In the world of trial law, legacy is often spoken of in terms of high-profile verdicts and landmark settlements. But real legacy runs deeper than courtroom wins. It lives in the values that get passed on, the standards that are set, and the hands you help guide along the way. At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, that sense of responsibility to the future of the profession is not a side project. It is part of who they are.
For more than four decades, this Richmond-based personal injury law firm has served as a pillar of advocacy for individuals and families facing catastrophic loss. But behind the firm’s record of success is a long-standing commitment to something just as vital, building the next generation of trial lawyers, strengthening the institutions of law, and raising the bar for what it means to serve with integrity.
Leading Beyond the Casework
Great firms often lead by example. What sets Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci apart is how consistently that leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Their attorneys are deeply involved in shaping the legal community across Virginia. From serving on the boards of key legal organizations to organizing continuing legal education sessions, they take their place in the ecosystem seriously.
Stephanie Grana, one of the firm’s leading partners, exemplifies this broader role. Her leadership within the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, along with her presence in legal reform conversations and professional education, speaks volumes about the culture the firm has cultivated. It is a culture that does not separate litigation from civic responsibility. Instead, it sees them as connected paths toward a more just society.
This engagement is not about prestige. It is about stewardship. The firm understands that being good at what you do means using your position to elevate the profession as a whole.
Teaching the Craft, Not Just the Law
For younger lawyers, the distance between law school and a courtroom can feel daunting. Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci helps bridge that gap by offering mentorship that is hands-on, honest, and deeply rooted in experience. Their senior attorneys do not just assign tasks. They teach.
Whether it is preparing for a deposition, reviewing trial strategy, or analyzing medical records in a brain injury case, mentorship at this firm is about building judgment as much as it is about building skills. Associates are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and learn from setbacks. There is an understanding that good trial lawyers are not born fully formed. They are made through hard work, thoughtful guidance, and repetition.
The firm’s commitment to mentorship helps shape not only confident litigators but also principled ones. Lawyers who understand the weight of their role and the importance of their voice.
A Voice in the Legal Conversation
Outside the office, attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci contribute to the broader dialogue on law and justice. They speak at conferences, teach CLEs, write for legal publications, and offer their insight on evolving trends in tort law, injury litigation, and legal ethics.
This kind of visibility matters. It gives the firm a seat at the table where legal culture is shaped. It allows them to help define best practices, push for reforms that protect plaintiffs, and advocate for a more accessible and accountable legal system.
Their work on influential legal boards and committees, as well as participation in community-focused efforts, speaks to a larger mission. It is not enough to win in court. They believe in creating an environment where justice is possible for more people, not just those fortunate enough to find the right firm.
A Model for Professional Culture
Within the office, the values of collaboration, preparation, and compassion are more than slogans. They form the foundation of a healthy, high-functioning professional environment.
The firm’s structure supports shared learning and mutual respect. Legal assistants, researchers, nurses, and attorneys work in tandem, with a clear recognition that each person’s contribution matters. That model helps ensure that clients receive not only excellent legal work but also consistent care and attention. It also helps new attorneys understand what a high standard of practice looks like in action.
By maintaining this level of professional rigor and care internally, Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci becomes a model for how law firms should operate, both ethically and effectively.
Why This Work Matters
There is a reason why the firm has remained relevant and respected for so many years. It is not just the quality of their courtroom performance, although that speaks for itself. It is their constant investment in what comes next.
Whether they are mentoring a young associate, supporting reforms in the civil justice system, or giving voice to underrepresented communities through their advocacy, the attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci see the law as a living thing. Something that must be protected, questioned, and improved over time.
This work may not always make headlines. But its impact lasts.
Building a Future That Reflects Their Values
In every profession, there are people who focus on the task at hand, and then there are those who help shape the field itself. Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci belongs to the latter. They understand that practicing law is not just about individual achievement. It is about legacy. It is about what you leave behind, for your clients, your peers, and the lawyers who will one day take your place.
Their investment in mentorship, professional leadership, and community engagement has made them not only one of Virginia’s top trial firms, but also one of its most respected. And in a profession that often moves fast and looks inward, that kind of commitment to the bigger picture is both rare and necessary.
Their legacy is already in motion. And it is moving in the right direction.