Defending Railroads and Manufacturers in Product Liability

Forrest is an associate in Willcox Savage’s Transportation, Products Liability, and Maritime Sections. He defends railroads and represents heavy machine manufacturers in product liability matters, bringing disciplined case preparation and a trial-ready approach to each engagement. Before entering private practice, Forrest clerked for the Honorable Leslie L. Lilley and the Honorable James C. Lewis during their respective terms as Chief Judge of Virginia’s Second Judicial Circuit. He is a member of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. Forrest earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School, where he served as an Articles Editor for the William & Mary Business Law Review.

Notable Work & Achievements

Railroad and FELA Defense

In a five-day jury trial brought under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, Forrest served as second chair for a railroad client, coordinating witnesses, preparing cross examinations, and managing exhibits to secure a favorable defense verdict. He has drafted targeted pretrial and dispositive motions in multiple FELA matters that have successfully limited the scope of plaintiffs’ expert testimony, materially reducing trial risk and strengthening the client’s position for resolution.

Forum Strategy and Case Management

Forrest authored a successful brief opposing transfer of venue in a premises liability case, preserving the original forum and its scheduling advantages. He also argued an opposition to demurrer in a Virginia Circuit Court hearing, focusing the court on operative pleading standards and specific factual allegations so the claims could proceed to the merits stage.

Dismissals and Trial Wins in Civil Litigation

Acting for a marine brokerage firm facing $150,000 a civil fraud claim, Forrest drafted the dispositive motion that resulted in dismissal, eliminating the claims and avoiding the costs of extended discovery and trial preparation. He also obtained a defense verdict in a Virginia General District Court negligence action, resulting in complete dismissal for the client.