Charles M. Sims is a partner with and heads up LeClairRyan’s Business Litigation Practice. Mr. Sims regularly litigates in federal and state court all manner and types of complex commercial disputes, including claims for officers’ and directors’ liability and professional malpractice; breach of contract, fraud, violations of state trade secret laws, tortious interference with contract, and ERISA claims. Mr. Sims also frequently represents clients in intellectual property litigation in federal and state court, and has a special interest in technology related issues. As a part of his commercial practice, Mr. Sims also litigates disputes related to estate matters and claims before various state agencies, including the State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Mr. Sims is a former Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He began his career as a submarine officer.  He was stationed on board a Los Angeles Class, Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine. As part of his responsibilities, Mr. Sims supervised the operation of the nuclear reactor and the main propulsion plant for the nuclear submarine. Mr. Sims also developed technical and sonar search plans and he established a comprehensive training program to enhance the efficiency of maintenance practices aboard the submarine.

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Mr. Sims graduated magna cum laude from the Georgetown University School of Law in 1993. He began his civilian law career with McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe before joining LeClairRyan in 1997.

Mr. Sims is a professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law, where he teaches a third year practicum-based course on Fiduciary Litigation.