Peter S. Askin

When navigating complex legal disputes, whether for your business, personal affairs, or even government-related matters, having an attorney with a profound understanding of the court system and a strategic approach is essential. For residents throughout Virginia, especially those in the Richmond area, Peter S. Askin at ThompsonMcMullan P.C. provides just that. As an Associate at the firm, Peter is a highly experienced civil litigator with a unique background that includes clerkships at both the Supreme Court of Virginia and a federal district court. This dual perspective equips him with invaluable insights into both the appellate and trial stages of litigation, positioning him to offer robust representation for a diverse range of clients.

Peter S. Askin's practice is characterized by a commitment to strategic advocacy, recognizing that the vast majority of civil lawsuits are resolved through settlement. His experience in both trial and appellate courts allows him to leverage procedural victories and understand the underlying business or political forces that often drive settlement decisions, enabling his clients to dictate more favorable terms. Furthermore, Peter's dedication to serving the local community is evident not only in his professional work but also in his ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, bridging a crucial linguistic gap for many clients. For anyone in Virginia seeking a litigator who combines extensive courtroom experience with a pragmatic, client-focused approach, Peter S. Askin offers the caliber of legal assistance you need.

Location and Accessibility

Peter S. Askin practices from the well-established offices of ThompsonMcMullan P.C., centrally located at 100 Shockoe Slip Third Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, USA. This address places the firm in the heart of Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip, a district renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance.

The Shockoe Slip area offers excellent accessibility for clients coming from various parts of Richmond and the broader Virginia region. Its central position in the city means it is well-connected by major roads, making it convenient for those traveling by car. Public transportation options are also readily available, contributing to the ease of access. The district itself is a hub of professional activity, with numerous offices, dining establishments, and cultural attractions, ensuring that clients can easily locate the firm within a recognizable and dynamic urban environment. The third-floor office provides a professional and comfortable setting for client consultations, ensuring privacy and a conducive environment for discussing legal matters. The firm’s commitment to a convenient and accessible location underscores its dedication to serving the diverse needs of the Virginia community effectively.

Services Offered

Peter S. Askin's legal practice at ThompsonMcMullan P.C. is primarily focused on civil litigation, encompassing a broad spectrum of disputes. His comprehensive services include:

• Commercial, Contract, and Corporate Governance Disputes: Peter represents businesses and individuals in disagreements arising from commercial agreements, contract breaches, and internal corporate governance issues. This includes navigating complex financial and operational disputes that can impact a company's stability and future.

• Real Estate and Land Use Disputes: He handles conflicts related to real property, including property rights, boundary disputes, landlord-tenant issues, zoning, and other land use matters. His experience ensures that clients' property interests are protected.

• State and Federal Appellate Practice: A significant part of Peter's expertise lies in appellate litigation. He has successfully prosecuted and defended appeals before both the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. His clerkships at the state supreme court and a federal district court provide him with a unique advantage in navigating the complexities of civil appeals.

• Civil Litigation (General): Peter serves as first and second chair trial counsel in a wide range of civil cases in both Virginia state and federal courts. His experience covers the full spectrum of civil lawsuits, from inception through discovery, trial, and, if necessary, appeal.

• Embedded Appellate Counsel for Trial Attorneys: Peter offers specialized support to other trial attorneys, assisting them during the trial phase to preserve objections and strategically set the stage for potential appeals, either to protect a favorable jury verdict or to position for reversal of an unfavorable one.

• Government, Business, Estates and Trusts, and Personal Injury Litigation: While his practice is broad, Peter also dedicates his time to specific litigation areas, including disputes involving government entities, general business litigation, contested matters within estates and trusts, and personal injury claims.

• Spanish-Speaking Client Services: Peter is professionally proficient in Spanish, enabling him to serve Spanish-speaking clients without the need for translation services, thereby reducing costs and inconvenience for those clients. This capability is a significant asset for the diverse population of Virginia.

Features / Highlights

Peter S. Askin's legal career is distinguished by several key features and significant accomplishments that highlight his effectiveness and dedication as a civil litigator:

• Extensive Clerkship Experience: Peter's background includes invaluable clerkships. He served as a law clerk for Chief Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Supreme Court of Virginia, gaining profound insight into the procedural and doctrinal complexities of civil appeals. He also completed a federal clerkship at the trial level in the Eastern District of Virginia for the Honorable Elizabeth W. Hanes, where he learned both the legal and pragmatic aspects of litigation, including assisting in over 100 federal court mediations. This dual experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the entire litigation process, from trial to appeal.

• Strong Local Roots: As a Richmond native, Peter possesses an intimate knowledge of the city and its diverse array of courts. This local understanding allows him to navigate the nuances of the Virginia legal landscape with particular effectiveness.

• Bilingual Proficiency (Spanish): Peter is professionally proficient in Spanish, having spent a year in Argentina working for a real estate company. This skill enables him to communicate directly and effectively with Spanish-speaking clients, eliminating the need for costly and inconvenient translation services.

• Trial and Appellate Expertise: With experience as both first and second chair trial counsel, combined with his successful prosecution and resistance of appeals at both the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia, Peter is uniquely positioned to handle cases at any stage of litigation.

• Pragmatic Approach to Settlement: Peter understands that most civil lawsuits end in settlement, not trial. He focuses on leveraging procedural victories and understanding the underlying business, social, or political forces to help clients dictate favorable settlement terms.

• Recognition and Awards: Peter has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Commercial Litigation and was selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (VLW) as a 2024 Up & Coming Lawyer, a recognition for attorneys making a name for themselves in their first 10 years of practice.

• Academic and Community Involvement: Peter graduated magna cum laude from Washington & Lee University School of Law, where he excelled in negotiation and mock trial competitions. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, teaching "Writing for Law Clerks," and is active in various legal and community organizations, including the Richmond Bar Association, Administrative Law Council, Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional legal services provider, Peter S. Askin and ThompsonMcMullan P.C. do not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Legal services are highly specialized and tailored to the unique circumstances of each client's case, which means a one-size-fits-all discount approach is generally not applicable.

However, clients can expect value through the firm’s commitment to excellence and efficiency:

• Personalized Consultation: Potential clients can typically schedule an initial consultation to discuss their legal needs. During this meeting, Peter can assess the specific situation, explain potential legal strategies, and outline the scope of work and associated fees. This allows clients to make informed decisions without immediate financial commitment. It's always best to inquire directly about the nature of this initial meeting and any potential consultation fees.

• Cost-Effective Representation: Peter's focus on pragmatic solutions and efficient litigation strategies aims to achieve favorable outcomes for clients while managing legal costs effectively. His deep understanding of both trial and appellate processes, and his focus on achieving favorable settlements when appropriate, can lead to more cost-effective resolutions than prolonged litigation.

• Bilingual Service: For Spanish-speaking clients, Peter's proficiency in Spanish eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming translation services, offering a direct and efficient communication channel that can save clients money and inconvenience.

For precise information regarding fees, engagement terms, or to explore how Peter S. Askin can assist with your legal matter, the most direct approach is to contact him directly to schedule a discussion tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Information

To connect with Peter S. Askin and the legal team at ThompsonMcMullan P.C. for your civil litigation, appellate, or other legal needs, please use the following contact details:

Address:

100 Shockoe Slip Third Floor,

Richmond, VA 23219, USA

Phone:

Peter S. Askin's Direct Phone: 804.460.9156

General Firm Phone: 804.649.7545

Email:

You can reach Peter S. Askin directly via email at paskin@t-mlaw.com.

Website:

For additional information about Peter's practice areas, his experience, and the full range of services offered by ThompsonMcMullan P.C., you can visit the firm's official website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and businesses across Virginia, especially those in the greater Richmond area, Peter S. Askin at ThompsonMcMullan P.C. represents an exceptional choice for legal representation in civil litigation and appellate matters. As a Richmond native, Peter not only knows the city by heart but also understands its diverse array of courts "by hand," offering an unparalleled local advantage. His background, including prestigious clerkships at both the Supreme Court of Virginia and a federal district court, provides him with a unique and comprehensive perspective on the entire litigation process, from initial trial strategies to complex appellate arguments.

What truly makes Peter suitable for locals is his pragmatic and client-focused approach. He recognizes that many civil lawsuits conclude with settlement, and his ability to leverage procedural victories and understand the broader forces at play ensures clients are positioned to dictate favorable terms. Furthermore, his professional proficiency in Spanish offers a significant benefit to Virginia's diverse population, providing direct and efficient communication without the need for translation. Peter’s active involvement in the legal community and his commitment to pro bono service further demonstrate his dedication to both the legal profession and the well-being of the local community. For residents seeking a highly skilled, locally knowledgeable, and strategically minded civil litigator, Peter S. Askin provides the expertise and personalized attention necessary to navigate even the most challenging legal landscapes.