Jeffery Edwards

W. Jeffery Edwards is a commercial litigator handling complex business and utility-related disputes, and various products matters, in federal and state courts and before regulators. Jeff’s litigation experience includes a variety of subject matters in different forums around the country.

In addition to handling proceedings addressing general complex business disputes, Jeff has significant experience handling post M&A disputes, utility-related disputes (including the gas pipeline, telecommunications, electric, and nuclear industries; and involving regulatory, operations, and condemnation issues), product safety issues, environmental and toxic tort matters, corporate governance matters, and real estate issues.

Jeff’s work includes both advice and counseling as well as handling disputes when they arise.

Jeff is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and in Virginia federal and state courts. He is a regular participant in the Washington and Lee Legal Ethics Institute at Washington and Lee University and an instructor in Washington and Lee University Law School’s Third Year Practicum.

Experience:

• Represented numerous clients in post-M&A disputes involving purchase price adjustments, net working capital disputes, indemnification disputes, escrow disputes, and claims involving representations and warranties.  Claims handled in federal and state courts, in arbitrations, and before independent accountants.
• Represented business clients handling disputes that arise in day-to-day operations and transactions in a variety of different businesses and industries.
• Represented a natural gas provider in litigation involving carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Represented gas pipeline companies in disputes arising from pipeline failures. One involved an explosion and the release of jet fuel and the other involved a massive natural gas explosion.
• Represented utility clients in disputes arising from the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
• Represented utility clients in multiple industries on numerous real estate-related issues, including condemnation matters.
• Represented clients in several large toxic tort lawsuits involving multiple plaintiffs alleging property damage and personal injury.
• Represented numerous clients regarding products liability issues as well as CPSC, FTC and FDA compliance. Also represented clients regarding state tort and regulatory law issues related to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of their products.
• Represented clients on numerous recall campaigns related to consumer and other products.
• Represented a Fortune 500 telecommunications carrier in litigation in a number of states involving issues arising under the Telecommunications Act of 1966. Provided advice on related issues to other telecommunications providers.
• Managed internal corporate investigations with reports and advice provided to Board Audit Committees and Senior Management.
• Advised corporate Boards of Directors on a variety of litigation-related issues involving fiduciary responsibilities.
• Represented federal agency pursuing construction license for nuclear waste repository.
  Consulted on sweepstakes, with focus on regulatory compliance, drafting of liability release, and anticipation and prevention of claims.
• Represented pro bono clients on a number of matters including landlord-tenant disputes, domestic abuse matters, and prisoner rights.
• Represented utility clients in disputes arising from the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
• Represented utility clients in multiple industries on numerous real estate-related issues, including condemnation matters.
• Represented clients in several large toxic tort lawsuits involving multiple plaintiffs alleging property damage and personal injury.
• Represented numerous clients regarding products liability issues as well as CPSC, FTC and FDA compliance. Also represented clients regarding state tort and regulatory law issues related to the manufacture, distribution, and sale of their products.
• Represented clients on numerous recall campaigns related to consumer and other products.
• Represented a Fortune 500 telecommunications carrier in litigation in a number of states involving issues arising under the Telecommunications Act of 1966. Provided advice on related issues to other telecommunications providers.
• Managed internal corporate investigations with reports and advice provided to Board Audit Committees and Senior Management.
• Advised corporate Boards of Directors on a variety of litigation-related issues involving fiduciary responsibilities.
• Represented federal agency pursuing construction license for nuclear waste repository.
  Consulted on sweepstakes, with focus on regulatory compliance, drafting of liability release, and anticipation and prevention of claims.
• Represented pro bono clients on a number of matters including landlord-tenant disputes, domestic abuse matters, and prisoner rights.

EDUCATION:

• JD, Washington and Lee University School of Law, summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, Lead Articles Editor, Washington and Lee University Law Review, John W. Davis Award (highest GPA), Ring-Tum Phi Award (University Service), 1981
• BA, Washington and Lee University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, 1978

BAR ADMISSIONS:

• Virginia

Memberships:

• Member, Virginia State Bar, 1981-Present
• Member, Virginia Bar Association, 1981-Present
• Member, American Bar Association, 1981-Present
• Member, Richmond Bar Association, 1981-Present
• Executive Committee, Richmond Bar Association Litigation Section, 2013-2015
• Adjunct Professor, Washington and Lee School of Law (Third year Practicum: The Full Life of an M&A Transaction, Fall 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)