Direct dial: (804) 387-0186
“Dave expertly guided me through the Chapter 13 process and all the legal red tape from start to finish (a 5+ year process). He successfully negotiated with a challenging trustee. He is very responsive to questions and concerns.”
“Dave answers all questions and explains the available options clearly and concisely. He’s highly respected and knowledgeable in navigating both the technical and nuanced relationships of the legal system. He offers sound advice and referrals as needed. He can quickly achieve efficient and amicable outcomes, without surprises.”
“He was amazing at helping me through the process, answering my questions and making me feel like I wasn’t a complete and utter failure for being in the situation I was in. If you are reading this and feel like you have no hope, call him.”
What I Do
I represent individuals and small businesses facing financial challenges. I have seen hundreds of people at their worst moments when things are falling apart—from their business to their health or their marriage—and I’ve helped them turn their lives around.
In practice, that means I handle bankruptcy cases under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code as well as non-bankruptcy workouts and restructurings. I also advise clients on asset protection issues, litigation strategies, and general business law matters.
Some bankruptcy attorneys don’t like to deal with complexities, but I do. I enjoy using all the skills I’ve accumulated over my years of experience and finding creative solutions that protect my clients, preserve their assets, and, where it makes sense, help save their businesses. For a small business owner who’s fallen behind, we might just need to negotiate them out of a lease or a franchise agreement. Sometimes, there’s one creditor who’s creating a problem for an individual or a business—and if we can resolve that issue, we can avoid bankruptcy altogether. I’m also experienced with specialized options like receivership and Subchapter V small business reorganizations .
Even when the solutions are straightforward, financial issues can be overwhelming to the people going through them. I make sure my clients understand what’s happening at every stage, so they don’t have to deal with the stress of uncertainty on top of everything else. I give my clients hope that it’s going to be okay in the end—and I’ll go to bat for them to make sure that it is.
Peer Recognition
I’ve been selected to the Virginia Super Lawyers each year since 2007, including recognition as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia from 2013 through 2016 and from 2020 through 2024 and one of the Top 50 Lawyers in Richmond each year since 2020. Further, I’ve earned the AV rating (the highest available) from Martindale-Hubbell each year since 2008.
I also devote significant professional time to pro bono work, taking bankruptcy cases through the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS). For this work, the Virginia Access to Justice Commission has named me to its Pro Bono Service Honor Roll each year since 2022.
How I Got Here
I grew up in Richmond, then earned my undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia before moving back to the Richmond area. I was a partner for more than 25 years with two of Richmond’s premier law firms, most recently Hirschler, where I served as co-chair of the bankruptcy practice group. In 2015, I cofounded Spiro & Browne, which allowed me to continue practicing law and helping people with a more personal touch.