Overview
Over the course of almost four decades, Ed Spivey has developed a reputation as an aggressive but measured trial lawyer. With noteworthy victories in both state and federal courts as well as in arbitration, Ed has broad experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of civil matters.
Operating from the firm's Norfolk office, Ed combines his extensive trial experience with a strategic approach to dispute resolution, whether pursuing recovery for clients or defending against complex claims across his diverse practice areas.
He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, securities disputes, insurance recovery, and mass tort litigation, serving clients ranging from individual investors and local governments to major financial institutions and international corporations.
Ed's litigation practice spans multiple jurisdictions and forums, including state and federal courts as well as FINRA, JAMS, and other arbitration proceedings. He has particular depth in securities litigation, having handled numerous FINRA arbitrations involving claims of unsuitability, churning, and market manipulation, while also representing clients in complex securities fraud cases under federal securities laws.
Currently, one of a team of lawyers representing numerous Virginia localities pursuing claims against pharmaceutical benefits managers, manufacturers, distributors and others connected with the opioid addiction epidemic, Ed has been instrumental in recovering over $1 billion for Virginia localities and the Commonwealth. His mass tort experience extends to products liability defense for domestic and foreign manufacturers across diverse industries, from household appliances to military equipment.
Ed's insurance recovery practice includes representing policyholders in coverage disputes involving everything from apartment complexes to financial institutions facing regulatory claims. He has also served as Special Counsel to the Commonwealth of Virginia's Office of Attorney General and provided Virginia counsel services to major national and international clients in high-stakes corporate disputes.
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Representative Matters
Currently one of a team of lawyers representing numerous Virginia localities pursuing claims against pharmaceutical benefits managers, manufacturers, distributors and others connected with the opioid addiction epidemic. In early 2018, Ed and his team filed the first lawsuits in Virginia seeking to recover funds expended by Virginia local governments combating this public health emergency. His efforts have led to the recovery in Virginia of over $1 billion to date by Virginia localities and the Commonwealth
Obtained a six-figure jury verdict for compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney’s fees against Registered Investment Adviser and its President/Chief Compliance Officer for violations of the Virginia Securities Act, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty
Represented estate of elderly customer in seven-figure FINRA arbitration proceeding awarding compensatory and punitive damages against large, national broker-dealer
Obtained summary judgment for apartment owner policyholder on multiple-occurrence theory in federal court insurance recovery proceedings
Represented large, local homebuilder in multiple cost recovery litigations associated with defective Chinese drywall
Served as Special Counsel to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Office of Attorney General in nationwide arbitration against tobacco product manufacturers concerning $1.2 billion payment due under the landmark Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
Represented major financial institution in managing and litigating claims caused by Registered Investment Adviser representative including defense of multiple client claims, pursuit of resulting claims for recovery under fidelity bond, and prosecution of follow-on subrogation claims against RIA representative
Served as Virginia counsel to large international hedge fund in proxy contest associated with 2008 annual meeting of CSX Corporation
Represented foreign component part manufacturer seeking North American operations insurance coverage for cost and expense associated with end product recall
Represented regional financial institution seeking insurance coverage for class action claims arising out of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
Represented plaintiff shareholder in multimillion-dollar Section 11 securities fraud claim arising out of financial statement disclosures of large publicly-traded waste hauler
Multiple representations of both claimants and respondents in FINRA (formerly NASD and NYSE), JAMS and other arbitrations involving the stock brokerage industry including unsuitability, churning, market manipulation, etc.
Defended multiple high-exposure products liability claims against domestic and foreign manufacturers of consumer, industrial and military products including household appliances (water distillers, coffee makers, power chairs, tea kettles, etc.), paint sprayers, man-lifts, construction equipment, irrigation equipment, amusement rides, chemicals and other potentially toxic substances, and diversionary grenades
Recognition & Honors
Honors & Recognitions
Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation, Class of 2026
Best Lawyers in America, 2012-2026
Go To Lawyer - Business Litigation; Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2023
Top Lawyers; CoVaBIZ Magazine, 2020-2026
Norfolk Litigation - Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year”; Best Lawyers in America, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2025
Virginia Super Lawyers; Law & Politics, 2008-2012
Virginia Super Lawyers, Corporate Counsel Edition; Law & Politics, 2009-2010
Virginia’s Legal Elite; Virginia Business Magazine, 2010-2013, 2016-2025
Press & Publications
News
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia; B.A., 1983
University of Virginia School of Law; J.D., 1986
Beyond the Law
Ed enjoys being outdoors, especially on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and is an avid road and mountain cyclist.
