Laura Rixey
33, Associate Attorney with Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Virginia Beach
Business and Civic Involvement:
Virginia Bar Association; Virginia Beach Bar Association; Former Co-Chair of Hampton Roads Club University of North Carolina Alumni; Junior Virginia Beach Garden Club; Local CHKD Fundraising Circle
What is something that makes you stand out professionally?
I think that many of my clients and co-workers would say that I have an ability to easily connect with folks and quickly establish a level of trust. Many of my clients are physicians and other healthcare providers with extremely busy schedules. It is crucial that we are able to openly discuss matters on the phone when we are not able to meet face-to-face.
Tell us about an accomplishment that you’re proud of.
I am most proud of my two incredible kids, Rosie (3) and Jack (1). My son Jack was unexpectedly born three months premature last summer. He spent over two months in the NICU. When we were going through that experience and spending every day at the hospital, it felt like each hour lasted a month. I am so proud of how far Jack has come in the past year. He has grown from being two pounds and about the length of a Barbie doll to being close to 20 pounds. I often joke that my two children will likely be taller than me by the time they are in elementary school—and he is well on the way to accomplishing that feat!
How do you feel your industry can best respond to the effects of COVID-19?
Our firm has been very proactive in monitoring the constant stream of statutory, legislative and administrative updates from the state and federal government that affect our clients’ businesses. Specifically, I have focused on helping many of our healthcare practices quickly incorporate telehealth into their practices, respond to the temporary ban on elective procedures and obtain funds allocated to healthcare providers under the CARES Act. We have been sending out news alerts to our healthcare clients very frequently, ensuring that they are aware of the latest wave of guidance or opportunities available to them.
What new idea or development are you excited about in Coastal Virginia?
I am very excited about the prospect of the Something in the Water festival becoming an annual event in Virginia Beach. It truly provided Virginia Beach and so many local businesses with national exposure and an opportunity to connect with artists, performers, vendors and attendees who may not have otherwise visited our area. As disappointed as I am that the festival could not be held this year, I am hopeful that it will provide the organizers with even more time to prepare an incredible second year of the festival in 2021!
What’s the most important aspect you look for in a workplace?
I am most appreciative of the emphasis that my firm places on community involvement and providing our lawyers with a nice work-life balance. I also think that COVID-19 will have a lasting effect on how we view our workplaces and employers. I am very appreciative of the fact that my firm has been committed to providing its employees with a safe working environment and has expended substantial resources to allow us to work remotely during this time.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current position?
I would have loved to be a teacher. My mom was a teacher and I have always admired her dedication to her students. When my daughter’s preschool abruptly closed this spring due to COVID, her teachers went above and beyond to remain connected with their students—and most importantly have continued to send us activities and ideas of how to keep their little minds active and hands busy!
What’s your favorite spot to relax in Coastal Virginia?
My favorite place to relax in Coastal Virginia is on the beach in the North End of Virginia Beach. My favorite activity (even during the colder months) is to throw a blanket down on the beach and watch my daughter and husband swim and boogie board (she thinks she is surfing). I grew up in Charlotte and have lived in Virginia Beach for about seven years now. Even after being here for seven, I do not take for granted how lucky we are to have such an incredibly beautiful and accessible beach so close to us!
