The History of the Firm

T. Brooke Howard, one of Virginia’s most accomplished trial attorneys, began the firm in Alexandria in 1923. In 1963, Blair Howard joined the firm headed by his late father. The Alexandria, Virginia law firm was known throughout the region for the scope of representation it offered, especially in high-stakes legal cases. Over the years, many of the firm’s partners went on to serve as judges at all levels of the Virginia judiciary.

Mr. Howard continued to practice law in Alexandria after his father’s death in 1990, until he moved to Warrenton, Virginia in 1998. In 1998, Paul Morrison joined the law firm specializing in domestic relations, personal injury and wrongful death cases and the firm was re-named Howard, Morrison and Howard. In 1999, Chris Whelan left the Commonwealth's Attorney's office and joined the firm focusing on criminal and civil litigation and Thomas Ross became a partner of the firm in 2008, specializing in all phases of business and transactional law. Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan has since added attorney John Pennington.

The firm stands squarely on the foundation of its predecessor, T. Brooke Howard, and on the well-earned reputation built by its four partners. We stand ready to assist you with all your legal needs.

Our Practice Areas

Personal Injury or Wrongful Death

A case of personal injury or wrongful death may affect you or your family forever – both medically, emotionally and financially. You need attorneys who have a superior track record and are skilled at handling such sensitive cases. Our firm will put you at ease and will work hard to insure that you are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering. We have realized millions of dollars in recovery for our clients and have been nationally recognized for our successes against the big insurance companies.

Criminal

Our attorneys are seasoned in criminal representation at the Federal and State level. One of the firm’s founders, Blair Howard, referred to as "The best defense lawyer money can buy." is a nationally known criminal defense attorney who has represented high-profile celebrity clients in cases that drew national media coverage. Paul Morrison's record of success in criminal defense work is equally impressive and Chris Whelan's experience in the JAG corps and as a former prosecuter proves invaluable time and again for our clients. Whatever your legal defense counsel needs – trial or appeal – trust our experience and reputation.

Family

When it comes to the tragedy of divorce or child custody disputes, the firm will help you with compassion and skill. Though these types of cases are always painful, we will walk you through the process and represent you with caring, competent legal counsel.

Business

Whether you are starting a new business, selling your business, or closing your doors, our lawyers offer expert help with all legal issues pertaining to business entities, and all phases of transactional law.

Civil Litigation

Business disputes, construction and real estate misunderstandings can be tricky to work through and solve successfully. We are skilled in all areas and have a track record that is well established.

Real Estate Transactions

Trust our firm to represent you in your commercial and residential real estate transactions. Our reputation and expertise will bring your transaction to closure smoothly.

Will, Trusts and Estates

The firm of Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan can help with the drafting of all forms of wills, trusts and estate instruments, as well as the administration of such.

Serving Fauquier County and all of Virginia

The firm of Howard, Morrison, Ross and Whelan is based in Warrenton, Virginia, just forty-five miles southwest of Washington, D.C. We serve primarily the Northern Virginia area, including the cities and counties of Fauquier, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Culpeper, Rappahannock, Loudoun, Manassas, Falls Church, Alexandria, Leesburg, Shenandoah, Warren, Frederick, Spotsylvania and Stafford.

While this is our primary service area, we are happy to discuss with you your needs if you are located outside these immediate areas. We have represented clients successfully from the Mid-Atlantic to as far west as California.