Francis H. Casola

Chip is one of the firm’s most experienced litigators. Chip has broad experience handling a wide variety of disputes in state and federal courts and in alternative dispute resolution settings such as mediation and arbitration. He has used that experience to successfully resolve disputes for clients involving commercial law and tort law, intellectual property, real estate, and personal injury.

Chip’s commercial cases have involved varied industries, including mining, gas, coated fabrics, composite sheet product, brick manufacturing, aviation, health care, broadcast media, metal castings, higher education, accounting, and many more.

Chip brings value to his clients by staffing his cases leanly and focusing on those issues likely to affect the outcome of the case, and not wasting resources on the unimportant. Unlike too many attorneys, he cooperates with opposing counsel to get the case in a posture to be resolved by the court or factfinder without compromising any advantage. The end result is good outcomes, lower bills, and more satisfied clients. In appropriate cases, to make litigation more affordable Chip will entertain sharing the risk of a favorable outcome by offering his clients an alternative fee arrangement.

• Qui Tam Investigation: Lead defense counsel for government contractor during government false claims investigation which led to successful resolution.

• Trademark Infringement: Reached a favorable settlement of trademark infringement claims on behalf of party who claimed that a long-term licensee continued to use mark unlawfully following termination of license agreement.

• Copyright Infringement: Obtained a favorable settlement for company that alleged the computer code which operated its proprietary software was misappropriated by an employee who formed a competing company.

• Aircraft Parts: Obtained defense verdict for company which allegedly breached contract by not paying for aircraft parts sold on consignment.

• Wrongful Death: Obtained very favorable settlement terms in case where repo truck driver crashed into rear of vehicle lawfully stopped for school bus, fatally injuring a grandmother and her eight-year-old granddaughter.

Recognition

Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Peer Review rating

Education

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D.

Virginia Tech, B.A., magna cum laude

Admissions

Virginia

U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

U.S. Court of Federal Claims

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

• American Bar Association, Antitrust Section, Litigation Section
• Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Board Member (2018-2020), Roanoke Area Advisory Board Member (2016-2021)
• Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley, Vice President
• Roanoke Bar Association
  • Chair, Awards Committee
  • President (2010-2011)
  • President-Elect (2009-10)
  • Secretary/Treasurer (2008-09)