Jeffrey R. Donofrio, Associate

Jeffrey Donofrio is an Associate Attorney in the Litigation Practice Group.

Since joining McCandlish Holton, Jeffrey has developed substantial trial experience in Virginia General District Courts, where he regularly appears on behalf of clients and has achieved successful outcomes. His litigation experience also includes matters in Virginia Circuit Courts and federal court, with particular experience in dispositive motion practice. This broad courtroom exposure strengthens his practical, strategic approach to civil litigation and his ability to effectively advocate for clients at every stage of a case. 

While earning his law degree at the William & Mary Law School, Jeffrey interned with a large mechanical contractor, assisting their general counsel with legal issues such as: contract law, the application of state and federal laws to construction projects, legal issues arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spent four summers interning with a civil litigation firm in Connecticut, focused on commercial and municipal litigation.

As a student, Jefferey penned two technical papers about issues related to autonomous vehicles: The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles: Balancing Innovation and Safety, and, Backseat Driver to Automated Vehicle Development: Addressing Questions of Liability through Technical Standards.

When not assisting clients, Jeffrey participates in community service and hiking. He also enjoys exploring topics such as artificial intelligence, philosophy, and history.

Recent Outcomes:

• Successfully defended an automobile property damage case and represented a subrogation case against the plaintiff in Richmond City General District Court and won on liability argument.
• Drafted and successfully argued a Demurrer in Spotsylvania County General District Court where Plaintiff sought damages directly from insurance company rather than insured party.
• Drafted a successful motion in limine to bar inadmissible “expert” opinion evidence on the mechanism of a car accident by the neurosurgeon plaintiff in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court.
• Drafted a successful opposition to a plaintiff’s motion in limine to exclude evidence of his incarceration in King George County Circuit Court.

Professional and Community Involvement

• Virginia State Bar