About Robert H.J.
Robert H.J. Loftus earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Those degrees set the course for a long legal career that has spanned public service and private practice. He studied at two well-established institutions and went on to practice in Virginia and before the nation's highest court.
Early in his career, in 1975, Loftus served as Assistant City Lawyer for Falls Church. In that post he advised local officials and handled legal matters arising from municipal operations. The job placed him inside city government at a time when local counsel often dealt with a broad mix of land use, contracts, and administrative questions.
Loftus later moved into private practice. He is a principal at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C. In that role he has taken part in firm management and client representation. His work there reflects the blend of public law experience and courtroom practice that marked his early years.
He is admitted to practice in Virginia and is also admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. Those credentials allow him to appear in both state and federal appellate forums. Admission to the Supreme Court bar is an additional credential many clients and colleagues note when considering appellate matters.
Colleagues describe Loftus as a steady presence rather than a showy advocate. His background in municipal government gives him familiarity with the mechanics of local decision-making. That perspective can be useful for clients who face disputes that touch on administrative procedures or municipal ordinances.
Across decades of work, Loftus has combined public-sector service and private-law responsibilities. He remains active at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., handling matters that draw on his municipal and appellate experience. His current practice focuses on municipal and appellate matters.
