Edward J. McNelis, III

804-782-0603 office
emcnelis@rawlsmcnelis.com

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BIOGRAPHY

Ed McNelis joined founding partner Brewster Rawls in 1999.  Ed was formerly a partner in the Richmond office of Wright, Robinson, Osthimer & Tatum.  Ed has a medically focused practice with particular emphasis on malpractice defense litigation, civil rights litigation, and correctional healthcare litigation.  Ed cut his courtroom teeth as a busy prosecutor with the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored and 3rd Infantry Divisions in Germany.  Ed played soccer in the German Landesliga during his tour of duty.  Ed continues to serve in the Army as the Judge Advocate General for Virginia.  Ed has tried over 80 civil cases to jury with a success rate greater than 95%.   Ed has represented past Governors of Virginia, Commonwealth Attorneys, and several Virginia Circuit Court judges on special assignment from the Attorney General of Virginia.  When he isn’t in court, Ed is training or racing his bicycle as a Cat 3 racer with Richmond Velo Sport or training for another marathon.   

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • Virginia State Bar
  • Virginia Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania State Bar
  • West Virginia State Bar
  • West Virginia Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • City of Richmond Bar Association

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

  • Colonel, United States Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps
  • The State Judge Advocate General of the Virginia Army and Air National Guard  (2009-present)
  • Top graduate, United States Army, Judge Advocate General Advanced Course, 1999
  • Finalist, 1989 National Moot Court Tournament
  • President, Richmond Velo Sport (2011-present)
     

PRACTICE AREAS

  • Medical Malpractice Defense
  • Correctional Health Care Litigation
  • Civil Rights Litigation
  • Legal and Other Professional Malpractice
  • VA and Military Medical Malpractice
     

EDUCATION

  • The Pennsylvania State University, B.S., Accounting, Cum Laude, 1986
  • The College of William & Mary, J.D., 1989
     

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Virginia
  • Pennsylvania
  • West Virginia
     

COURT ADMISSIONS

  • All Virginia Federal and State Courts
  • All Pennsylvania Federal and State Courts
  • All West Virginia Federal and State Courts
  • United States District Court for the District of Colorado
  • United States District Court for the District of Nebraska