Hampton Roads Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards & Accolades

Gold phoenix emblem with outstretched wings

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Preparation. Communication. Personal attention.

A plan built around you.

The Phoenix Trial Firm is a Black-owned and military-owned law firm serving Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and communities across Virginia from our Hampton and Smithfield offices.

We listen first.

Your injuries, work, family, and future shape what matters in your case. We take time to understand the impact on your life.

We prepare with purpose.

We examine the evidence, address disputed facts, and explain the options for pursuing your goals.

We keep you involved.

You deserve to understand the strategy, the decisions ahead, and what comes next. Our approach centers on direct communication.

Get to know Phoenix →

Find the help you need

What brings you to Phoenix?

Personal injury overview →

Start with the type of injury claim that fits your situation. Each page explains the questions we can help you work through.

Car Accidents

Help after a collision leaves you injured and facing insurance questions.

Truck Accidents

Claims involving commercial trucks and the evidence behind the crash.

Rideshare Accidents

Guidance after a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle.

Pedestrian Accidents

Representation for people injured while walking or crossing the road.

Motorcycle Accidents

A careful look at the collision and its impact on an injured rider.

Wrongful Death

Guidance for families after a fatal collision caused by another person.

Facing a criminal charge or traffic matter?

Criminal Defense →DUI Defense →Reckless Driving & Serious Traffic →

Not sure where to start? Tell us what happened.

Your next step

Getting started is straightforward.

Tell us what happened.

Call us or send a brief inquiry. Let us know your case type, location, and any upcoming dates.
Talk through your options.

Our team reviews your inquiry so we can discuss your circumstances, questions, and possible next steps.
Build the plan together.

If we agree to represent you, we explain the scope of our work and begin preparing your case.

Get a Free Consultation Call 757-777-9285

Sending an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please avoid confidential details in an initial message.

The people standing beside you

Meet your Phoenix attorneys.

Meet the team →

Co-Founder

Maxie Lawton

Maxie represents injured people across Hampton Roads. His experience as an Army Ranger and his own recovery from a serious injury inform his approach to preparation and personal attention.

Read Maxie’s story →

Co-Founder

Dante Wright

Dante represents clients in personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and serious traffic matters. He brings deliberate preparation and direct communication to people facing consequential decisions.

Read Dante’s story →

Rooted in Hampton Roads

Local offices. Regional reach.

With offices in Hampton and Smithfield, we serve individuals and families across Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and elsewhere in Virginia.

Hampton

2 Eaton Street, Suite 900
Hampton, VA 23669

Smithfield

1807 S. Church Street, Suite 200C
Smithfield, VA 23430

Injury help in your community

Explore all areas and services →

Before you contact us

A few questions, answered.

Is the initial consultation free?

Yes. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation. If we discuss representation, we will explain the applicable fees and costs before you decide whether to proceed.

What should I have ready?

A brief description of what happened, where it happened, and any upcoming dates is a useful start. If available, have relevant incident information, insurance correspondence, or court paperwork ready for your consultation. You do not need every document to make an initial inquiry.

Can I reach you without visiting an office?

Yes. Call 757-777-9285, use the intake assistant, or send an inquiry through our contact page. Our team can discuss the next step with you.

Does submitting an inquiry mean you represent me?

No. An inquiry alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only when you and the firm agree to it. Please avoid sending confidential information before that agreement.

Selected personal injury recoveries

Real people. Real results.

View all case results →

$730,000

Car accident

Recovered for a passenger in a vehicle whose driver turned into oncoming traffic.

$150,000

Car accident · Newport News

Recovered for a client injured by a drunk driver while exiting a parking lot.

$100,000

Car accident

Recovered for a client injured in an automobile accident.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, applicable law, injuries, and available insurance coverage.

Testimonials

View All Testimonials

Attorney Lawton makes sure he takes time with clients and he definitely let me know he was concerned about my situation.

-Tina Vick – Newport News Councilwoman

From our very first meeting, I could tell he genuinely cared about my case and had my best interests at heart. He was honest, responsive, and thorough throughout the entire process, and I always felt supported.

-J.M.

Mr. Lawton worked so hard to get the truth and to give our son another chance. He stayed in contact with my son and us the whole time.

-Joy C.

I found Attorney Dante Wright online and he turned out to be a great choice. He helped my family member with his case and was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. We’re really grateful for his support and would definitely recommend him to others.

-Jasmin H.

Mr. Dante Wright made my process flawless. He was polite and passionate about his work. The level of empathy was top tier. Any questions I had he answered them. Communication was amazing and I felt supported. I would definitely recommend him! Thank you so much Mr. Wright.

-Donnette M.

Mr. Dante Wright was very professional and expressed a genuine interest in our issue. We appreciated the time he devoted to researching our situation and the advice he provided. Mr. Wright shared his legal expertise in an easily understandable, compassionate manner. We would highly recommend Mr. Wright for any legal…