomplishments that set them apart among their peers – in their first 10 years in practice.”

Each honoree was asked to complete a questionnaire “providing insight about them as individuals and about their accomplishments.”  Click here to view Rob’s responses to the questionnaire.

Congratulations to Rob, and his fellow honorees, on receiving such a prestigious honor.

Eight HCCW Attorneys Names to 2017 Best Lawyers List

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman, P.C. would like to congratulate the following eight attorneys for being selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Michael E. Harman

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

John M. Claytor

  • Insurance Law

David P. Corrigan

  • Employment Law – Management

Stanley P. Wellman

  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

John R. Owen

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Elizabeth S. Skilling

  • Insurance Law

Jeremy D. Capps

  • Litigation – Labor and Employment

George A. Somerville

  • “Lawyer of the Year”

    Appellate Practice – Richmond Area

Super Lawyers List of Honorees – 2016

Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Michael E. Harman

  • Transportation
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10+ Years Selected to Super Lawyers

John M. Claytor

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers

David P. Corrigan

  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10+ Years Selected to Super Lawyers

Stanley P. Wellman

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers

John R. Owen

  • Personal Injury Defense: Products
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Elizabeth S. Skilling

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Jeremy D. Capps

  • Employment Litigation: Defense

Lynne Jones Blain

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

William J. G. Barnes

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Mark G. Carlton

  • Insurance Coverage

Danielle D. Giroux

  • Personal Injury Defense: Products
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Thomas S. Garrett

  • Insurance Coverage

George A. Somerville

  • Appellate Law

Rising Stars List of Honorees

     Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Julie S. Palmer

  • Civil Litigation Defense

James R. Jebo

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Jon A. Nichols

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Lisa H. Leiner

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Carson W. Johnson

  • Insurance Coverage

Dannel C. Duddy

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Clinton W. Verity

  • Personal Injury Defense:  General

John A. Merrick

  • Personal Injury Defense:  General

Emily P. Bishop

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Melissa Y. York

  • Civil Litigation Defense

M. Scott Fisher, Jr.

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Kyle R. Elliott

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Duddy & Merrick named partners

The firm is pleased to announce that Dannel C. Duddy and John A. Merrick have been named partners, effective January 1, 2016.  Duddy concentrates his practice in products liability, construction and commercial litigation.  Merrick concentrates his practice in products liability, premises liability, consumer, contract and construction law and local government.

New Attorneys

Harman Claytor welcomes two new attorneys.  George A. Somerville, joins the firm as senior counsel and will concentrate his practice in Appellate Litigation.  Elizabeth O. Papoulakos, joins the firm as an associate and will concentrate her practice in general civil litigation, including motor vehicle, premises and products liability.

Virginia Business’ Legal Elite – 2015

Eleven Harman Claytor attorneys have been recognized in the December 2015 issue of Virginia Business as Legal Elite:

New Associate

Harman Claytor welcomes its newest associate, Jeffrey P. Miller, to the firm.  Jeff will concentrate his practice in general civil litigation.

Super Lawyers List of Honorees – 2015

     Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Michael E. Harman

  • Transportation
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers

John M. Claytor

  • Insurance Coverage

David P. Corrigan

  • Employment Litigation: Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia
  • 10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers

Stanley P. Wellman

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

John R. Owen

  • Personal Injury Defense: Products
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Elizabeth S. Skilling

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia

Jeremy D. Capps

  • Employment Litigation: Defense

Lynne Jones Blain

  • Civil Litigation Defense
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia

William J. G. Barnes

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Mark G. Carlton

  • Insurance Coverage

Danielle D. Giroux

  • Personal Injury Defense: Products
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Virginia
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia

Thomas S. Garrett

  • Insurance Coverage

Rising Stars List of Honorees

     Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Julie S. Palmer

  • Civil Litigation Defense

James R. Jebo

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Jon A. Nichols

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Lisa H. Leiner

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Carson W. Johnson

  • Insurance Coverage

Dannel C. Duddy

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Clinton W. Verity

  • Personal Injury Defense:  General

John A. Merrick

  • Personal Injury Defense:  General

Melissa Y. York

  • Civil Litigation Defense

M. Scott Fisher, Jr.

  • Civil Litigation Defense

Virginia Business Legal Elite – Harman Claytor Honorees

 

Michael E. Harman

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

David P. Corrigan

  • Civil Litigation

Stanley P. Wellman

  • Civil Litigation

John R. Owen

  • Construction

Elizabeth S. Skilling

  • Legislative/Regulatory/Administration

Jeremy D. Capps

  • Labor/Employment

Richard K. Bennett

  • Civil Litigation

Lynne Jones Blain

  • Civil Litigation

Danielle D. Giroux

  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

Julie S. Palmer

  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

James R. Jebo

  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

Jon A. Nichols

  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

Lisa H. Leiner

  • Young Lawyer (under 40)

 

New Associates

Harman Claytor welcomes its newest associates, Douglas E. Pittman and Melissa Y. York, to the firm.  Doug will concentrate his practice in general civil litigation and Missy will concentrate her practice in general civil litigation including transportation, products and premises liability.

New Associate

Harman Claytor welcomes its newest associate, Amber Ford, to the firm.  She will concentrate her practice on workers’ compensation and general civil litigation.

Virginia Lawyers Media – Influential Women of the Year Recipient

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman congratulates Danielle Giroux on being named one of 40 “Influential Women of the Year.”  Danielle and her fellow honorees were celebrated on May 22, 2014 at a dinner held at the Short Pump Hilton.  For more information, please visit our blog post by clicking here.

Congratulations to Lisa Leiner . . .

Harman Claytor congratulates Lisa Leiner on being voted a member of the Executive Committee for the Richmond Bar Association’s Litigation Section.

John Merrick awarded RBA’s Young Lawyer of the Year

On March 20th the Richmond Bar Association presented the 2014 Young Lawyer of the Year Award to John A. Merrick  at its monthly luncheon.  The award is presented annually to a member of the Bar’s Young Lawyers Section who has excelled in the practice of law to date and who has shown the potential to become a leader in the legal profession.

The Young Lawyers Section of the Richmond Bar provides an opportunity for networking and professional development for young and newly admitted attorneys.  The section is open to members who are under 38 years of age or who have been a member of the Virginia State Bar for four years or less regardless of their age.  John currently serves as Secretary of the Young Lawyers Section.

Harman Claytor congratulates John on this fine accomplishment!

Stan Wellman Inducted as Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman congratulates Stan Wellman, and his fellow inductees, on his induction as a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation.

Brock named partner

The firm is pleased to announce that Lester C. Brock, III, has been named a partner, effective January 1, 2014.  He concentrates his practice in construction, premises and products liability litigation.

Virginia Business’ Legal Elite

Eight Harman Claytor attorneys have been recognized in the December 2013 issue of Virginia Business as Legal Elite:

Our New Associate

Harman Claytor welcomes its newest associate, Kathryn D. Jones, to the firm.

The Best Lawyers of America© 2014

The firm would like to congratulate the following attorneys for being selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America© 2014.

  • Michael E. Harman, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • John M. Claytor, Insurance Law – Lawyer of the Year, Richmond, VA
  • David P. Corrigan, Employment Law – Management
  • Stanley P. Wellman, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
  • John R. Owen, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants & Product Liability Litigation – Defendants; Lawyer of the Year, Richmond, VA, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

A sign of dedication

On July 12, 2013, Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman hosted a building sign dedication. The civil litigation firm was formed in December 1991 with four founding partners and three staff members and had their offices in the Innsbrook Corporate Center at Waterfront Plaza. In 2001 they relocated to the HRH Building at North Shore Commons, across from SnagAJob Pavillion. Over the years, the firm has grown to 28 lawyers and 35 staff, and is now the largest law firm in Henrico County. It is still located in the former HRH Building, which is now being called the Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman building.

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Johnson named partner

The firm is pleased to announce that Carson W. Johnson has been named a partner, effective July 1, 2013. She concentrates her practice in insurance coverage litigation, products liability and commercial litigation.

Nichols presented with Chappell-Morris Award

On June 15, 2013, Jon A. Nichols, was presented with the inaugural Chappell-Morris Award from the Virginia State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers at the annual conference for the Virginia State Bar in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  The award is given to a young lawyer who exemplifies the Bar’s commitment to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and ethics of the legal profession.

Virginia Super Lawyers / Rising Stars

In 2013, the following Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the Virginia Super Lawyers/Rising Stars.

Our Newest Associate

Harman Claytor is pleased to welcome its newest associate, Emily Wigner to the firm.

Our New Associates

Harman Claytor is pleased to welcome its newest associates, Clinton W. Verity and Benjamin N. Spence, to the firm.

Virginia Business’ Legal Elite

Nine Harman Claytor attorneys have been recognized in the December 2012 issue of Virginia Businessas Legal Elite:

Virginia Super Lawyers/Rising Stars

In 2012, the following Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in theVirginia Super Lawyers/Rising Stars.

Virginia Lawyers Weekly – Influential Women of the Year Recipient

Virginia Lawyers Weekly – Influential Women of the Year Recipient

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman congratulates Lynne Jones Blain on being named one of 44 “Influential Women of the Year.”  Lynne and her fellow honorees were celebrated on May 10, 2012 at a luncheon held at the Downtown Richmond Marriott.

Virginia Law Foundation Inducts Fellows Class of 2012

Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman congratulates David Corrigan on being one of 23 inducted lawyers as its 2012 Class of Fellows by the Virginia Law Foundation.  David was inducted at a dinner ceremony held on January 19 in Williamsburg.  Induction as a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation is a special honor conferred by the VLF Board on selected Virginia attorneys, law professors, and retired members of the judiciary who are deemed to be outstanding in their profession and in their community.