John A.C. Keith

John A.C. Keith is a principal and Fairfax native who has practiced in Virginia courts since 1975. He focuses on civil litigation, legal malpractice defense, wills, trusts and estates, and appellate and trial consulting. His commercial litigation work covers business torts, fraud, real estate, employment issues, and partnership and corporate disputes. He also advises businesses and legal practices during restructurings and separations.

John earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 1968 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia in 1974. After law school, he served as a clerk to Judge Albert V. Bryan Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 1974 to 1975. This experience gave him an early foundation in federal court procedure, legal analysis, and dispute resolution.

John has tried numerous jury and non-jury cases in state and federal courts. His experience includes contract, corporate, real estate, employment, fiduciary, and legal malpractice disputes. He represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in will contests and trust and estate litigation. He also works as a mediator and arbitrator and represents clients in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. In addition, he remains active in estate planning, document drafting, and estate and trust administration.

John A.C. Keith has held major leadership roles in Virginia’s legal community, including president of the Virginia State Bar from 1998 to 1999 and chair of its Disciplinary Board from 2017 to 2018. He has maintained an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 1987 and has received recognition from Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Business Magazine, Super Lawyers, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Virginia Lawyers Weekly. His public service also includes work with legal ethics, professionalism, civil litigation, and community organizations in Fairfax and the Diocese of Virginia.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Blankingship & Keith, PC
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Virginia
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)