About

About The Phoenix Trial Firm

The Phoenix Trial Firm is a Black-owned and military-owned law firm serving Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and communities across Virginia. Co-founded by attorneys Maxie Lawton and Dante Wright, we bring disciplined preparation, direct communication, and personal attention to people facing consequential legal decisions.

From our Hampton and Smithfield offices, we help clients with motor-vehicle bodily injury claims, criminal defense, DUI defense, reckless driving, and serious traffic matters. Explore our practice areas and communities and services to find the information relevant to your situation.

Preparation that starts with you

We listen to what happened and what you need to understand next. In injury matters, that means investigating the collision, reviewing medical and wage documentation, evaluating potentially available insurance coverage, and addressing disputes over responsibility and compensation. We explain the evidence and choices so you can make informed decisions.

Our work is grounded in the facts of each matter. We discuss settlement and litigation when appropriate, keep you involved in decisions, and explain the personal injury claim process and fees and case expenses before you commit to representation.

Meet the co-founders

Dante Wright

Dante represents clients in personal injury, criminal defense, DUI, and serious traffic matters. His approach emphasizes careful preparation and clear communication with people concerned about their health, freedom, driving privileges, or future. He earned his B.A. at Virginia State University and his J.D. at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Read Dante Wright’s biography.

Maxie Lawton

Maxie is a former U.S. Army Ranger whose recovery from a traumatic brain injury shapes his attention to the ways injuries affect work, independence, and family life. He helps clients connect those experiences with the evidence needed to pursue their claims. Maxie earned his J.D. at The George Washington University Law School, an M.S. at SUNY Maritime College, and B.S. and M.S. degrees at Hampton University. Read Maxie Lawton’s biography.

Speak with our team

Call 757-777-9285 or contact Phoenix to discuss your next step. We offer a free personal injury consultation. An inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship; representation requires our agreement. Please wait for instructions before sending confidential or time-sensitive material.