James N. Markels

Markels & Partners

22+ Years

Legal Experience

About James N. Markels

James N. Markels serves as the head of the Litigation Division at Croessmann & Westberg. With extensive experience in both trial and appellate courts, he manages a diverse range of civil cases, including contract disputes, real property claims, construction issues, and collections in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. His previous roles at other firms involved litigating complex cases in medical and legal malpractice, personal injury, and insurance defense.

In addition to his litigation practice, James has effectively arbitrated and mediated numerous civil matters. He is an active member of the Fairfax Bar Association, contributing significantly to its Circuit Court and CLE Committees. He has organized and moderated numerous continuing legal education programs for Fairfax legal professionals. In recognition of his service, James received the FBA's President's Award in 2013.

James holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and was recognized as a Thomas Reuters “Rising Star” in 2014. From 2015 to 2020, he was named a “Super Lawyer” for his work in Appellate, Civil Litigation, and Real Property Law.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your situation.

Practice Areas

Construction Law

Real Estate Law

Business Law

Construction Contracts

Construction Defects

Construction Liens

Construction Litigation

Commercial Real Estate

Condominiums

Easements

Eminent Domain

Homeowners Association

Land Use & Zoning

Mortgages

Neighbor Disputes

Maryland Car Accident Laws

Understanding Maryland's accident laws is critical when pursuing a claim. Here are the key legal rules that apply to your case:

Statute of Limitations

3 years

Time limit to file a claim

Negligence Rule

contributory negligence

How fault is determined

Min. Insurance (BI/PD)

$30K/$60K/$15K

Per person/per accident/property

Insurance System

At-Fault

At-fault driver's insurance pays

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of law does James N. Markels specialize in?

James specializes in civil litigation, including contract disputes, real property claims, and construction matters across Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.

What recognitions has James N. Markels received?

James is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell and was a Thomas Reuters 'Rising Star' in 2014, and a 'Super Lawyer' from 2015 to 2020.

What is James N. Markels' role in the Fairfax Bar Association?

He is a longtime member of the Circuit Court and CLE Committees and received the FBA's President's Award in 2013.

Has James N. Markels handled cases in federal courts?

Yes, James has experience handling civil cases in both state and federal courts in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.