J. Douglas McCarthy

J. Douglas McCarthy is a attorney of McCarthy & Akers. His practice is focused on transactional law, including Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Corporate matters. Before founding McCarthy & Akers, he was a partner at the Winchester-based law firm of Groves and McCarthy. Doug launched the original iteration of the firm in 2005, partnering with Matthew Akers in 2013 to form the current McCarthy & Akers team.

Known for his creative problem-solving skills, Doug takes pride in helping families and businesses succeed and thrive. His dedication to crafting unique solutions has earned him recognition as “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business Magazine and established his reputation as a trusted, community-focused legal advisor.

A proud Winchester native, Doug grew up on a farm that has been in his family for over 180 years. The farm remains central to his life, and he enjoys spending time working around the property. Outside of his practice, Doug has a passion for playing tennis and pickleball, traveling with his family, and mentoring through youth rugby coaching.

Doug is actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for multiple non-profits, including the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Chelsea Academy, Chelsea Academy Foundation, iPieta, and the McCarthy Family Foundation. He has also served as a Board Member of The Village at Orchard Ridge, the Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and was a founding Board Member of New Eve Maternity Home. He has also served the community as President of the Gainesboro Ruritan Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Doug earned his Juris Doctor from the Keller School of Law at the University of Dayton, where he received honors in Taxation, Wills, and Trusts. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He is admitted to practice law in Virginia and West Virginia, and in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia.

Areas of Practice

• Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning
• Probate
• Real Estate, Planning, and Land Use
• Corporations and Business Organizations

Admitted

• Virginia
• West Virginia
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Virginia

Education

• University of Dayton, Keller School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2003
• Shepherd University, Bachelor of Science, 2000

Affiliations

• Virginia State Bar Member
• West Virginia State Bar Member
• American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Member
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Member
• Life Care Planning Law Firms Association Firm Member
• Thomas More Law Center Distinguished Member
• Winchester/Frederick County Bar Association Member
• Named “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business Magazine

Civic Involvement

Government Experience

• Frederick County Board of Supervisors (2017–Present)
• Board Member – Lord Fairfax Community College
• U.S. representative to the first United Nations Symposium on Drug Abuse Prevention in Tokyo, Japan

Charitable and Non-Profit Experience

• Board Member – Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Inc.
• Chairman and Board Member – Chelsea Academy, Inc.
• Chairman and Board Member – Chelsea Academy Foundation, Inc.
• Chairman and Board Member – The Village at Orchard Ridge, Inc.
• Board Member – Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley
• Founding Board Member – New Eve Maternity Home, Inc.
• Board Member – iPieta, Inc.
• President and Board Member – Gainesboro Ruritan Club
• President and Board Member – Ancient Order of Hibernians