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Shirin Afsous

Shirin Afsous is an experienced litigator in the field of commercial litigation. As a proactive professional, she is adept at client interaction and excels at crafting strategic case plans. Her areas of experience span across a vast array of sectors including financial services litigation, labor & employment, government contracts, and commercial disputes. Her proficiency extends beyond the borders of her home state, as she skillfully handles cases across the nation in both state and federal courts. Moreover, she is a frequent participant in administrative proceedings, often providing invaluable assistance to clients embroiled in governmental investigations. As a first chair attorney, Shirin has taken the lead in numerous matters, showcasing her leadership and litigation skills. Her deep experience encompasses a wide range of legal proceedings, from drafting and research to preparing witnesses for trial. She is skilled at conducting depositions and arguing dispositive motions, proving her versatility in different aspects of litigation.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 170 into law on April 13, 2026, introducing significant new restrictions on noncompete agreements that apply to all Virginia employees – not just low-wage workers. Employers should review and update their agreements and workplace postings ahead of the July 1, 2026, effective date.
Continue Reading Virginia Governor Signs Senate Bill 170, Targeting Noncompete Agreements

On Jan. 8, 2026, the Supreme Court of Virginia upheld a decision to overturn a $2 billion jury verdict in the Appian v. Pegasystems trade secrets dispute, where a unanimous jury found that Pega violated the Virginia Computer Crimes Act and misappropriated Appian’s trade secrets.
Continue Reading Virginia Supreme Court Orders New Trial in $2 Billion Trade Secrets Case

Effective July 1, 2025, Virginia’s noncompete law, Va. Code Ann. § 40.1-28.7:8, has been revised to expand the definition of “low-wage” employees to include all employees classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Continue Reading Virginia Expands Definition of ‘Low-Wage’ Employees and Noncompetes

On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, rejecting a heightened evidentiary burden for a plaintiff who is a member of a “majority group” under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Claims brought by such majority-group plaintiffs are sometimes referred to as “reverse discrimination” claims.
Continue Reading Supreme Court Eliminates Heightened Discrimination Standard Under Title VII

On July 30, the Court of Appeals of Virginia reversed Appian Corp.’s $2 billion trade secrets judgment against competitor Pegasystems Inc. (Pega) and remanded the case for a new trial.

Continue Reading Virginia Appeals Court Reverses $2 Billion Trade Secret Verdict, Remands Case for New Trial

In a unanimous 9-0 decision issued April 12, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court held the “transportation worker” exemption under Section 1 of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) does not require

Continue Reading Supreme Court Finds FAA ‘Transportation Worker’ Exemption Does Not Require Employment in Transportation Industry