David J. Gogal Elected President of the Virginia Law Foundation

Blankingship & Keith, P.C. is pleased to announce that David J. Gogal, a principal at the firm, has been elected President of the Virginia Law Foundation for 2026.

Mr. Gogal brings nearly four decades of civil-litigation experience to the role and is widely recognized for his leadership within Virginia’s legal community. His election reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening the profession, promoting professionalism, and advancing access to justice throughout the Commonwealth. He was also recently recognized as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® for professional malpractice defense, an honor that reflects the depth of his experience and the respect he has earned among peers.

In addition to his practice at Blankingship & Keith, Mr. Gogal has served in numerous statewide and local leadership positions, including Chair of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board, Chair of the Standing Committee on Lawyer Discipline, President of the Fairfax Bar Association, and as a member of both Bar Council and the Virginia Bar Association Board of Governors. He has also played a significant role in the Boyd-Graves Conference, chairing committees focused on improving Virginia’s justice system.

Mr. Gogal has been a member of the Virginia Law Foundation’s National Trial Advocacy College faculty since 1993 and has edited the Fairfax Bar Association’s Circuit Court Practice Manual for more than twenty years. His public-service work extends beyond the legal profession and includes decades of mentoring law students, teaching mock trial and rule-of-law programs in schools, and sustained civic and youth-service involvement.

“I am honored to serve as President of the Virginia Law Foundation during this historic period,” Mr. Gogal said. “The Foundation plays a vital role in strengthening our profession through education, philanthropy, and support for access to justice. I look forward to continuing that work alongside an exceptional board and staff.”

As President, Mr. Gogal will help guide the Foundation’s educational and philanthropic mission during the nation’s semiquincentennial year, including programming focused on constitutional law and the enduring importance of an independent judiciary.

The firm also congratulates Chidi I. James, principal at Blankingship & Keith, P.C., who has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Virginia Law Foundation Board of Directors.

Read the Virginia Law Foundation’s official press release on its website.