Firm History

The firm was founded in 2000 as Moran & Kiker, P.C. by Kenneth J. Moran. A 1968 West Point graduate and decorated Army Captain with Vietnam service, Ken earned a master’s degree in political science from U.C. Berkeley and his juris doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Prior to founding the firm, Ken had practiced for two decades as a products liability partner with McGuireWoods LLP. He became a nationally renowned trial lawyer, defending tire companies and other product manufacturers in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims. One of MRC’s first clients was Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., a business relationship that exists today along with many other longtime clients.

The firm became Moran Reeves & Conn PC in 2002 following the addition of shareholders Eric G. Reeves and Martin A Conn. Marty had practiced at McGuireWoods, and Eric had practiced at Hunton; their work included toxic torts claims, products liability, construction litigation, and business and commercial disputes. The attorneys sought to continue work on complex matters typical of large firms, yet with the nimbleness of a smaller firm. They envisioned a unique firm culture and client service approach to their local, regional, and national legal practices.

The next five years were a time of selective and strategic growth. In 2012, the firm moved into the Commercial Block Building in downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Slip. Blending historic and modern architecture, exposed brick, and high ceilings, the space was chosen by MRC partners as the ideal location for its creative, collaborative, and positive work environment.

Health care litigation became another key practice area for the firm in 2014 with the addition of shareholder Kathleen M. McCauley. Kate has been recognized via numerous peer accolades for her work, and the practice has expanded to seven legal professionals. For the past eight years the firm has been listed among U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms for medical malpractice defense.

Moran Reeves Conn was ranked among the best five small work places in the commonwealth by Virginia Business magazine in 2018 and 2019. The firm celebrated its twenty-year anniversary in 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic altered the world and routine business operations. MRC leaders quickly responded with technologically advanced remote work firmwide.

In 2023, Moran Reeves Conn was named as a Tier 1 Metropolitan Best Law Firm by U.S. News and World Report for commercial litigation, personal injury litigation (defense) and liability litigation (defense). Further, the prestigious international legal ranking organization Chambers and Partners listed MRC’s product liability & toxic tort team as a “Band 2” practice, the only such group in Virginia not associated with a large national law firm.

It is indeed an exciting time at Moran Reeves Conn. Ken Moran’s legacy lives on through MRC’s strong commitment to its core values, community service, firm culture and, above all, its dedication to the zealous and effective representation of clients.