Stephen F. Forbes
Attorney at Law

Attorney Stephen F. Forbes (formerly of Forbes & Broadwell) has been practicing law in Hampton Roads since 1982. As the owner and primary litigator of Forbes Law Firm, he represents seriously injured persons in personal injury suits and workers’ compensation claims, and he has extensive criminal law trial experience as well.

A trial lawyer must possess certain character traits to be successful— a “pit bull” dedication and devotion to his client’s case is required.

Steve Forbes’s dedication and devotion to his clients has its origins in his athletic background. Steve was Bethel High School’s first Virginia state wrestling champion in an era in which the sport was dominated by Granby High in Norfolk. Subsequently, Steve was a three-year letterman at William & Mary.

A trial lawyer must be able to communicate.

Mr. Forbes was a journalist before becoming a lawyer, working as a sportswriter for a local newspaper throughout high school, college, and law school. As a result, he has represented many local high school coaches and teachers as well as young athletes.

Attorney Forbes recognizes that the collective wisdom of a jury is wiser than any one mind. Mr. Forbes has relied on that collective wisdom time and again to protect his clients’ rights, liberties, and livelihoods against unfair treatment by insurance companies, large corporations, and unscrupulous individuals.

Mr. Forbes secured a jury verdict of over $2 million, including punitive damages, for a local high school football coach for defamation of character.

On numerous occasions, Mr. Forbes has obtained jury verdicts and settlements over $100,000 in automobile accident cases in which there was little to no property damage, but the clients were badly injured.

Mr. Forbes has also obtained Workers’ Compensation settlements in the millions for workers permanently injured in accidents on the job.

Bar Admissions

• Virginia and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 1982

• U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, 1987

Education

• College of William & Mary, J.D., 1981

• College of William & Mary, B.A., 1975

Memberships

• Member, Hampton Bar Association

• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association