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Member

Kevin J. Cosgrove

Kevin J. Cosgrove

Credentials

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., Washington and Lee University School of Law
  • B.A., Hofstra University, History, English, cum laude

Admissions - Bar

  • Virginia

Admissions - Court

  • Supreme Court of Virginia
  • United States Court of Federal Claims
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Involvement

  • Virginia State Bar
  • Member, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Bar Association
  • Member, Virginia State Bar Board of Governors for Construction and Public Contracts Section
  • Member, Chesapeake Bar Association
  • Member, Court of Federal Claims Bar Association
  • Regional Director, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
  • Past President, Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce
  • Past President, Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • Virginia Ship Repair Association
  • Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Resolving Government Contract Disputes, Bid Protests, And Compliance

Kevin’s practice focuses on construction litigation, government contracts, and maritime matters. A former city attorney, he also provides advice and litigates local government disputes. Kevin has tried more than 90 jury trials in state and federal courts and is admitted to the United States Court of Federal Claims. Clients rely on his steady hand in mediations and arbitrations.

Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America®, he publishes, teaches, and delivers smart, practical solutions to complex work.

Kevin’s commitment to a thriving regional economy shows in his leadership. He served as Regional Director of the Hampton Roads Chamber and as past president of the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach chambers.  For the past 8 years he has served on the Chesapeake Economic Development Authority.  He was elected to be Chairman of the Authority in 2024-25. 

He is also Chairman of the Contracts Committee for the Virginia Ship Repair Association.  

Notable Work & Achievements

  • Defended a Virginia county’s public utility connection fee ordinance from attack in trial court and on appeal. Secured summary judgment, then preserved it at the Virginia Supreme Court. In Eagle Harbor LLC v. Isle of Wight County, 271 Va. 603, 628 S.E.2d 298 (2006), the Court affirmed the ordinance. The result gave the county the confidence to plan long term infrastructure improvements.
  • Tried a construction case for a major contractor.  A federal jury returned a victory for Kevin’s client in one hour. The verdict produced significant savings and ended the dispute without costly post-trial motions.
  • Tried an eight-day arbitration over the construction and maintenance of a pier carrying oil pipelines. Kevin’s client prevailed in full. The award confirmed maintenance obligations and ended a risk that had shadowed operations for years.
  • Kevin represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in a $30 million construction dispute regarding its football stadium. The matter settled on very favorable terms due to the use of high-tech graphics and the use of structural experts.
  • Defended a Fortune 500 company in a wrongful death case arising out of a government contract. Kevin challenged both liability and damages and earned a defense jury verdict. The lowest demand before trial was $800,000. The verdict demonstrated the importance of the client’s safety culture. 
  • Successfully defended a size protest before the Small Business Administration for an advertising agency. Preserved eligibility and allowed the client to retain a multimillion dollar contract. The result positioned the agency to compete for future federal work with confidence.
  • Handled an arbitration for a diesel engine repair company and achieved complete victory. The panel awarded all attorney fees incurred by the client. That result  validated the client’s contract language for future vendor and customer engagements.
  • Achieved complete victory after the federal government wrongfully terminated a contract. Recovered all outstanding contract balances, plus interest and attorney fees. The award confirmed a contractor’s right to rely on the government’s own specifications.
  • Represented a national bank in a dispute after the federal government prematurely terminated a computer leasing contract. Filed suit in the United States Court of Federal Claims. The case settled on favorable terms shortly thereafter. The bank protected its financial interests and avoided a prolonged fight over specialized procurement issues.

Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law (Recognized since 2013)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Construction (Recognized since 2013)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year" - Norfolk, Litigation - Construction (2020)
  • Virginia Super Lawyers magazine, Construction Litigation, 2007-2012, 2018-2019
  • Volunteer of the Year, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake Division, 2010

What does Structured for Solutions mean to you and how do you apply that to your work?

"Structured for Solutions" means identifying issues before they become problems. I achieve that goal by learning as much as possible about my clients' businesses. Once I know how their businesses operate, we become allies.