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Lawyering
For Good

People go through real trouble in their lives deserving of real attention. As a public interest trial attorney, I give voice to the voiceless, defend the accused, and right wrongs for those in need. I try cases for clients with problems to solve and stories to tell. My goal is to lawyer for good.

Tom Barbour Signature

Lawyering
For Good

People go through real trouble in their lives deserving of real attention. As a public interest trial attorney, I give voice to the voiceless, defend the accused, and right wrongs for those in need. I try cases for clients with problems to solve and stories to tell. My goal is to lawyer for good.

Tom Barbour Signature

 

Tom working on his laptop

Public Interest
Trial Attorney

The only real lawyers are trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases to juries. I narrowly focus my practice not only on trial work, but on representing clients with problems to solve and stories to tell that are in the public interest.

I am committed to fighting for clients who are fighting for their future, those accused of wrongdoing or who have experienced injustice, discrimination, or abuse. My substantial experience inside and outside of the courtroom enables me to level the playing field for anyone who may feel powerless against the criminal legal system or other predatory parties: an agency, employer, business, academic institution, landlord, or individual, among others.

As a former Prosecutor and Policy Advisor for the City of Richmond, a former Captain in the United States Marine Corps and Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and as an Advocate for reform in the City and the Commonwealth, I have built my career, as both an attorney and a civil servant, in defense of the public good.

Winning your case through live advocacy requires unique expertise that only comes with years of trial experience. Many attorneys settle cases, but I focus my practice on trials and oral arguments. I’ve honed my skills in many forums – from courtrooms to administrative hearings to boards and panels to arbitration and even the public square.

Every person deserves an aggressive, creative, and personalized strategy. I have handled first-degree murder juries, grievance panels for deputy fire chiefs, and many matters in between, with the same dedication, energy, and creativity all trial work deserves. Through advocacy, I aim to live a life of servant leadership for my clients.

Public Interest
Trial Attorney

The only real lawyers are trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases to juries. I narrowly focus my practice not only on trial work, but on representing clients with problems to solve and stories to tell that are in the public interest.

I am committed to fighting for clients who are fighting for their future, those accused of wrongdoing or who have experienced injustice, discrimination, or abuse. My substantial experience inside and outside of the courtroom enables me to level the playing field for anyone who may feel powerless against the criminal legal system or other predatory parties: an agency, employer, business, academic institution, landlord, or individual, among others.

As a former Prosecutor and Policy Advisor for the City of Richmond, a former Captain in the United States Marine Corps and Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and as an Advocate for reform in the City and the Commonwealth, I have built my career, as both an attorney and a civil servant, in defense of the public good.

Winning your case through live advocacy requires unique expertise that only comes with years of trial experience. Many attorneys settle cases, but I focus my practice on trials and oral argument, and I’ve honed my skills in many forums – from courtrooms to administrative hearings to boards and panels to arbitration and even the public square. Every person deserves an aggressive, creative, and personalized strategy. I have handled first degree murder juries, grievance panels for deputy fire chiefs, and many matters in between, with the same dedication, energy, and creativity that all trial work deserves. Through my advocacy, I aim to live a life of servant leadership for my clients.

Tom working on his laptop

Mary TavaresMary Tavares ★★★★★ I recently had an initial consultation with Tom Barbour, Esq.He spend over an hour on the call with me and outlined the entire situation and options. The value greatly exceeded the fee and I'm grateful for his insights and time.Response from the ownerHi, Mary, thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I find that a good deal of my time as a trial attorney is spent educating clients on what their options are, what decisions lay before them, and how they should consider making strategic choices to create the best expectation for achieving their goals. When I do consultations with prospective clients, I take this same approach, and I try to provide immediate value for people – it is difficult to do! And I am so grateful and glad to hear that you found our conversation helpful. It was certainly enjoyable speaking with you. Should you need anything in the future, you've got my cell – please stay in touch! KaylaKayla ★★★★★ Tom was the absolute best lawyer I have EVER had by far. I would recommend him to anyone, he is amazing at what he does. He represented me in multiple criminal defense cases & always was willing to go the extra mile to help me. I've had many lawyers & they never answer the phone or get back to you. I never had that issue with Tom. He was always on top on everything. I'm so grateful that I was able to find a lawyer that actually cares & is willing to fight for you. He is amazing!!!Response from the ownerKayla! You know, already, that you are one of my favorite clients and I’m so proud of you for staying focused in your recovery – you deserve success and happiness and I wish the best of both for you! I’m honored to have represented you – we’ve had some tough ones, together. But you’ve done the work in your personal life to make our successes in the courtroom all the more valuable and that is truly to your credit. You’ve got my cell if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to call or text – and stay in touch! alicia rudolphalicia rudolph ★★★★★ When our family needed a student defense attorney, Tom’s office was the first one I found that I felt immediate confidence in. He took the time to listen to our needs and thoroughly explain everything that we would need to know. He was always eager to answer our questions and collaborate with us during the entire process. The outcome was a positive one and we know we owe that to Tom!Sarah PentecostSarah Pentecost ★★★★★ Tom Barbour is an amazing tenant lawyer in Richmond, Virginia! Tom reached out to me on social media when I was having a housing crisis last year and he helped me out majorly. He is extremely knowledgeable about Virginia Landlord Tenant Act and tenant rights. Tom helped lay out the legal situation in a way I could understand, gave me options for his services and was transparent with what he was doing and how much it would cost, all with compassion. He played hardball with my property management company at the time, and was able to successfully negotiate with them when I could not. Tom takes the time and attention to detail to get the job done right and is a level above other lawyers.Response from the ownerSarah, thank you very much for the kind words! I'm so glad you were happy with your representation. It's incredibly unfortunate that some of our landlords in Richmond try to take advantage of tenants like you. It was my pleasure to solve your problem for you, and I hope you never run into a situation like that again. But, if you do, you've got my cell – please don't hesitate to reach out. And stay in touch! Suzanne RaineySuzanne Rainey ★★★★★ The world needs more Tom Barbour's. Great attorney who cares for his clients. So grateful and blessed that I had him on my side years ago when I had to deal with a situation that came out of nowhere... such an amazing person and attorney. If you are in a legal situation and need help, please reach out to him..he will do whatever he can to help you...I promise.... Thank you again, Tom!Tony GreenTony Green ★★★★★ Tom Barbour is hands down the best criminal Defense Attorney you could ask for. A few years ago I made a bad decision and drove while intoxicated, Long story short I had never been in any legal trouble before so I was terrified when I went to court and the judge told me I needed a lawyer, I had no idea how to even find one. Tom approached me with a business card before I left the court room so I gave him a call. Best decision I could have ever made, He literally saved my life. He’s very understanding and he puts your best interest first. Such an incredible guy! Tom had my back 100% and I don’t know where I would be today without his help. I wish we could have met without the whole DUI situation lol but I’m glad to have a guy like him in my corner, Not just as an attorney but also as a friend.Response from the ownerTruly, it means a great deal to me that you feel this way, Tony. I was honored to provide you detailed, personal service for your criminal defense. I always try to take a problem-solving, holistic approach with my clients to ensure they move on successfully in their lives. I know you're doing well and it's exciting for me to have played a small part in your happiness. I wish you the absolute best and let's please stay in touch – don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all! Sharon SavageSharon Savage ★★★★★ When it comes to your career and being wrongfully accused of an offense that ends up in termination, finding an attorney to trust is even more challenging. However, having attorney Tom Barbour believing in my truth and being on my side with legal guidance and later representing me in a grievance administrative hearing with Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) lessened the stress. Mr. Barbour provided sound legal advice with strong strategies to prove my case with winning results against a government agency. Mr. Barbour is a confident trial attorney who is knowledgeable of employment laws and takes the time to research policy and procedure to ensure accuracy. It was a great feeling to be vindicated at trial with full reinstatement by the hearing. In times when I felt like giving up, Mr. Barbour was there to listen and stress the principles that the truth will set you free and justice is blind. I truly will refer Mr. Barbour to anyone in need to fight employment issues or anyone who needs legal representation.Response from the ownerYours was a complex trial and grievance panel, Sharon, with difficult employment law issues and significant implications for your career. But you were an incredible client and partner in fighting back against the injustice done to you, and I was honored to represent you in winning your hearing and getting you back to work. To this day, I think of your case as a benchmark for my practice as a trial attorney. It means the world to me that you were so satisfied, not just with the outcome, but with the process and our work together. I know we’ll stay in touch, and I’m very much looking forward to it – I appreciate you! DanielDaniel ★★★★★ I cannot speak more highly of Tom Barbour, both as a person and an employment attorney. What first struck me about Tom was the care and attention he gave to my employment matter from the very first phone call. He addressed my concerns knowledgeably and strategically while understanding and navigating the emotional side of what was an extremely difficult moment in life. Throughout our entire engagement, Tom was a consistent and reassuring presence for both myself and my family, time and again walking us through the painful psychological process of workplace conflict.EricEric ★★★★★ While still in the heart of the Covid pandemic in early 2021, I grew severely ill with the virus. I had been diagnosed with Covid in early February and it turned into pneumonia, which resulted in multiple trips to the ER over the course of a month.This affected my ability to work at the time. My family and I had to make a difficult decision to reverse course and re-evaluate my employment situation as I worked toward recovery. There were extenuating circumstances that required a highly skilled employment attorney who could not only lead negotiations on my behalf but also have the fortitude to fight for my wellbeing. Tom did this in spades and was not afraid to take on the task.Tom’s attention to detail, knowledge of my rights (as an employee), and thorough communication helped turn a most difficult experience into a personal triumph. It’s hard to put into words the amount of gratitude I have for Tom based on his actions and commitment to my case.I would recommend him to anyone who needs an employment attorney willing to fight for his clients.Amy JonesAmy Jones ★★★★★ Tom Barbour is an excellent attorney going above and beyond for his clients. He has represented me several times and I definitely recommend him for his servicesClarence NewbyClarence Newby ★★★★★ Mr. Tom Barbour has been my lawyer for about 5 years now he is very good at what he does and he really cares about the people he represents hands down he's tough to beat he even checks on his clients after representing them the bestlawyer I've known and a good friend thanks for all you do Sir I salute you!!!Suzanne HuffineSuzanne Huffine ★★★★★ Response from the ownerHi, Suzanne, and thank you so much for your kind review! Serving you was a meaningful experience for me and I'm so glad we were able to work together to resolve your situation successfully. I hope you'll please stay in touch! AnneAnne ★★★★★ Tom is a genuine employment attorney who truly cares about his clients. I recently hired Tom to help me navigate a severance package I was offered to ensure I understood what exactly I was signing. He took the time to get to know me and my situation to make sure I wasn't illegally terminated, explained the document in a manner I could understand, and answered my questions with expertise. He went above and beyond by helping me write back to my former employer about requesting changes to the document where clarity on their part was lacking. After the consultation was over, he continued to support me by quickly answering questions and providing guidance through the process. He is an extremely knowledgeable Employment Attorney you can count on to put you first and I can't recommend him enough.Response from the ownerAnne! Thank you so much for your very kind review – it was my pleasure to assist you with your employment law issues. In assessing severance outcomes, I have always found that taking the time to understand an employee's background, performance with their company, and future goals is crucial for ensuring the exit supports their continuing career progression. I am so excited for you to move on to your next opportunity, fully empowered to leave this company behind, and knowing you did the right thing. I wish you the absolute best for happiness and success – please stay in touch! Xavier CooperXavier Cooper ★★★★★ Cecil CannonCecil Cannon ★★★★★ I can’t express how grateful I am to have meet Mr. Barbour in the courthouse. I was so nervous about my situation but he took time to talk to me and calm my soul. He is straight forward and will lay out everything to be transparent. I still call him if I need legal advice and recommend him to anyone that needs representation. He is the best. Thank you so much sir!!!Response from the ownerHey, Cecil – your sentiments mean a lot to me, thank you! I really do believe that some of the best work I can do for my clients is making sure they understand everything about what they're going through and empowering them to make decisions confidently for their future. I was grateful for the opportunity to represent you and I am so glad we were able to address your issue to your satisfaction. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything in the future! Anita EspinozaAnita Espinoza ★★★★★ I put an online request for a reckless driving attorney on Tom Barbours website the same day I got my ticket. I was super embarrassed and stressed out about the ticket and knew I wanted to take the appropriate action right away. Tom contracted me same day to talk about how he could help and on top of that normalized the offense and connected with me which put me at total ease. He gave great recommendations to help me prepare for court. My court date was yesterday and with his help my reckless driving ticket was dismissed!! The entire time he was responsive, helpful, and truly cared about the outcome in my case. He was very personable throughout the process which made it so much easier to go through. Thank you Tom for turning a stress-full situation into a smooth and simple process. I would highly recommend him to friends, family, and anyone looking for representation.C LomaxC Lomax ★★★★★ OMG!!!! I cannot give Mr. Barbour enough praise!!! He assisted me with an employment grievance of which we were victorious. Mr. Barbour meticulously and expeditiously navigated through the facts of my case and presented my case with professionalism and great knowledge of employment law. He cares about the “little guy” being done wrong and fights for restoration. I’m so grateful to have made his acquaintance and able to use his services. If you are seeking counsel for an employment issue, Mr. Barbour is your man.Response from the ownerCheryl, this is such a glowing review – I am so grateful to know you! Truly, it is a fantastic experience as a trial attorney, when I have the opportunity to represent a great client with a great case. I'm so glad we were able to win your grievance panel and get you back to work. I can't wait to see how your career progresses from here – please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all! Joseph GillJoseph Gill ★★★★★ I was in dire need of a reckless driving attorney after being pulled over in Chesterfield County when I was directed by a friend to Tom. Tom was incredible. I couldn't have been happier and will absolutely be hiring him again if I'm ever in need of a lawyer.He was able to get my reckless driving charge reduced down to 1-9mph over the speed limit and a $150 fine – I couldn't believe it. Obviously it would've been a misdemeanor and a much heftier fine had he been unable to get it reduced. I don't know the exact numbers on what the fine would've been, but I'm pretty sure Tom paid for himself by reducing my fine so much! Plus not getting a misdemeanor on my record is pretty priceless.He knew exactly what to do and walked me through exactly how the process would work (and he was 100% correct). He even knew all of the judges & prosecutors, which gave me a lot of confidence as he was able to give me some inside scoop about the various people who would be on the case.Tom is great at what he does, not only because he is a proficient lawyer, but he really cares about his clients and ensuring they get the best outcome possible. Whereas I feel like most lawyers see their clients as just another work item, Tom took the time to get to know me, get to know my story, and help build the best case possible for me.Again, couldn't have been happier and if you're looking for a lawyer in Virginia you can stop your search right now because Tom is your guy!Response from the ownerThank you so much for this wonderful review, McArthur – it's great to hear from you! Reckless Driving by Speed in Virginia is a criminal offense and can land unsuspecting drivers with their first criminal conviction and even jail time in certain jurisdictions. Because of the high stakes involved, I treat these cases with significant care and attention: I meet with clients for an initial strategy session and build out a multifaceted defense, which often looks like preparing a mitigation argument about their personal story and advising them on what steps they’ll need to accomplish before the court date to create the best chance for avoiding a criminal conviction and any jail sentence. I then reach out to the law enforcement officer who issued the charge for Reckless Driving by Speed, as well as to the prosecutor overseeing the matter, and I make all possible good faith efforts to negotiate a dismissal or a reduction. I am so glad you were satisfied with this work, McArthur, and I was honored to do it for you. Please – stay in touch! Vincent TaylorVincent Taylor ★★★★★ Hands down Tom is the best criminal defense attorney I’ve ever had the privilege of working withand it was a pleasure.Mr.Barbour is the ultimate professional and he’s also become a dear friend considered family after going to war in the courtroom for me not once but twice.My first case was pro bono and I was facing 20 years.After bumping heads our initial meeting and him getting the best possible outcome I could possibly ask for,he gained my utmost respect..So much that the second time i found myself in trouble I wouldn’t go in the courtroom with anybody else.I was overly comfortable and confident in hiring Tom and just like the time before,he did not let me down.He is highly recommended and I will continue to show him and his promising career my supportLoni HouseLoni House ★★★★★ Tom Barbour is an excellent employment attorney. He handled my issue with the utmost urgency, was very responsive and thourough, and always helpful. He explained all aspects of my case in terms that I could understand and eased my mind regarding any and all concerns throughout the process.Response from the ownerHey, Loni – it’s great to hear from you and thank you so much for your positive review! I really enjoyed assisting you with your mediation, and I was so excited that we were able to negotiate a positive result for you. As we discussed, alternative dispute resolution can be a useful framework for solving problems, and I was honored to represent you through your process. If you need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to text or call – stay in touch! Cole TowersCole Towers ★★★★★ I can’t thank Tom enough. In 2019, I was facing serious charges for breaking and entering at night and grand larceny. Due to a conflict of interest with the court-appointed lawyer, Tom stepped in and took my case pro bono. He worked really hard to reduce my charges to unlawful entry and entering property to damage, and was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. Fast forward to 2024, the courts lost my records and issued a capias, thinking I had missed probation. Tom immediately was willing to help and got everything dismissed. He’s not only an excellent lawyer but someone who truly cares about his clients. If you need legal representation, Tom is the person to go to!Adiel SinghAdiel Singh ★★★★★ Mr.Barbour is an amazing criminal defense attorney very confident in what he does and he will definitely do his due diligence to get the best outcome for you, I know he did for me which resulted in no jail time and I couldn't be anymore grateful to him. If you're in need of a good criminal defense attorney you should give him a call.Response from the ownerThank you so much for your kind words, it means a great deal to me that you were so pleased with your outcome and my service! Yours was a challenging criminal defense case for which I was excited to bring a problem-solving, services first approach. I'm so glad to know that you're doing well and I hope you'll please keep in touch! ryan barnesryan barnes ★★★★★ Tom Barbour has represented me in court twice as a criminal defense attorney. His knowledge and expertise of the legal system helped me avoid significant financial setbacks as well as potential incarceration. Tom guided me through the process step by step to ensure that I was aware of every detail from beginning to end. I would easily recommended him to those facing any type of legal challenges.Response from the ownerI'm so proud of the work we were able to do together, Ryan – it was my honor to serve as your counsel. You deserve the success you've achieved for yourself, and I feel blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to play even a small role in protecting your future. I’m so very glad to know you're well and continuing your progress in your career and your life. Please reach out whenever you need – I'll look forward to being available and staying in touch! Salina CowartSalina Cowart ★★★★★ Tom Barbour was my student defense attorney for a deeply complicated and sensitive case with my university. I can't express enough how grateful I am for his help. Through my university targeting and wrongfully arresting me, Mr. Barbour guided and represented me both in my university conduct dispute and the criminal-civil cases connected to it, which ultimately led to the expungement of my record. He handled the case with the care and sympathy it needed; I have a lot of trust in Mr. Barbour that was absolutely well earned.Jonathan WrennJonathan Wrenn ★★★★★ Thomas Barbour is hands down the best criminal defense lawyer I've ever experienced. His incredible knowledge, dedication, and strategic approach secured a dismissal in my case. I can't recommend him enough for his exceptional legal prowess and empathetic support throughout the process!Response from the ownerJonathan – it was such an honor to represent you! And thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so proud of the work you've been doing with Resilience Education and in your own life. I wish you continued success and happiness as you pursue your higher education and business career – please stay in touch! eric asplunderic asplund ★★★★★ Served as defense on a charge brought against me due to my then-employer’s error. Mr. Barbour is experienced, well-connected within the local judicial system, and took time to understand the details of my case and assist me 1-on-1 in completing necessary paperwork for my expungement. He saw me through until my record was cleared, and I am happy to move on with my life and new job!shawnti holleyshawnti holley ★★★★★ He is the perfect attorney if you have a reckless driving charge. Very professional, very knowledgeable ofthe law I recommend him to anybody.Response from the ownerMr. Holley, it was my honor to serve as your Reckless Driving Attorney, and I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful words! Unfortunately, reckless driving is a criminal offense in Virginia, not a simple traffic citation – and it is incredibly important for people charged criminally with this offense to hire a Reckless Driving Attorney who has the local knowledge necessary to avoid a criminal conviction and jail time. I am committed to serving people in your situation exceedingly well, and I am so glad we resolved your case to your satisfaction. Should you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out and I'll look forward to hearing from you – you’ve got my cell! PreetPreet ★★★★★ My reckless driving attorney for my reckless driving case Mr Tom Barbour is a really good choice if you want to hire a lawyer. He goes deep into the case making sure that the charges are dropped. I went through the same thing with no hope of even getting the charges lower but Mr tom did what he could and helped me get dismissed from the charges. I am really thankful for that. My first choice will always be Mr Tom for any cases like this.H MH M ★★★★★ I had the privilege of working with Attorney Tom Barbour to obtain a civil protection order, and I can't express how grateful I am for his exceptional assistance. Tom's expertise and dedication were truly outstanding throughout the entire process. He took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, provided clear guidance, and ensured that every aspect of my case was handled with the utmost care.Tom's attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to my well-being were evident from the beginning. He kept me informed at every stage of the legal proceedings, making sure I understood the process and my rights. It was evident that he genuinely cared about my safety and well-being. Thanks to Tom's expertise and unwavering support, I was able to secure the civil protection order I needed. I can't recommend him highly enough.Response from the ownerThe privilege was all mine, Heather – I was humbled to be able to serve you in this way! As a trial attorney engaging effectively in both criminal and civil practice, I’ve found that I’m able to add significant value for victims who require civil protective orders. I can successfully complete the necessary trial work to obtain the civil protective orders for my clients – and, with my background as a prosecutor, I can also serve as their conduit to necessary stakeholders in the criminal justice system. People deserve to be and feel safe, and I was honored to ensure that for you. Please don’t hesitate at all to reach out if you need any additional assistance with this situation or with any other matter! John WareJohn Ware ★★★★★ The best attorney for reckless driving and traffic tickets in Richmond. Tom knows the courts and delivers the best possible service.Response from the ownerI really appreciate the vote of confidence, John – thank you for your great review! It was an honor to serve you as your Reckless Driving Attorney on two charges of Reckless Driving by Speed in multiple jurisdictions across Virginia. We did a great deal of work to get those matters reduced for you, and I was glad to travel on your behalf to Court to ensure you avoided criminal convictions and jail time. I hope you’ll please reach out if you need anything else at all in the future – stay in touch! John McneaceJohn Mcneace ★★★★★ He is passoniate in taking care of his clients needs!js_loader

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