The Ram Law Firm was founded by Doug Ramseur, a renowned criminal defense attorney with a formidable reputation. With over 28 years of experience defending criminal cases including 17 years exclusively defending capital murder cases in Virginia and Georgia, Doug established The Ram Law Firm to ensure that anyone charged with a crime could benefit from the dedicated and elite defense he brings to all his cases.

Leadership and Legal Expertise

Prior to starting The Ram Law Firm, Doug served as the Capital Defender for Central Virginia and Southeastern Virginia, where he led a team of lawyers who successfully defended individuals accused of the “Worst of the Worst” crimes.

During his time leading the Office of the Capital Defender, none of its clients received a sentence of death. Doug was lead counsel for the last capital murder trial in Virginia history and his client was acquitted of all charges. He is also a nationally recognized expert in jury selection for capital murder cases, available for consultation and co-counseling nationwide.

He is licensed in Virginia, Georgia, and the Federal Courts of the Eastern District of Virginia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Doug can serve as Pro Hac Vice counsel alongside local counsel in other jurisdictions.

Academic Contributions and Teaching Excellence

In addition to his legal practice, Doug is an Adjunct Professor of Law at The University of Richmond. He is also a faculty member of the National College of Capital Voir Dire in Boulder, Colorado, where lawyers from across the country learn from him about conducting jury selection in challenging cases. Doug is regularly invited to lecture at legal conferences and law schools around the country on providing the best defense in criminal cases.

Advocacy and Legislative Impact

Beyond his work in the courtroom, Doug has significantly impacted the legal landscape in Virginia. In 2019, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers awarded Doug the Defender of Justice Award for his efforts to improve criminal justice in Virginia. Doug was instrumental in improving the discovery rules in Virginia so that those accused of crimes would have access to police reports and witness lists prior to trial. In addition to his courtroom advocacy, Doug was involved in the successful legislative effort which abolished the death penalty in Virginia.

Awards and Recognition

Doug has been recognized by his peers for his skill and abilities. He has served as the President of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and remains on their Board of Directors. Doug was honored as a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly and selected by Virginia Business Magazine for its list of “Legal Elite” in criminal law. Washington and Lee University School of Law awarded Doug the Bill Geimer Award for his dedication to capital defense.