RICHARD B. DONALDSON, JR.

Biography

Rick is a seasoned trial lawyer handling numerous trials in state and federal courts, as well as appeals before the Virginia Court of Appeals, Virginia Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. During his 30 years of practice he also has handled a vast number of State workers' compensation cases before the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission and Virginia Court of Appeals. He has further handled many Federal compensation cases before the Department of Labor and Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, obtaining substantial monetary and medical benefits for clients as well as appropriate settlements.

A steadfast commitment to his community is also an important part of Rick's life. He was elected to the Newport News School Board in 2000, was reelected in 2004 and served as a member into 2010, having been chairman from 2006–2008, overseeing a school division with 32,000 students and a budget in excess of 300 million dollars. His involvement also continues with the local Boy Scout Council, where he and his wife Sandy currently co-chair the 16.5 million dollar capital campaign for the new Scout Camp and other council needs.

Rounding out his responsibilities, Rick has served as the Managing Partner of Jones, Blechman, Woltz & Kelly, P.C. since 2005.

THE FOLLOWING CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASES UNDERTAKEN.


Practice Highlights

In the personal injury arena, Rick recently obtained settlements in excess of 1.5 million dollars in a wrongful death and injury claims resulting from a horrible auto accident where multiple insurers were involved. Trial verdicts have resulted in large awards as well for clients.

Representation is also provided by Mr. Donaldson to obtain Social Security and long term private disability benefits for client's disabled from work.

Educational and Professional Background

• Hampden-Sydney, B.A. (1973)
• T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond (1977)
• Admitted to practice:
  Virginia Supreme Court (1977)
  United States District Court-Eastern District (1979)
  United States Court of Appeals (4th Circuit 1979)
  United States Supreme Court (1988)

Activities and Affiliations

• Newport News Bar Association
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• Newport News School Board (elected 2000), Vice Chairman 2005–2006, Chairman 2006–2008
• Capital Campaign Chairman, Boy Scouts of America (Colonial Council)
• Former President, Boy Scouts of America (Colonial Council)
• General Counsel, Boy Scouts of America (Colonial Council)
• General Counsel, New Horizons Regional Education Foundation
• Board Member, New Horizons Regional Education Foundation
• Past President, Warwick Rotary Foundation
• Trustee, Warwick Rotary Foundation
• Advisory Member, Peninsula Red Cross
• Hampden Sydney Alumni Council Member
• Former Board Member, representing Newport News Public Schools on New Horizons Regional Education Center
• Former President, Hampden Sydney Peninsula Alumni Club