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Go To Lawyers: Julie H. Heiden
Partner, Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, Fairfax
Virginia Lawyers Weekly//October 22, 2025//
Years in practice: 33
Best known for: Being a fierce advocate for my clients and my collegiality with opposing counsel.
Why I chose my practice area: At a law school CLE, my firm founder Joseph Koonz delivered a closing argument that inspired me to represent workers and victims harmed by substandard medical care, motor vehicle accidents, and unsafe workplaces.
Most memorable case: Representing a catastrophically injured nurse struck by drag racers on Fairfax County Parkway. We secured a substantial trial verdict, and she uses the proceeds to help wounded warriors with brain injuries.
What makes me a leader in my field: Three decades representing plaintiffs with multiple million-dollar settlements.
Outlook for 2026: Incorporating AI into my practice.
Bar involvement/leadership roles: Member, Virginia Workers’ Compensation Inns of Court; past president, Fairfax Bar Association
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Verdicts & Settlements
- Medical Malpractice – Death from cancer followed stomach pain misdiagnosis
- Workers’ Compensation – Seasonal worker paralyzed in tobacco baler accident
- Medical Malpractice – Jurors side with doctor in suit over rescue surgery
- Motor Vehicle Negligence – Unicycle rider dies after being hit by car
- Premises Liability – Delivery driver injured by porch decking collapse
Opinion Digests
- Criminal – Allen charge wasn’t abuse of discretion
- Evidence – Expert’s exclusion from trial deemed harmless
- Parent and child – Mother held in contempt for violating visitation order
- Criminal – Court refuses to continue trial despite missing witness
- Criminal – Meth defendant wasn’t entitled to sentencing safety valve
- Tort – Comments about plaintiff were protected opinions
- Real Property – Condo unit owner challenges expansion plans
