Since 1979, Attorney Irv Cantor has been dedicated to the families of those who have suffered serious injuries or wrongful death. His work has resulted in more than 2,000 favorable verdicts and settlements for his clients, including more than 450 traumatic brain injury cases. He has recovered more than 50 verdicts and settlements larger than $1 million for injured men and women in Richmond and throughout Virginia and the U.S., securing their futures and their peace of mind for the rest of their lives.
As a Richmond personal injury attorney, Irv’s primary goal is the well-being of his clients. His approach, his leadership over the firm of Breit Cantor Grana Buckner, and his personal practice are all shaped by his relentless compassion for those who have been injured or bereaved due to negligence. There is nothing more important than making sure innocent injury victims receive financial compensation to rebuild their lives while holding those at fault responsible.
Irv has been recognized by his peers as one of the Top 10 Virginia Super Lawyers® every year from 2012-2018 and a Top 50 Richmond Area Super Lawyers® 2013 – 2021. He was one of only 33 members named in Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2018. He was also voted Plaintiff Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year in Richmond by Best Lawyers in America® in 2014 and 2016, as well as Plaintiff Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year in 2020.
The vast majority of Irv’s cases are referrals from other trial lawyers. Many professionals in the field have asked Irv to represent them in their own injury cases, including attorneys, judges, claims adjusters, and physicians. He is a frequent lecturer throughout Virginia and the U.S. to other trial lawyers on numerous subjects, including traumatic brain injuries, truck accident cases, and elements of trial. He is the co-author with Judge Samuel Johnston of the book, The Art and Science of Mastering the Jury Trial.
Irv is the founder and President of Jury Impressions, a jury consulting company which, among other services, arranges mock trials and focus groups for trial lawyers throughout the country. Irv also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in a wide variety of cases dealing with catastrophic injuries and death.
Representing Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury cases comprise the largest portion of Irv’s practice. He has successfully handled brain injury cases for over 40years. He wrote the chapter dealing with legal aspects of brain injury cases for the seminal medical textbook on the subject, Brain Injury Medicine. Irv was featured on the cover of the 2015 Virginia and West Virginia Super Lawyers® magazine, with the cover story featuring Irv’s career in handling brain injury cases.
Attorney Irvin Cantor is inducted into the Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Hall of Fame” in 2018
Richmond Medical Malpractice Law-Plaintiffs’ Lawyer of the Year
Attorney Irvin Cantor is voted Richmond Medical Malpractice Law-Plaintiffs’ Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America®
Top 10 Virginia Super Lawyers®
Attorney Irvin Cantor is named among Top 10 Virginia Super Lawyers® from 2012 to 2018
Top Rated Lawyer
Attorney Irvin Cantor receives the title “Top Rated Lawyer” from American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell®
Legal Elite - Civil Litigation
Attorney Irvin Cantor was recognized as “Legal Elite” in the category of Civil Litigation by Virginia Business magazine
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
Attorney Irvin Cantor receives the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards
President
Attorney Irvin Cantor served as President of The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Top 50 Richmond Area Super Lawyers®
Attorney Irvin Cantor is named among Top 50 Richmond Area Super Lawyers® from 2013 to 2020
President and Award Recipient
Attorney Irvin Cantor served as President and later received the Weinstock Award from the Brain Injury Association of Virginia in 2010
President
Attorney Irvin Cantor served as President of The Virginia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Education
J.D., University of Virginia (1978)
B.A., University of Virginia (1975)
Bar Admissions
Virginia, 1978
Court Admissions
U.S. District Courts (Several)
U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals
Previous Experience
CantorArkema, P.C., Founding Partner (1979-2009)
Supreme Court of Virginia, Law Clerk (1978)
Awards
Irv was chosen by his peers as the Richmond Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America® for plaintiffs personal injury litigation in 2016 and 2014. Additionally, he was also recognized by Best Lawyers in America® in 2020 for Medical Malpractice. He has also been selected to Super Lawyers® Top 10 Virginia Lawyers for 7 years running from 2012 – 2018. His consistent professionalism and integrity have resulted in him receiving the highest possible grade from Martindale-Hubbell®, the legal rating service.
In addition to his awards, Irv is often asked to speak to fellow lawyers about his various areas of experience. These have included traumatic brain injuries, automobile accidents, liability insurance, and trying a case effectively. Irv’s reputation in the legal community has also made him a leader in various organizations and associations.
He has served terms as the president for:
The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
The Brain Injury Association of Virginia
The Virginia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Honors
Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame 2018
Best Lawyers in America® “Richmond Medical Malpractice Law-Plaintiffs’ Lawyer of the Year” (2020)
Best Lawyers in America® “Richmond Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs’ Lawyer of the Year” (2014, 2016)
Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice (2007-present)
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards
American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell® “Top Rated Lawyer” (2012)
Virginia Super Lawyers® since 2006
Named among Top 10 Virginia Super Lawyers® (2012-2018), Top 50 Richmond Area Super Lawyers® (2013 – 2021), Top 25 Richmond Area Super Lawyers® (2011), Top 50 Virginia Super Lawyers® (2006, 2009, 2011), and Top 100 Virginia Super Lawyers® (2012 – 2021)
“Legal Elite,” in the category of Civil Litigation, named by Virginia Business magazine
Recipient, 2010 Weinstock Award from the Brain Injury Association of Virginia
Honored as a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, for significant contributions to the legal profession and community at large (2010)
Professional Associations
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, President (2002-2003)
Virginia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, President (2006)
Brain Injury Association of Virginia, President (2004-2006)
Brain Injury Association of America, Chairman of National Legal Seminar (2008-2009)
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