Richard Ottinger

Focusing on resolving complex business disputes, Richard concentrates his law practice on commercial litigation, including intellectual property disputes, tort defense, transportation and maritime litigation, real estate disputes, and trusts and estates disputes. 

Richard is an experienced litigator in both state and federal court, including all stages of litigation: discovery, motions, trial, and appeal. As first chair, he has tried numerous cases to judges and juries.

His clients range from international manufacturing companies to small professional partnerships. He currently practices before the Virginia state trial and appellate courts as well as the federal trial and appellate courts of Virginia. He regularly appears in the U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Virginia and frequently acts as local counsel in high profile patent and anti-trust cases.

Richard is a former president of the Virginia Bar Association. He was included in Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s list of "Leaders in the Law" for 2020 for outstanding contributions to the practice of law in Virginia, significant achievements through the practice of law, leadership in improving the justice system and important contributions to Virginia’s legal community. Richard was also listed in Virginia Business’ “Virginia 500 – The Power List” for 2020 and 2021.

Recognition

Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association’s Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award

Virginia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Sandra P. Thompson Award for outstanding and long-term service

Virginia State Bar R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year

Education

College of William & Mary School of Law, J.D.

Boston University, B.A.

Sorenson Institute of Political Leadership

Admissions

Virginia

U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

• American Bar Association
• Downtown Norfolk Council, Board Member
• Federal Bar Association
• Maritime Law Association, Proctor in Admiralty
• Norfolk Economic Development Authority, Director