Dabney J. Carr

Dabney’s broad litigation background and trial experience make him an effective courtroom advocate and a pragmatic strategic advisor. He efficiently manages highly complex cases and helps his clients meet their business objectives.

Dabney has served as lead counsel to clients on a wide range of matters, including patent infringement litigation, cutting-edge environmental disputes, and product liability claims involving complex medical and technical issues. Dabney is particularly known for his experience in the “rocket docket” of the Eastern District of Virginia, which is regarded as the fastest-moving court in the U.S. His background also includes litigating complex construction defect cases and catastrophic personal injury claims.

Dabney has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America in multiple litigation categories since 2007, including Patent Litigation, Product Liability Litigation, and Commercial Litigation, and has been recognized as one of America’s leading attorneys by Chambers USA since 2008.

In addition to his leadership in the legal field, Dabney has been active in his community, especially on issues of education, serving as a volunteer tutor in the Richmond Public Schools, as a pro bono counsel to the first charter elementary school in Virginia, and as a gubernatorial appointee to a committee studying innovation in K-12 education. He has also served as an elected member of the Virginia State Bar Council.

• Representing a quasi-state agency responsible for operation of large hydroelectric project before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in litigation involving alleged license violations.
• Representing an interstate pipeline operator in litigation against the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) challenging the release of confidential information relating to pipeline operations.
• Lead counsel defending a leading manufacturer of medical devices against claims seeking more than $100 million in damages for infringement of patents relating to surgical endoscopes. Successfully invalidated multiple claims in re-examination and obtained summary judgment on remaining claims.
• Represented a worldwide leading manufacturer of computer networking equipment in a patent infringement action relating to computer network security and preventing cyber security threats and a patent infringement action relating to redirecting Internet traffic to improve routing and avoid security risks.
• Represented a leading manufacturer of cyber security and identity theft protection software products in a patent infringement action relating to detecting malicious software and cyber security threats in computer networks.
• Defended a worldwide leading manufacturer of prescription eyeglass lenses in a patent infringement suit relating to progressive multifocal lenses.
• Represented a medical device manufacturer in multiple claims involving allegedly defective hip implants.
• Served as lead counsel for coal mine operator, which had reclaimed and restored previously mined areas in action alleging violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Obtained summary judgment, which was affirmed on appeal to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Represented telecommunications company providing cloud network services in defense of class action securities fraud claims.
• Served as lead trial counsel in a four-day bench trial, defending a Clean Water Act suit relating to the storage of coal ash byproducts from power generation.
• Served as lead counsel for a leading provider of travel insurance products in a dispute with travel websites over breach of a distribution agreement. The matter settled favorably after notice of suit and pre-suit negotiations.
• Represented a semiconductor manufacturer in a patent infringement suit involving six patents relating to computer graphics processors, resulting in a jury verdict of noninfringement.

• Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation (2012-2026), Copyright Law (2013-2026), Litigation – Intellectual Property (2012-2026), Litigation – Patent (2012-2026), Patent Law (2013-2026), Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2011-2026), Trademark Law (2013-2026)
• Class of 2024 Hall of Fame, Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2024)
• Super Lawyers®: Virginia (2010-2021)
• Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Product Liability Litigation (2013)
• Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Patent Law (2020)
• Chambers USA: Intellectual Property Law, Southern Virginia (2008-2025)
• Business Today: Top 10 Intellectual Property Lawyers in Southern Virginia (2023)
• Virginia Business Magazine: “Legal Elite” in Civil Litigation (2023) and Intellectual Property/Cybersecurity (2022)