Our beloved partner and friend, Julian (“Jules”) F. Hoffar, died on October 12, 2008 from complications related to bladder cancer. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and who cherished his gracious manner, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for life.

For over thirty years, Jules practiced law with a passion and spirit that was unmatched, and a sense of fun that made the most difficult challenge enjoyable. Jules was one of the founding partners of the firm in 1978, with the first 8 lawyers.  Over the years, Jules was a defining force in the firm through his generous spirit, big heart and the respect and consideration that he showed every employee.  As our recruitment partner, he was personally involved in hiring many of the 100+ lawyers that practice at the firm today.

Jules has been honored as a leader in the field of construction litigation for his intellect, personality and trial skills by numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Construction Lawyers. He was consistently named each year to Best Lawyers, DC Super Lawyers, Virginia Super Lawyers and recognized by Chambers USA, the Legal 500 and Virginia's Legal Elite, all peer recognition accolades.  In recent years, he also served as a mediator and an arbitrator and was a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Large Complex Case Panel. Jules was respected and esteemed by all members of the construction bar who knew him, as evidenced by the outpouring of support and sympathy the firm has received from clients, opposing counsel and fellow arbitrators.

Jules was also active in community service, including the group, Lawyers Helping Lawyers, where he provided counseling and assistance to lawyers dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

Jules was a 1969 graduate of Wittenberg University, where he played center for the Wittenberg Tigers football team, and also a 1972 graduate from George Washington University Law School where, we will concede at last, he was Professor Cibinic’s all-time favorite contracts student.

Jules will be missed by his family, including his former wives Carol Brock Hayden and Barbara Jean Simmons, his daughters Courtney and Margot, his son-in-law Rob Toomey and his beautiful grandson and great source of pride, Will Toomey. Jules’ son, Andrew, passed away in 2003 and is also remembered and missed by the firm.

A memorial service was held for Jules on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Burgundy Farm Country Day School Gymnasium at 3700 Burgundy Road in Alexandria, VA 22303.

If you would like to send a note or share memories of Jules with his family, please mail them to Margot Hoffar or Courtney Hoffar Toomey at 316 Hearthstone Mews, Alexandria Virginia 22314 or online at www.everlyfuneralhomes.com

Jules' family suggests contributions be made in his memory to:  Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, Inc., 2813 St. Elmo Avenue; Bethesda, Maryland, 20814; www.bcan.org


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Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald is one of the largest construction law firms in the world, with a practice that encompasses all aspects of construction contracting, claims and disputes resolution, and transactional legal services. WTHF principally represents large general contractors, design firms, and sureties throughout the country and internationally.