Virginia Lawyers Weekly has selected Marks & Harrison, a personal injury law firm with deep roots in the Commonwealth, for its 2026 "In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms" feature. The designation honors state-based law firms that have served clients for at least 25 years while navigating economic shifts, technological advancements, and changes in the legal profession.
Founded by David A. Harrison Jr. in 1911, Marks & Harrison has been a fixture in Virginia's legal community for more than 115 years. What began as a Richmond-based practice has grown into one of the region's largest personal injury firms, with 34 attorneys and more than 130 support staff, including in-house investigators and bilingual personnel. The firm now operates 14 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., serving clients in personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation, and disability benefits cases.
The recognition from Virginia Lawyers Weekly underscores the firm's ability to evolve while maintaining its core focus on injury victims and their families. "Being named a Legacy Law Firm reminds us that every case, every client, and every community relationship matters," the firm said in a statement. "We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to providing compassionate, skilled, and effective representation for many years to come."
Adaptation has been key to the firm's longevity. Over the decades, Marks & Harrison has integrated new technologies and adjusted to shifting legal standards, all while preserving a client-centered approach. The firm's growth from a single office to a multi-state presence reflects its responsiveness to the needs of injured individuals across the region.
Community involvement also remains a pillar of the firm's identity. Marks & Harrison supports local organizations, civic efforts, and community initiatives in the areas it serves. The firm aims to be more than a legal office; it positions itself as a trusted resource for those seeking answers and support during difficult times.
For business and technology leaders, this recognition highlights the importance of longevity and adaptability in professional services. In an era of rapid change, Marks & Harrison's sustained success offers a model for balancing tradition with innovation. The firm's investment in bilingual staff and in-house investigators demonstrates a commitment to meeting diverse client needs, a lesson applicable across industries.
Moreover, the firm's contingency-fee structure—where clients pay no attorney's fees unless compensation is secured—reflects a client-first business model that has proven sustainable for over a century. This approach aligns with broader trends in customer-centric service delivery, where value and outcomes take precedence over upfront costs.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, Marks & Harrison's recognition serves as a reminder that enduring organizations must anticipate change while staying true to their founding principles. The firm's ability to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions, coupled with its deep community ties, positions it well for the future.
The 2026 Legacy Law Firms feature by Virginia Lawyers Weekly celebrates firms like Marks & Harrison that have not only survived but thrived by prioritizing client service and community impact. For a law firm founded in 1911, this honor reaffirms its place as a cornerstone of Virginia's legal community and a model for others to follow.
