Well known and respected for her aggressiveness and skill in the courtroom, Claire Cardwell has extensive experience on both sides of the courtroom. She has prosecuted and defended cases throughout Virginia in state and federal courts.  Formerly the Chief Deputy Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Richmond, Cardwell prosecuted many of the areas highest profile cases.  She has defended and prosecuted hundreds of cases including complex embezzlement,  theft or fraud cases, forgery,  murder, malicious wounding, assault, robbery, burglary, rape and other sex offenses, firearms charges and most any type of criminal offense. Cardwell’s investigative, negotiation and trial experience are equally effective in representing the interests of her clients who are injured due to someone else’s actions or negligence.

Claire Cardwell’s more than twenty years in the practice of law has been almost evenly divided between defense and prosecution. For the past 25 years, she has also taught trial skills and techniques as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond law school. This unique background has provided her with a wealth of experience and knowledge, giving her the advantage of knowing how both sides of the courtroom operate. She will use that advantage and extensive experience for your best interest from the investigation and preparation of your case to trial or settlement.  In spite of having a busy law practice, Cardwell takes on every case as if it is her only case.  She knows what you are up against and she has the experience and skill to protect your interests.

Career Highlights and Recognition:

Featured on the cover of “Style Magazine” for her aggressive style and extensive experience in high profile criminal cases

Profiled on WWBT Channel 12 as one of Richmond’s three top criminal trial lawyers

Utilized as a legal consultant by Patricia Cornwell’s research staff and other published novelists as to courtroom practices and procedures

Featured in Richmond Magazine as one of Richmond’s best lawyers as selected by other Richmond lawyers

Honored by the Women’s Richmond Metropolitan Bar Association with the Women of Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in her field

Nominated for YWCA Outstanding Women Award in the field of law

Recipient of the City of Richmond Public Commendation for Exemplary Performance in successfully prosecuting the death penalty case of Richmond’s most notorious killer, Christopher Goins
 
Co-counsel for the defense in United States v. Darrell Rice , a federal death penalty case wherein the United States Attorney took the unprecedented step of dismissing the charges after two years of defense investigation and pre-trial motions
 
21 years as an Adjunct Faculty Professor, T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, teaching advanced trial practice techniques to students aspiring to become trial lawyers

Regularly invited to teach and speak at seminars and training classes around the state for other trial attorneys, private investigators and law enforcement personnel

Claire G. Cardwell