Cassandra (Sandy) C. Collins

Sandy represents clients in a broad range of commercial disputes in state and federal courts across the United States, with an emphasis on energy and construction matters. As a highly experienced first-chair trial attorney, she has helped manufacturers, energy companies, mining companies, utilities, beverage distributors and other major corporations streamline their existing dockets, resolve mission-critical disputes, prevent future litigation and minimize litigation-related expenses overall. At the firm, Sandy serves as Administrative Team Partner for the litigation group, helping ensure that clients receive appropriate and cost-effective legal counsel.

• Defended major utility in construction contract dispute tried in federal court.
• Represented a video game developer in federal court and obtained a jury verdict on developer’s breach of contract, trade secrets and copyright claims.
• Advised utilities regarding strategies to resolve construction contract disputes.
• Defended a major energy company in a construction contract dispute.
• Managed the national commercial litigation docket of a multinational metals producer, fabricator and supplier, resulting in a nearly 75% decrease in overall litigation.
• Represented a client in a CERCLA cost recovery case and obtained summary judgment on territorial claims.
• Represented plaintiffs in a CERCLA cost recovery action that sought PCB clean-up costs from a previous owner and obtained a favorable settlement for clients.
• Represented a major US utility and achieved a favorable arbitration decision in a dispute involving rail transportation agreements and various other rights.
• Represented several major coal companies in disputes related to coal supply contracts, mining rights and coal leases, regularly settling on terms favorable to her clients.
• Served as lead litigation counsel for a large power company in the eastern US, handling a varied docket that involved condemnation, personal injury, power purchase agreement and other disputes.
• Successfully defended, at trial and on summary judgment, a county government in numerous environmental actions arising out of the operation of landfills.
• Served as lead litigation counsel for breweries and wineries in alcoholic beverage control matters and disputes between breweries and wineries and their wholesalers.

• Listed as a Litigation Star, Virginia, Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2025
• Named an Energy & Environmental Trailblazer, National Law Journal, 2021
• Named among Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation,” 2015-2024
• Selected as a Best Lawyer for Commercial Litigation (2013-2020, 2024) and Litigation - Environmental (2024), The Best Lawyers in America
• Nominee, 2013 Class of the Influential Women of Virginia
• Named a Law360 “Female Powerbroker,” 2013

• Member, Richmond Bar Association