Stephen L. Pettler, Jr.

Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Winchester, Virginia

Harrison & Johnston, PLC
Stephen L. Pettler, Jr.
Harrison & Johnston, PLC

Practice areas: Business Litigation, Business & Corporate, Real Estate; view more

Licensed in Virginia since: 1999

Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2026 Selected to Rising Stars: 2008

Harrison & Johnston, PLC

21 South Loudoun Street
Winchester, VA 22601 Visit website
Details

As the managing member of Harrison & Johnston, PLC, situated in Winchester, Virginia, Stephen L. Pettler Jr. oversees a comprehensive national practice adeptly handling intricate transactional affairs, business litigation, business/corporate law and real estate law. He ensures constant and transparent communication with his clients throughout the entirety of their cases, elucidating distinct options, outlining attainable objectives and presenting concise strategies designed to realize the desired outcomes effectively.

Furthermore, Mr. Pettler assumes the role of general counsel for numerous national enterprises and serves as local counsel for national and multinational corporations within Virginia. With a wealth of experience, he has successfully facilitated numerous multimillion-dollar business transactions and demonstrated prowess in litigating cases across the United States.

A native of Prince George County, Virginia, Mr. Pettler completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia and furthered his education at the European Business School at Regent’s University London. He subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1994. While at the law school, he engaged in a collaborative program with MBA students at the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, enhancing his interdisciplinary understanding. 

As a highly skilled appellate advocate, Mr. Pettler consistently presents cases before the Virginia Supreme Court and has effectively represented clients in appellate courts across various jurisdictions. His sterling professionalism and remarkable achievements have garnered praise from his legal contemporaries, notably being chosen as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for Virginia in 2020, showcasing his exceptional standing in the legal profession.

Mr. Pettler boasts an extensive record of dedicated service, contributing his skills to a myriad of charitable, civic and industry entities. Notably, he has held a position on the board of directors for The Home Builders Association of Virginia (HBAV), where he actively participated in the legislative committee and served as a trustee of HBAV’s BuildPAC. In addition to these roles, he has recently assumed the role of counsel for Project HOPE and generously provides pro bono legal guidance to various nonprofit organizations.

Having refined his knowledge over numerous years at a renowned litigation firm in Pittsburgh, Mr. Pettler returned to Virginia in 1999, bringing his seasoned skills to Harrison & Johnston, PLC.

Practice areas

Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Real Estate: Business, Land Use/Zoning

Focus areas

Business Organizations, Condominiums & Cooperatives, Contracts, Landlord/Tenant, Limited Liability Companies, Mortgage & Refinance, Non-Compete Agreements, Partnership, Sub-chapter S Corporations

  • 50% Business Litigation
  • 20% Business/Corporate
  • 20% Real Estate: Business
  • 10% Land Use/Zoning

First Admitted: 1994, Pennsylvania

Professional Webpage: https://www.harrison-johnston.com/our-people/stephen-l-pettl...

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Admitted Pennsylvania Supreme Court (inactive), 1994
  • Admitted Virginia Supreme Court, 2000
  • Admitted United States Court of Appeals, 2000
  • Admitted United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia, 2000
  • Admitted United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, 2001
  • Admitted to United States Tax Court, 2001
  • Admitted United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2002
  • Admitted United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2003

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Armstrong, et al. v. United States of America, United States Court of Appeals, 4th Cir., Case No. 01-1305 (2001)
  • Successfully represented plaintiff in trademark infringement and intellectual property conversion suit.
  • The Dealers Lot, Inc. v. McInturff, et al., Circuit Court for the City of Winchester, Virginia, Case No. CL13-295 (2013)
  • Represented non-profit founded by National Geographic in 18 day arbitration proceeding against operator of the Mystic Aquarium in fraud claim case, obtained judgment in excess of $1.8 million for client and collected same.
  • Sea Research Foundation v. The JASON Project, American Arbitration Association Case No. 01-15-0003-2589 (2015)
  • Represented Plaintiff in suit to enforce a covenant not to compete, reversed trial decision to enforce the covenant only in part before the Virginia Supreme Court so that entire covenant enforced in full.
  • Winchester Building Supply Company, Inc. v. Jenkins, Circuit Court for Frederick County, Virginia, Case No. CL00-280, Supreme Court of Virginia Record No. 010273 (2001)
  • Defended general surgeon in suit to enforce covenant not to compete and obtained dismissal of suit by arguing covenant not to compete was illegal because violated the provisions of the Stark Law.
  • General Surgery Specialists, P.C. v. Bowers, Circuit Court for the City of Winchester, Virginia, Case No. CL07-33 (2008)
  • Defended Neurologist in suit to enforce covenant not to compete, overturned preliminary injunction obtained in state court and obtained judgment of $145,000 in favor of the defendant.
  • Winchester Neurological Consultants, Inc. v. Landrio, American Arbitration Association Case No. 16 181 Y 00260 06 (2006), Circuit Court for the City of Winchester, Virginia, Case No. CL06-171 (2006)
  • Obtained $3.4 million arbitration decision finding SuperValu, Inc. in breach of franchise agreements with a franchisee
  • Adham v. SuperValu, Inc., United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (1994)
  • Reversed District Court decision in part to find tax structure of transaction involving the family who owned National Fruit Products Company, Inc. (White House Brands) to have been reasonable and therefore avoided penalties on assessed taxes in excess of $4 million.

Pro bono / Community Service

  • Frederick County, Virginia Development Impact Model Review Oversight Committee, Member 2007-present
  • Serve as Pro Bono General Counsel to numerous non-profit organizations and private schools
  • Grafton School, Incorporated, General Counsel, 2014-present
  • 1455, Inc., General Counsel 2018-present
  • American Conservation Film Festival, Board of Directors 2020-present
  • Blue Ridge Youth Soccer Association, Board of Directors 2018-present, Secretary

Educational Background

  • Graduated University of Virginia, BA English Language and Literature, 1990
  • European Business School at Regents College, London, England, UK, 1989

Honors

  • Selected as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for Virginia, 2020
  • Rising Star, SuperLawyer by Richmond Magazine and Virginia Law and Politics Magazine, 2008
  • Partner- Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery, popular Winchester, Virginia restaurant
  • Awarded for work in monitoring and shaping state and local legislation that affects the building industry in Frederick, Clarke and Warren Counties and the City of Winchester, Virginia., Top of Virginia Building Association Legislative Leadership Award, Top Of Virginia Building Association, 2007

Industry Groups

  • Banking
  • Construction
  • Finance
  • Franchising
  • Legal
  • Medical
  • Real Estate Development

Office location for Stephen L. Pettler, Jr.

21 South Loudoun Street
Winchester, VA 22601

Phone: 540-546-2826

Selections

4 Years Super Lawyers
1 Year Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2026
  • Rising Stars: 2008

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