Attorney Careers in Virginia at a People-First Firm

We are seeking attorneys in Virginia—particularly in Richmond and Hampton Roads—to support our growth as we build a premier Mid-Atlantic business law firm with 100 lawyers by 2040.

On the litigation side, we are scaling our High-Stakes Litigation team with lawyers who can lead matters in the EDVA “Rocket Docket.”

On the transactional side, we are growing our Middle-Market M&A team with attorneys who can manage acquisitions and complex business transactions with direct client responsibility from day one.

Unlike firms that prioritize the “grind,” our path to equity is based on transparent performance metrics, leadership, and trust. Core expectations include cultural alignment, a book of business, consistent performance within our target billable range, and at least five years of practice experience.

For strong lateral hires with an established book, we may offer an immediate equity grant subject to a vesting schedule. Start a conversation with us to learn more.

It is a sustainable target. Our model is designed so you can be profitable and well-compensated within that range. If you choose to work beyond it, you retain a significantly higher percentage of the additional revenue you generate.

For W-2 attorneys, the minimum billable requirement is 1,200 hours.

At DBA, we do not “institutionalize” your clients. Our revenue-sharing model—up to 55% for W-2 attorneys and up to 65% for 1099—rewards origination and management credit from the first dollar collected.

You maintain direct client relationships and meaningful autonomy over how matters are staffed and billed. We provide the platform, trial-ready reputation, and operational support—you retain the majority of the value you create.

Absolutely not. “Sustainable” is not a synonym for a “lifestyle firm.” We secured the second-largest jury verdict in Virginia, twice. And our transactional team has closed billions in complex acquisitions.

Our model works because we are more effective, not less. By working fewer total hours, they are sharper, more prepared, and more decisive—in the courtroom or at the closing table. We don’t want tired lawyers; we want focused ones.

We don’t view AI as a threat to billable hours. We use reputable, commercial-grade tools to reduce low-value work. The traditional model of billing for associate research and routine drafting is already shifting.

We see attorneys as the stewards of AI-assisted output—ensuring legal accuracy while using that speed to synthesize large volumes of information and handle routine tasks efficiently.

Because we prioritize value-driven outcomes and lean staffing, we don’t need to manufacture hours to support overhead. Our model works because our lawyers use AI to handle the grind, allowing them to focus on strategy, judgment, and advocacy where it matters most.

Our Virginia attorney hiring and legal recruitment process is intentional and selective. We focus on long-term fit, ensuring each lawyer has the platform, support, and structure to build a sustainable and successful career.