Our Team
Partner
Phylicia A. Preston focuses her practice on defending healthcare practitioners in malpractice actions. Phylicia is prepared, diligent and thorough in her defense of clients because she understands the stress and potentially harmful consequences of a malpractice claim. “Excellent representation requires that we truly understand a client’s goals and legal concerns,” says Phylicia. “Once I gain that understanding, I can use it to guide them through the litigation process and vigorously advocate for the best outcome.”
Phylicia digs deep into the facts, law, and medicine of each case in order to come to the table fully prepared to advocate for her clients. She provides objective analysis and insight as her clients and insurance carrier partners evaluate claims and lawsuits. In the court room, deposition, or expert witness meeting, she brings preparation and commitment to detail to each encounter.
Prior to joining the Byrne Canaan Law, Phylicia had significant experience representing health care professionals including physicians, nurses, healthcare systems and long-term care facilities. As a civil litigator, she has also worked more broadly for a host of clients in state and federal court. For example, before focusing her practice on health care litigation, Phylicia counseled clients in all aspects of public entity representation, labor and employment matters, commercial litigation and criminal defense. Phylicia effectively applies her experience, passion and dedication to zealously represent Byrne Canaan Law clients.
Phylicia is also committed to serving the community through pro bono representation. She regularly assists families with guardianships and special education matters in partnership with the VCU Medical Legal Project, Central Virginia Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Justice Center.
Practice Areas
Medical Malpractice Defense
Long Term Care Defense
Appellate Advocacy
Risk Management
HIPAA / Privacy & Security
Licensure
Virginia
U.S District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
District of Columbia
New York
New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Academic Credentials
Seton Hall University, B.S., magna cum laude
Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D.
Moot Court Board
Publications
Dismissal of Healthcare Entities, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys Litigation Journal, Fall 2023
Recorded Encounters: A Potential Opportunity to Improve Patient Care, published in Virginia Medical Law Report, Spring 2020
Associations and Professional Memberships:
Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys – Chair of Medical Malpractice Section (2021-2022), Vice-Chair of Medical Malpractice Section (2020-2021)
Virginia Bar Association
Richmond Bar Association – Judiciary Committee Member (2023-present)
Recognitions:
Virginia Legal Elite in Civil Litigation, Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2023)
Go to Medical Malpractice Lawyer, Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2023)
Speaking Engagements:
Understanding & Reducing Liability for Virginia Radiologists, Radiology Practice Group, September 12, 2019
Provider Communication: Can We Talk, Physician Practice Group, October 2019
Liability Exposure for the Negligent Hiring and Retention of Health Care Providers, Medical Society of Virginia, November 2019
Patient Expectation Managing the Risk, Physician Practice Group, June 2021
Now and On the Horizon in Healthcare, Richmond Medical Group Management Association, March 2022
Now and On the Horizon in Healthcare, Richmond Medical Group Management Association, March 2022
Risk Management Strategies, Virginia Health System, June 2022
The Provider’s Role in Litigation, Virginia Health System, June 2023
