Laurie L. Kirkland

Managing Principal

lkirkland@bklawva.com

d. 703-293-7226
o. 703-691-1235
f. 703-691-3913

Laurie L. Kirkland

Laurie Kirkland is the firm's Managing Partner. Her practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on employment law, commercial litigation, and complex business litigation. She has represented both corporate and individual clients in proceedings in state courts in Northern Virginia, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and in the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Additionally, she has represented employers before the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition to litigation, Laurie routinely provides advice and counsel to corporate clients on a variety of employment matters.

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In addition to her civil litigation and employment law practice, Laurie also regularly represents petitioners and respondents in connection with petitions to appoint guardians and conservators for incapacitated adults. As part of this practice, Laurie also has experience assisting Legal Services of Northern Virginia with these cases on a pro bono basis.

Laurie is active in the Fairfax Bar Association, the Virginia Bar Association, and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.  For five years, Laurie served on the Young Lawyers Section's Board of Directors of the Fairfax Bar Association, including serving as the Secretary and the President.

Laurie has been selected as a "Legal Elite" by Virginia Business Magazine, and she has been named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine.

Prior to joining Blankingship & Keith, Laurie graduated with honors from George Mason University School of Law, and she completed a clerkship with the Honorable R. Terrence Ney of the Fairfax County Circuit Court.

Credentials

Education
  • George Mason School of Law (magna cum laude, 2007)
  • Harding University (summa cum laude, 2004)
Bar Admissions
  • Virginia State Bar, 2007
  • Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2009
  • Eastern District of Virginia, 2008
  • Eastern District of Virginia, Bankruptcy Court, 2009

Clerkships

  • R. Terrence Ney - Fairfax County Circuit Court, 2007-08

Professional Honors & Activities

Professional Honors

  • Named "Influential Women of Law Class of 2024" by Virginia Lawyers Weekly 
  • Named "Top Lawyer" in Commercial Litigation by Washingtonian magazine (2022)
  • Named "One to Watch - Commercial Litigation" by Best Lawyers (2021-2024)
  • Named "Top Attorneys - Employment Law (Employer)" by Arlington Magazine (2021-2024)
  • Named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine (2014-2017)
  • Named a "Legal Elite," Young Lawyers' Category, by Virginia Business Magazine (2014-2017)
  • Named a "Legal Elite," Labor/Employment Category, by Virginia Business Magazine (2018, 2023)

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Professional Activities

  • Virginia State Bar, Member
    • 5th District Disciplinary Committee (2017-2023)
    • Young Lawyers' Conference, Annual Meeting Committee (2009-2011)
  • Federal Bar Association, Board Member, Northern Virginia Chapter
  • Fairfax Bar Association, Member
    • Member of the Board of Directors (2014-2015)
    • President of the Young Lawyers' Section (2013-2014)
    • Secretary of the Young Lawyers' Section (2011-2012)
    • Member of the Young Lawyers' Section Board of Directors (2010- 2015)
  • Fairfax Law Foundation
    • Member of the Board of Directors (2012-2013)
    • Member of the Run for Justice 5K Committee (2012-2016)
  • Virginia Bar Association, Member
    • Young Lawyers' Division, Liaison to George Mason University School of Law
  • Virginia Women Attorneys Association, Northern Virginia Chapter, Member

Representative Cases

  • Defended individuals and corporate clients in proceedings in all levels of Virginia state and federal courts
  • Defended clients in a number of employment discrimination cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in the Eastern District of Virginia, and in the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • Assisted in the representation of defendants against business tort claims and claims involving non-competition and non-solicitation covenants
  • Assisted in the defense of law firms and attorneys in legal malpractice cases in both state and federal courts