Sean Breit-Rupe

A litigator driven by service to his country, his community, and his clients

When the Twin Towers were attacked on September 11, 2001, Sean Breit-Rupe felt a calling to serve his country and made the decision to join the military. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2005, Sean was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and ultimately served as a Naval Aviator piloting the CH-46E helicopter. After serving nine years in the Marines, including tours in Iraq and in support of the 11^th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sean chose to enter the legal profession, attending the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Sean credits the Marine Corps with teaching him what it means to be a professional: not quitting after you get it right, but practicing until you can no longer get it wrong.

Upon returning to his native state of Virginia, Sean served as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Henrico County where he gained trial experience handling a variety of cases and sectors in Circuit, General District, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. While there, Sean led the office’s threat assessment team and oversaw the Substantial Risk Orders, or “red flag”, law.

“The Commonwealth Attorney’s office taught me how to be a litigator; it taught me how to interview people and to negotiate agreements and settlements. Like Marine Aviation, being a prosecutor forces you to adapt to and overcome unanticipated problems that are thrown at you by the court, opposing, counsel, or witnesses.”

In his civil litigation practice with ThompsonMcMullan, Sean has honed his ability to respond quickly and efficiently, representing a variety of businesses and individuals, government officers, and agencies in federal and state courts, including motions to dismiss for summary judgement and at trial. He also maintains an insurance defense litigation practice, representing insurance companies and their insureds in both coverage and liability disputes.

In addition, Sean supports the Energy and Telecommunications team, practicing in front of the State Corporation Commission, representing renewable and competitive suppliers and third-party service providers in energy policy and legislation.

In his experience as a litigator, Sean has mastered how to think on his feet – because you’re not always given time to prepare when in front of a judge – and to respond quickly and efficiently.