Christopher Dadak

PRINCIPAL

Recognized as a top-rated attorney in Virginia, Chris provides his clients with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise.

about

Chris is a well-rounded litigator who handles civil cases and appeals in both state and federal courts, as well as claims before administrative agencies. His government work primarily involves representing municipalities and their employees in government liability litigation, focusing on civil rights cases involving constitutional violation claims. In the private sector, Chris uses his litigation experience to provide zealous advocacy to clients regarding their disability claims. He has won cases in general district court, circuit court, federal district court, federal court of appeals, and before the Social Security Administration.

Chris earned his B.A. in Economics from Washington and Lee University where he played club rugby for all four years. He then earned his J.D. at the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law, where he also served as the Editor-in-Chief of the University of Richmond Law Review, and in what little spare time he had, helped coach the club rugby team.

He has written articles and presented on civil litigation issues, including civil procedure articles for the University of Richmond Law Review’s Annual Survey. For the past seven years, Super Lawyers has selected him to the Virginia Rising Stars list (2016-2023), a recognition given to only 2.5% of attorneys in the Commonwealth each year. In addition, he was nominated to Virginia Business Magazine 2021 Legal Elite in the area of Administrative Government.

Chris has taken an unusual path to his current practice. His Polish parents immigrated to New York where Chris was born. His family then moved to Bulgaria. Immersing himself in the opportunities life there presented, he learned the language, loved the food (true just about everywhere he goes), played sports, and attended local soccer games. He and his family traveled throughout Europe every summer, creating lasting memories and deepening his appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered. Chris then spent a year attending eighth grade in Poland where he made lifelong friends and became closer to his extended family and heritage.

Chris moved to Virginia where he has lived since ninth grade. Through work and leisure, he has traveled to and found beauty in all corners of the Commonwealth. He grew up in and then returned to Salem, Virginia, where he still goes to his favorite coffee shop.

Having lived or studied in Poland, Bulgaria, Belgium, New Zealand, and the United States, the importance of contributing to one’s community has been a constant in his life. Between college and law school, he served in Richmond City Public Schools through AmeriCorps, witnessing firsthand both the promise and obstacles faced by students living in difficult areas.

Chris is grateful that his law practice is an extension of his desire to serve and strengthen his community. He assists local governments with the difficult issues they face in serving their citizens and dedicates time to helping individuals with disabilities.

Chris still enjoys traveling to places both near and far. From nearby towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains to countries overseas, he continues his life-long exploration of other cultures and customs. When not practicing law, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, skiing, volunteering in the community, reading, spoiling his dog Hank, and all things sports.

LEGAL SPECIALTIES

Constitutional violations
Liability and torts
Title IX, school boards, and education
ERISA claims
Social security and disability benefits
Eminent domain law
Title VII, ADA, and ADEA claims

BAR ADMISSIONS

Virginia State Bar
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Virginia State Bar
     Local Government Section
Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA)
Blue Ridge Legal Services, Board of Directors
Grandin Theatre Foundation, Board of Directors
Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
     Board of Directors, Southwest Regional Director
     Products Liability & Toxic Torts, Section Chair 2016-2017
     Products Liability & Toxic Torts, Section Vice-Chair 2015-2016
Roanoke Bar Association
     Board of Directors, Member
     Communications Committee, Editor
Washington and Lee Roanoke Alumni Chapter
     Chapter President
University of Richmond Law School Alumni Board

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

Virginia Business Magazine Legal Elite
Super Lawyers, Virginia Rising Stars 2016-2023
Editor-in-Chief, University of Richmond Law Review

education

University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law, J.D.
Washington and Lee University, B.A., Economics

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