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Member

William M. Furr

William M. Furr

Member

William M. Furr

Norfolk Norfolk Office

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Credentials

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., William & Mary School of Law, 1988
  • B.A., University of Virginia, 1984

Admissions - Bar

  • Virginia

Admissions - Court

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit

Involvement

  • American Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Virginia Bar Association: Labor Relations and Employment Law Committee
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association
  • Virginia Bar Association, Labor Relations and Employment Law Section: Former Council Member
  • The Norfolk Forum: Former President and Board Member
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Former Chair, Hampton Roads Chapter
  • Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management: Former Board Member/Legal Counsel
  • Lee's Friends (Cancer Support Agency): Former Board Member
  • CIVIC Leadership Institute: Former Board Member
  • University of Virginia Club of Tidewater: Former President
  • Regional Jefferson Scholars Selection Committee, University of Virginia: Former Chair

Defending Employers in Harassment, Discrimination, ADA and FMLA Claims

Billy Furr has dedicated his career to guiding employers through the complex and evolving landscape of labor and employment law. A current member and former chair of Willcox Savage’s Labor and Employment Law group, he represents management in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, from navigating wage and hour compliance to addressing claims involving equal employment opportunity, the ADA, and the FMLA. He counsels clients on sensitive matters such as employee discipline and discharge, helping them balance business objectives with legal obligations. Billy works closely with clients to anticipate challenges, reduce risk, and deliver solutions that stand up in court when disputes arise.

Notable Work & Achievements

National Representation in Employment Disputes

Billy has secured favorable rulings for employers across multiple jurisdictions, including Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. His record includes victories in federal courts and appellate courts involving claims of gender discrimination, disability discrimination, and race discrimination, consistently achieving results that protect employers’ rights and business interests.

Defending Employers in Title VII Litigation

Billy successfully represented a hotel management company in a Title VII sexual harassment lawsuit in Norfolk federal court. After a three-day jury trial, the jury found in favor of the employer, affirming the company’s approach to managing workplace conduct.

Prevailing in Race Discrimination Claims

He represented a health maintenance organization in a Title VII race discrimination case tried in Norfolk federal court. After four days of trial, the jury sided with the employer on all counts, validating the company’s employment practices.

Protecting Healthcare Institutions

Billy defended a hospital and one of its managers against an assault and battery claim brought by a former employee. Following a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict for the employer and the manager, bringing the matter to a decisive close.

Securing Summary Judgment in FMLA Litigation

He obtained summary judgment on behalf of a hospital in a wrongful discharge lawsuit under the Family and Medical Leave Act in Norfolk federal court, dismissing the case before it reached trial.

Enforcing Employment Contracts Across Jurisdictions

Billy defended a newspaper publisher in a breach of employment contract case in Denver federal court. The trial court granted summary judgment for the employer, and the Tenth Circuit affirmed on appeal, solidifying the company’s position.

Defeating ADA and Retaliation Claims

He obtained summary judgment for a hospital in Alexandria federal court in a disability discrimination and retaliation claim under the ADA. The Fourth Circuit affirmed the trial court’s decision, reinforcing the employer’s compliance with federal law.

Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law - Management (Recognized since 2003)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Labor and Employment (Recognized since 2003)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year" - Norfolk, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026, 2024, 2020, 2017)
  • The Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year" - Norfolk, Employment Law - Management (2025, 2019, 2015)
  • Virginia Super Lawyers (2012-present)
  • Selected as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by Super Lawyers magazine (2013-2016, 2021-2023)
  • Virginia's "Legal Elite," Virginia Business magazine, Labor & Employment (2000-present)
  • Benchmark Litigation: The Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, Employment Litigation
  • Fellow, American Bar Foundation