General Information
Year founded:
2006
This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.
Overview
Content is provided by the firm.
At Setliff Law, client needs are met through the elements of experience, knowledge, service and skill. From simple issues to complex challenges, the experienced team of trial lawyers at Setliff Law combines industry knowledge and legal competence to deliver on a proven track record of success.
The firm’s clients include two of the nation’s largest railroads, several regional short line railroads, several of the country’s leading largest freight motor carriers, a multitude of regional carriers, one of America’s largest power companies, one of the world’s largest luxury hotel chains, a large multi-state fitness facility, and numerous insurance carriers. In addition to substantial transportation, commercial litigation and workers’ compensation practice, Setliff Law attorneys also have extensive experience in products liability, surety and fidelity law, employment law, construction litigation, insurance defense, commercial landlord/tenant litigation, premises liability, toxic tort litigation, utility litigation, drug and pharmaceutical litigation, general personal injury, and the defense of government investigations.
Setliff Law is consistently named as one of America’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers, and each year many of the firm’s attorneys are selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, and as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
Rankings
Setliff Law, P.C. is nationally ranked in 2 practice areas and metro ranked in 7 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Read how Best Law Firms ranks firmsNational Rankings
Tier 2
Tier 2 for Railroad Law
Tier 3
Tier 3 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Metro Rankings
Richmond
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Railroad Law
Tier 2 for Transportation Law
Tier 3 for Employment Law - Management
Firm Leadership
Highlighted Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Railroad Law
We have worked with Setliff Law for many years as we defend ourselves in a tough legal environment for railroads. We have been very pleased with the representation and counsel we've received from Stephen Setliff and his team. They are very experienced in railroad law and in the particulars of defending railroads.
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
I enjoy working with Steve Setliff and his firm and recommend them to others. They are responsive, thoughtful, and creative. They have achieved good results for us and have consistently worked within budgets.
Jeremy Williams
– TRT Holdings, Inc.
Railroad Law
Setliff Law is always available to step into a case and provide excellent legal services.
Robert Wells,
General Manager Casualty Claims
– Norfolk Southern Corp.
Transportation Law
Setliff Law is great group of people; love working with them.
Wes Stewart
– Stewart Moving
Transportation Law
I have been in the Transportation Industry for 40 years and have never encountered a better law firm than Setliff Law. I am truly thankful that I was referred to him by my insurance broker. Steve and his associates care about their clients as if we are family. Setliff Law has represented my company with Virginia Workers Comp, OSHA, Virginia Department of Labor and Plaintiff Attorneys. I consider Steve a very good friend and recommend his firm to any one.
Chris Smith
– CR Smith Transport
Railroad Law
All of the attorneys from Setliff Law are excellent litigators, who are responsive to their clients and give great service.
Thomas Shumaker
– Norfolk Southern
Transportation Law
While we don't use Setliff Law for much in the way of transportation law beyond railroad law, there is some overlap and they know transportation law well.
Transportation Law
Steve Setliff and his associates have always been responsive and professional to the highest degree. Their expertise and enthusiasm for transportation issues puts the firm head and shoulders above the rest.
Gary Short
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Setliff Law is a small firm with a great deal of expertise in the area. It is dependable and will provide excellent representation for the clients.
Roger A. Petersen
– Norfolk Southern Corporation
Transportation Law
Setliff Law was very professional and thorough-- a true asset to our industry and business. Their team truly cares about the client in all aspects, always helping a tough situation be better. We would highly recommend Setliff Law to anyone with a need for a class act legal firm.
David Newman
– JD Newman, Inc.
Transportation Law
This is the first time in my 40+ year career that I can truly say I have come across a lawyer that excels in all aspects of a professional relationship. Normally there is a trade-off in professional qualities, such as being brilliant at strategy but weak in civility, or the understanding is exceptional but you can never get a hold of them, etc.. Mr. Settliff and his firm are truly exceptional in "all" areas, and his expertise in transportation law has and continues to impress me every day. I cannot think of anyone I would rather have on my side than Setliff Law.
Chris Haney
– Payne Trucking Co.
Transportation Law
I always trust that I am being given the best advice available from Setliff Law. There is never a feeling that hours and services are being piled on.
Transportation Law
Setliff Law is ready, willing, and able to assist with questions at any time. They do a fantastic job of explaining the options available for each situation and advising which options offer the least amount of risk. I have been thoroughly satisfied with Setliff Law and will continue to work with them in the future.
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law provides top quality legal work. The attorneys are knowledgeable, accessible, and responsive. They have achieved outstanding results for Global Indemnity and its insureds.
Mark DiGiovanni
– Global Indem/United
Transportation Law
Setliff Law and its principal, C. Stephen Setliff, have successfully defended and fought claims on an array of topics for our business. The service and professionalism from Setliff and his staff have exceeded my expectations every time. The skills and knowledge he brings to the table are invaluable.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Transportation Law
Setliff Law currently serves as General Counsel for the Virginia Trucking Association. They have done outstanding work for a number of our members and provided exceptional service to the Association.
Dale Bennett
– Virginia Trucking Association
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Setliff Law is a small but experienced law firm with real trial experience. Able to handle large matters efficiently.
Transportation Law
My experience with Setliff Law has always been outstanding. They know my industry. They also bring true customer service to the legal world. They have always been quick to respond 24/7 for anything I may need. I had a strange issue that surfaced recently, and Steve Setliff was on the phone and the computer over a weekend with no notice walking our company through how to handle the situation. He was great! This has held true for all my dealings with Steve and the rest of his team.
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law is an excellent outside counsel partner. They are very responsive, provide thoughtful analysis, and consistently perform at a very high level, both in and out of the court room. I have no reservations recommending them.
Jeremy Williams
– TRT Holdings, Inc.
Transportation Law
I have been in the transportation industry for the past 42 years. Setliff Law is by far the best firm I have ever had a relationship with. I met Steve Setliff a few years ago at a Virginia Trucking Association conference. Steve and a few of his associates came to my office shortly thereafter to introduce themselves. From our first meeting, Steve and his people were like family to me. Not only are they available 24/7/365, they are always checking to see how we are doing with keeping up with all of the changes in the transportation industry. Steve and his associates are just all around good people who take pride in what they do and truly care about their clients. Setliff Law not only represents me for business, they take care of any of my personal legal needs as well.
Chris Smith
– CR Smith Transport
Transportation Law
In depth experience in handling transportation matters. Setliff Law has strong litigators with substantial courtroom experience. While the firm is small, it is formidable and achieves good results for its clients. We retain them for matters in Richmond and in surrounding areas, state and federal court.
Roger A. Petersen
– Norfolk Southern Corporation
Transportation Law
My experience with Setliff Law has been outstanding. I have worked with multiple law firms in several states for workers' compensation, transportation, and employment law issues, and Setliff Law is certainly at the top. I have found Setliff Law to serve with the highest levels of integrity and customer service. Setliff Law does a terrific job in educating me on a personal level but also in group settings. Setliff attorneys present training programs at numerous conferences every year teaching groups about multiple subjects. Setliff is innovative and creative. An example is how they give recommendations on building a positive company image and presenting such on your company web site. I would wholeheartedly recommend Setliff Law for not only transportation law, but workers' compensation issues and employment law issues.
Fred Lackey
– Shenandoah Growers
Transportation Law
I have used Setliff Law many times and will in the future.
Nate Keller
– Thompson Trucking
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law provides top flight legal services at reasonable rates.
Mark DiGiovanni
– Global Indem/United
Transportation Law
Setliff Law has been the most professional Law firm we have worked with in my 35 years of business. Customer representation is above the charts for handling claims.
M.C. Day
– AJ Transport
Transportation Law
Over the years working with Setliff Law, I have always found Steve Setliff and his partners and associates to be responsive, professional and, more importantly, aggressive in pursuit of the best possible outcome for their clients. I would and have highly recommended Setliff Law in regards to a host of transportation-related issues.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Transportation Law
Steve Setliff and his associates are truly an expert team. They have helped me on a business level as well as personal.
Transportation Law
Each member of Setliff Law goes above and beyond to ensure our company is represented well. They keep us actively engaged and informed on each case. Their knowledge in the transportation industry is unparalleled. Setliff Law prides themselves on providing continuing education to their clients and keeping us current on any new laws.
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law is very professional, responsive and knowledgeable.
Transportation Law
The Setliff Law group is an outstanding group who are so helpful and easy to deal with.
Danielle Ferrell
– Tharpe Trucking
Transportation Law
Setliff Law is very responsive and knowledgeable in transportation law and has served us well.
Gary Short
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Transportation Law
The team at Setliff Law has represented a number of railroads over the years. They have in depth knowledge of transportation law and will effectively and aggressively defend their clients. They have had great success in representing us and they are not afraid to go to court and try a case to verdict. While the firm is small they bring big firm expertise to the table.
Roger A. Petersen
– Norfolk Southern Corporation
Transportation Law
Our company is a freight railroad. Railroads operate in a very complex and challenging legal environment, and we have found Setliff Law to be very good and knowledgeable legal advisers and representatives.
Railroad Law
The attorneys at Setliff Law are very experienced in railroad law, and we have been very pleased with the services they have provided. Importantly, the firm has extensive knowledge of railroad law and applies that knowledge in an effective way. They are also respected and well-connected in the railroad industry.
Mark Bryant,
CEO
– Buckingham Branch Railroad
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law is very professional and responsive. Their work product is of high quality and their results have been impressive.
Mark DiGiovanni
– Global Indem/United
Railroad Law
I have worked with Steve Setliff for years and have the utmost respect for his legal abilities, his responsiveness and his commitment. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Jack Elmore
– The Kansas City Southern Railway Company
Transportation Law
I have been dealing with law firms for over 40 years with liability issues in the transportation industry. Setliff Law is unequivocally my best "go to" firm in the legal profession to accommodate my legal needs. I have found Steve Setliff, to be highly knowledgeable in trucking industry issues and the handling of liability cases. Mr. Setliff is above reproach in dealing with clients and giving them peace of mind their case is getting the best care possible. He is not afraid to take a case to trial and excels brilliantly in the courtroom. Anyone who does business with Setliff Law is in good hands.
Alan Caviness
– Houff Transfer
Transportation Law
Setliff Law is an outstanding law firm. They are very thorough and responsive when the occasion arises that we need them.
Kevin Callahan
– Paxton Van Lines
Railroad Law
Setliff Law's expertise and experience in railroad law is exceptional.
Mark Bryant,
CEO
– Buckingham Branch Railroad
Transportation Law
I have worked with Steve Setliff and several of his associates at the firm on a range of topics related to trucking transportation and personnel matters. The team at Setliff Law has always been responsive, without fail, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every inquiry. I'm pleased to consider Setliff Law a trusted business partner.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law consistently provides excellent service, great results, and reasonable fees.
Railroad Law
We have worked with Setliff Law for many years. They know railroad law very well, better than any other firm we know of in this area. Also, they know us and the business/liability environment we operate in very well. The attorneys at Setliff Law are always responsive, either answering the phone or returning phone calls/emails/texts promptly.
Mark Bryant,
CEO
– Buckingham Branch Railroad
Transportation Law
Steve Setliff, his partners and his associates work tirelessly on their clients behalf. Setliff Law is an invaluable partner with carriers of all sizes because of its expertise and familiarity with transportation law. Through his dedication to his clients, Setliff has established himself as the go-to counsel in central Virginia.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Transportation Law
Setliff Law is always quick to respond to our needs and questions and always professional. We are very satisfied with the services received.
Transportation Law
Very knowledgeable law firm and easy to work with!!
Ernie Hamilton
– Associated Asphalt
Railroad Law
In our experience in working with Setliff Law for many years, we have found them to be excellent in all areas of railroad law and to be highly responsive.
Mark Bryant,
CEO
– Buckingham Branch Railroad
Transportation Law
As with railroad law, we have found Setliff Law to be excellent in all areas of transportation law and to be highly responsive.
Mark Bryant,
CEO
– Buckingham Branch Railroad
Transportation Law
Setliff Law has consistently provided first-rate legal counsel over many years. Steve Setliff, along with his partners and associates, provide thorough, well-research counsel in the very complex field of transportation law. The firm's responsiveness and willingness to work with client, rather than dictate course of action, is second to none. Without fail, the results of working with Setliff Law have far exceeded expectations in almost every instance.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law is very engaged and gives great practical advice in litigation matters. I always enjoy working with them -- they bring intellectual zeal to the trial process.
William Baxter
– Dominion Energy
Transportation Law
Setliff Law firm is ahead of the curve on responding and taking cases to the forefront.
M.C. Day
– AJ Transport
Transportation Law
Setliff Law brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every issue and every case. Steve Setliff has assembled a top-notch group of attorneys who handle each case with dedication and determination.
J. Ward Best
– Atlantic Bulk Carrier
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Setliff Law is an outstanding firm.
Transportation Law
Our experience with Setliff Law has been very positive. The whole Setliff Law team is prompt, knowledgeable, and from my seat on the bus, adds value. We have been very pleased with case outcomes, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again, nor to recommend them to other motor carriers in need of competent and battle-tested defense counsel.
Harry Crabtree
– Volunteer Trucking
Commercial Litigation
Steve and Setliff Law are my go-to firm in VA. Hands down, they are responsive and knowledgeable of the venue. Very happy with their results.
Kevin Breeze
– Arch Insurance
Rankings
National Rankings
Tier 2
Tier 2 for Railroad Law
Tier 3
Tier 3 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Regional Rankings
Richmond
Tier 1 for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Railroad Law
Tier 2 for Transportation Law
Tier 3 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 3 for Insurance Law
Tier 3 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Practice Areas
The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Employment Law - Management
- Family Law
- Insurance Law
- Litigation - Real Estate
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Railroad Law
- Transportation Law
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Setliff Law, P.C. has 2 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America®.
By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Setliff Law, P.C. eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings.
For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards.
Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
{{ practiceAreaName }}
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
![]()
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
{{ lawyer.Locations[0].City }}{{lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode ? ', ' + lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode : '' }}
Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
{{ comment.ClientFullName + (comment.ClientTitle ? ", " : "") }}
{{ comment.ClientTitle }}
– {{ comment.ClientCompanyName }}
Main Location
Glen Allen,
VA
4940 Dominion Boulevard
Glen Allen, VA 23060
United States
804-377-1260
Call our Glen Allen, VA location at 804-377-1260
Get Directions
Get directions to our Glen Allen, VA location