A lawyer driven to find the most effective way to serve people and strengthen her community
From the very beginning of law school, Kelly Sturman knew she wanted a career dedicated to helping people. What she did not yet know was where that commitment would take her. An internship with the Chief Public Defender in Charlottesville during her 1L year proved transformative, exposing her to the profound impact legal advocacy can have on individuals and communities. By her second year, Kelly knew she wanted to become a litigator.
Before entering the courtroom as an attorney, Kelly spent five years as a paralegal, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of practice areas, including bankruptcy, products liability, and domestic relations matters. While drafting pleadings, preparing legal documents, and supporting attorneys through every stage of litigation, she developed a deep understanding of client advocacy and the legal process. Wanting to be the person standing before the court, advocating directly on behalf of clients, Kelly remained with her firm while studying for the bar exam.
After beginning her career as a defense attorney and personal injury lawyer, she transitioned to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, believing she could help a greater number of people through public service. There, she was entrusted with significant responsibility and discretion, focusing on cases involving vulnerable victims and working on initiatives designed to address underlying issues through programs such as sober living and rehabilitation opportunities. Later, she expanded her practice through appellate work with the Office of the Attorney General, where she sharpened her legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills and argued before Virginia’s highest courts.
With more than 15 years of legal experience and a decade of practice as an attorney, Kelly continues to pursue opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Her transition into energy law reflects her belief that serving the public can take many forms, including helping advance clean energy initiatives that benefit communities for generations to come.
Outside the office, Kelly enjoys spending time with her son, exploring Virginia’s state parks, discovering local restaurants, and browsing independent bookstores. An avid reader and outdoor enthusiast, she is also passionate about fitness and is a runner, spinner, and roller derby club member.
Practices
Energy and Telecommunications
Representative Experience
- Represented hundreds of clients statewide for criminal matters ranging from traffic and DUI offenses to drug possession and pandering
- Handled plaintiff personal injury cases for individuals injured in automobile crashes and slip and fall cases, as well as other tortious claims
- Served the Commonwealth as a prosecutor handling narcotics and human trafficking cases, including securing the conviction of a Lt. Commander in the Navy for human trafficking
- Succeeded in securing convictions of defendants throughout the Commonwealth
- Notably prevailed before the Supreme Court of Virginia in a case of first impression involving recent amendments to the search warrant statute (Code Section 19.2-56(B)), Demeatric Blow v. Commonwealth
- Multiple published wins before the Court of Appeals including Antwan Barrow v. Commonwealth, Record No. 0769-23-1; James Hazelwood v. Commonwealth, Record. No. 2013-24-1, Martin Monroe v. Commonwealth, Record No. 0937-24-2, Robert Caldwell v. Commonwealth, Record No. 1099-24-3, Michael Johnson v. Commonwealth, Record No. 0743-23-4
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law, J.D., 2011
- University of Virginia, B.A., Politics, 2008
Admissions
- All Virginia Courts, including the Supreme Court of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Affiliations
- Energy Bar Association
- Virginia State Bar