Jud A. Fischel has practiced law for thirty-four (34) years with an emphasis on Courtroom Litigation.  The majority of his court cases are Criminal Defense, Personal Injury Claims for the Injured Individual and Family Law Matters (divorce, custody, support and adoption).  Additionally, he has a long history of representing juveniles as a Defense Counsel and as a Guardian Ad Litem.

Mr. Fischel earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the American University.  He received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law also at American University in Washington, D.C.

During his career, Mr. Fischel has not only had experience before the bench but has also had experience on the bench.  He has served the 20th Judicial Circuit of Virginia as a Commissioner in Chancery for over thirty (30) years and as a Substitute Judge for over sixteen (16) years.  Additionally, he was appointed as a Substitute Judge for Loudoun County and Fairfax County to serve as a Substitute Judge of the Virginia Experimental Family Court Project for two (2) years.

In addition to trial work, Mr. Fischel has developed an extensive practice area in Equine Law through his lifelong interest in Thoroughbred horse racing and his family’s involvement in breeding and showing hunters. He is also an appointed Civil Celebrant in the Commonwealth of Virginia and performs in-office civil wedding ceremonies by appointment.

Mr. Fischel is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Virginia Bar Association, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (former Board of Directors), the Fauquier Bar Association (Chair of the Criminal Defense Committee and Court Liaison Committee).  He is also a member of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and has served as General Counsel to that organization as well as the Virginia Horse Shows Association. Mr. Fischel is currently General Counsel to the Virginia Horse Shows Association, a position he has held for many years.

As a result of his many years of litigation, defense of high profile criminal cases and a dedication to his profession, he has been rated as a Distinguished Attorney by his colleagues.

Mr. Fischel has been very active in charitable works in the local community.  He has donated his time to serve as a Founding Member and Director of the Hospice of Fauquier County; the Boys and Girls Club of  Fauquier County; Counsel to the Warrenton Volunteer Rescue Squad; a founding Board Member of the Optimist Club; the Fauquier County Mental Health Board; and several other community groups and organizations.