Super Lawyers 15 Years - David J. Pierce
AV Preeminent - David J. Pierce Badge
NTL Top 100 - David J. Pierce Badge

David J. Pierce is a partner with the law firm of Pierce & Thornton, PLC. David has 40 years of trial experience in medical malpractice and general personal injury litigation including motor vehicle accidents. Prior to co-founding Pierce & Thornton in 1997, Mr. Pierce was a partner in the largest law firm in eastern Virginia where he defended physicians, nurses and hospitals in malpractice litigation. He also conducted a general insurance defense practice including auto accident claims. This defense experience gives David a unique and distinct advantage in his plaintiff’s practice.

David has obtained numerous substantial verdicts and settlements in a wide variety of personal injury actions. David litigates cases throughout Virginia and associates on cases with other attorneys throughout the country. David obtained a $700,000.00 verdict in the Circuit Court for the City of Virginia Beach in his first plaintiff’s medical malpractice trial. David has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in medical negligence actions throughout Virginia and has had his cases reported in newspapers and trade journals.

David graduated with honors from the University of Virginia in 1981 and the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1984 where he was selected a member of the Law Review. David has published articles in law journals and is a contributing author to the book, “Medical Malpractice Law in Virginia”. He has lectured on legal topics for the Virginia Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, as well as numerous civic groups, and served on the executive committee of a Virginia Bar Association Specialty Practice Group. David has been named a “Virginia Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics Magazine and Richmond Magazine every year since 2007.

David considers it a privilege to represent individuals and their families whose lives have been altered by the negligence of others. David will work as long and as hard as is necessary to obtain favorable results for his clients. As one of his clients recently wrote following the completion of his case, “Mr. Pierce is distinguished by the thoroughness and depth of his preparation. We were impressed at the start of our case and at the conclusion we were beyond satisfied with the results.”

In 2023, David was named one of “Virginia’s Go To Lawyers” for medical malpractice by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly. Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly describes a “go to lawyer” as a lawyer who is an expert in his/her field, well versed in the nuances of the case law, statutes and regulations clients will encounter. A lawyer who is experienced and enjoys a record of success with many cases that give testimony to the quality advice he/she can provide. A lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals because of his/her expertise and accomplishments. A lawyer who can think creatively and identify all options for a client and a lawyer other lawyers would name when a friend requests a medical malpractice lawyer.

David has achieved an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell. Martindale-Hubbell describes an AV rating as the highest peer review legal ability rating that an individual lawyer can receive. The rating signifies “pre-imminent legal ability” and “the highest ethical standards.” It is considered a “testament” to the attorney’s professional confidence, experience and integrity. Mr. Pierce has been named to the National Trial Lawyers; Top 100. He is also a member of the Etheridge Society, an esteemed, invitation only, inner circle of leading attorneys specializing in plaintiff’s medical negligence litigation in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Super Lawyers 15 Years - David J. Pierce

Recent Lectures

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Expert Witnesses CLE
Richmond, Virginia

Education

  • T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond - J.D. - 1984

    Law Review

  • University of Virginia - B.A. with Distinction - 1981

Bar Associations

  • Virginia Bar Association
  • American Association for Justice

    Member, Professional Negligence and Motor Vehicle Sections

  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

    Member, Professional Liability Section and Medical Malpractice Legislative Subcommittee

  • Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association
  • Virginia Beach Bar Association
  • Etheridge Society

    The Etheridge Society is an inner circle of leading attorneys who represent plaintiffs in medical negligence litigation in Virginia.

Client Reviews

Dear David, My family and I cannot thank you enough for the hard work, diligence and time you put forth in the case surrounding my mom's death. You and your staff exemplify professionalism, integrity and compassion. You genuinely cared about the case and showed concern for our family. Your kindness...

C.L.A.

Dear David, I hope you and your family are doing well. I must say, you were correct in saying the healing process could begin at the conclusion of the case. I still think of my mom each and every day, but it is becoming less painful. You and your team are not only good lawyers, but good people. I'm...

C.A.

David: I wanted to let you know that this family greatly appreciates all of your efforts representing us in the matter involving our dear Phyllis. Regardless of the final outcome, we are so appreciative of your kindness, your concern, and for all the time you have shared with us. You even allowed us...

J.W.W.

Greetings Mr. Pierce and Staff, I had to stop and take this moment to thank you for all that you and your staff has done for us, the Taylor children and surviving family members of D.L.T. We are so grateful and thankful to God for all that you have worked so hard to accomplish. Thank you for your...

K.L.B. & Siblings

To David . . . Thank you for your continued diligence and advice on this law suit. Thanks to you and your staff. I have recouped my expenses and lost wages due to the injuries I received in my accident. I enjoyed working with your group and will recommend you to friends in the future. God Bless You...

C.T.D.

David, thanks again for a well managed and successful case outcome. It was a pleasure working with you. I never felt like we were out of the loop. We are glad it is behind us but I will miss discussing the case with you. It was always a pleasure talking with you.

B.W.

Mr. Pierce, many thanks for all the long hours and hard work you put into Mom's case. It is good to have it behind us. We were so fortunate to have you as our lawyer and we will be grateful to you always. My mom would be so pleased that they didn't get away with such lack of care. She was a...

Always, L.W.

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