"Katie was instrumental in my case with a public school division. She was personable, knowledgeable, kind, and transparent. After my issue was resolved, I hired Katie and her team again for another issue. I have been extremely satisfied with the outcomes and if you're dealing with a public school division, she will bring her experience and expertise to help guide you through the complexities."
Anonymous
"Katie did a wonderful job with me and answered all my questions!"
Chris G.
"I worked with Katie directly on an employment issue. She took the time to listen and understand my questions and concerns, and offered her thoughts on how to proceed. Through the entire process she has been very professional, understanding, empathetic and took as much time as needed to help. Highly recommended and I will use her firm again for similar issues. Thank you!"
Mark S.
"Katie Lipp is a top notch attorney who will take care of you with great responsiveness, attention and sensitivity, all within an affordable budget."
Michael Z.
"I worked with Katie and Ryen too for my LLC, could not have been a more professional and easy process. They are all very responsive and helpful, and they got it done quickly so I can move on to the next steps!"
Micah S.
"Kathryn is one of the best lawyer I was lucky to find with the help of my Boyfriend and she went above and beyond to help me with all the things I needed. I was successful to get my exemption approved for Covid and she did a great job for gathering and put in the accurate info for me to present to my employer. She is very professional and prompt on responding. I highly recommend her. She is the best."
April
"We chose the Lipp Law Firm for their overwhelmingly positive reviews. Their outstanding reputation is absolutely deserved! From our first interaction with Katie it was clear that she's sincerely passionate about her work. Her genuine and thoughtful approach assured us from the start we were in good hands. She maintained excellent communication throughout, and her highly informative recommendations were equally outstanding. We couldn't have hoped for a better guide. There's no doubt Katie would be our choice should we ever need assistance again. She has my full and complete confidence and recommendation. Thank you, again, Katie and the Lipp Law Firm!"
Tim H.
"The Lipp Law firm is the epitome of professionalism. Katie Lipp is caring, passionate about what she does, and a true wealth of knowledge. I knew instantly I was in good hands and appreciated the fact that as a small business owner, I never felt like a second-tier client. Katie promptly answered all of my questions, eased many concerns, and held my hand during a difficult situation. For those reasons and more, I am forever grateful."
Courtney P.
“Whenever you see an employment attorney you are always on edge as your livelihood is about to be or has been effected. Katie brought such a calm to the entire situation to help produce sound decisions. Calls and emails were answered immediately or returned promptly. Again, this just tells me how Katie knows that this situation I am/was going through was very personal and important.”
John B.
“I worked with Ms. Lipp on a tricky employment case with a big organization. She was easy to reach, calm and positive. She kept me focused on the big picture and was extremely knowledgeable about all my legal options. Without her support in this issue, I would've felt panicked and lost. With her guidance, I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
A Satisfied Client
“Ms. Lipp thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed an employment separation document. She provided timely and useful recommendations and options. I was able to obtain more detailed information from my former employer as well as some revisions to the final document.”
A Satisfied Client
“I retained the representation of Katie Lipp in January 2019 regarding an employment issue. She was highly responsive to my needs and schedule. I was always able to reach Ms. Lipp, most easily by email and telephone. She was able to be present at my job site to meet with employer and representatives in my matter. She worked effectively with and communicated with other counsel and representation I had and continued to work with regarding my case. Ms. Lipp provided counsel, resources and strategies to help me navigate my case. She always listened and considered my opinions and ideas when representing me. Ms. Lipp was prompt and on time for meetings, inferences, and when responding to communications. I was grateful and appreciative of the quality representation she provided me. I would definitely recommend her services. She always made me feel like my case was a priority to her.”
Dianne
"Katie offers smart and practical employment advice. She can be a huge asset on a variety of critical management and employee-side issues."
Richard V., Litigation Attorney
"Katie is an excellent attorney who works hard for her clients. I don't hesitate to refer clients to her, as I will know that they will be in good hands. She has my trust and high recommendation."
Paul A., Business Attorney
"I have known Katie since 2013. She is an outstanding lawyer, coworker, and mentor. She goes above and beyond in each case that she works on and views her cases through a creative lens. Katie zealously advocates for her clients, and is well respected in the legal community. I highly recommend Katie's legal services."
Samantha C., Litigation Attorney
Attorney Katie Lipp, Owner of The Lipp Law Firm
Katie dedicates her practice to employment separation guidance, education law, and labor law, representing employers, executives, educators, and employees. Katie is admitted to practice in Virginia and Washington, DC, and has been specially admitted to litigate non-compete cases in Maryland and Delaware.
Along with a focus on employment, education, and labor law, Katie has a broad legal background in government contracts, construction, corporate law, and civil litigation.
Katie’s opposing counsel would describe her as creative, passionate, and a formidable negotiator for her clients. She is always mindful of her clients’ resources, time and personal goals.
Her corporate clients have employees nationwide and call on her to resolve matters involving employment terminations, severance agreements, non-competes, employment law compliance, employee disability and health matters, and complicated HR situations.
Katie enjoys representing technology companies, given her firm’s proximity to the Northern Virginia tech corridor. Katie also has traditional labor law experience, covering labor arbitration, collective bargaining agreement negotiations, and National Labor Relations Board charge defense.
Katie wrote a book on internal workplace investigations and has taught multiple HR workshops and courses to attorneys, HR managers, and companies on employment handbooks and employment law updates.
In the courtroom, she defends employers against employee claims such as harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and litigates cases involving non-competes and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Katie’s select executive and individual clients are facing employment separation, discipline, and evaluating new employment offers, ventures, and contracts.
Katie’s education clients are principals, teachers, and professors who need counsel regarding discipline, administrative leave, HR communications, requesting workplace accommodations, and severance negotiations.
Katie regularly works with Fairfax County Public Schools teachers and has conducted several presentations on knowing your rights in the workplace.
Katie graduated from George Mason University, Antonin Scalia School of Law, and was a Senior Notes Editor for the Journal of Law, Economics, and Policy.
In addition to running The Lipp Law Firm, Katie is passionate about mentoring and coaching female lawyers and entrepreneurs on business development, and runs a business consultancy, Law Practice Queen Business Coaching.
Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog in Fairfax, Virginia. Her working mom “hobbies” include watching TV and movies, trying to be a minimalist, yoga, working out, writing, and spending time outdoors.
In 2022, Katie wrote a survival guide to the legal industry, Build Your Empire.
Admissions:
-
Commonwealth of Virginia, 2010
-
District of Columbia, 2011
-
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2012
-
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2014
-
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, 2022
-
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, 2022
Recognition:
- Arlington Magazine Top Attorney, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
- Northern Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer, 2026, 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly Best Women Led Law Firms, 2025, 2024
- Super Lawyers, Virginia, 2025
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Virginia and Washington DC, 2019-2024
- Virginia Business Magazine, Legal Elite, 2025, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2012
- Washingtonian Top Lawyers, 2024
- Influential Women of Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2023
- Entrepreneur of the Year, Women Owned Law, 2021
- Client’s Choice Award, Avvo, 2019
- Up & Coming Lawyer, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2018
Education:
- George Mason University School of Law – JD – Juris Doctor (2010)
- James Madison University – BS – Bachelor of Science (2006)
Professional Experience:
Below are some of the matters that Attorney Katie Lipp has handled.
DISCLAIMER: MANY FACTORS PERTAIN TO EACH CASE, AND THE OUTCOMES LISTED DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY FUTURE CASE BY LIPP LAW
Employment Law – Employer Side
- Serve as outside general counsel to nationwide technology company and government contractor on employment law issues, including employee terminations, employment law compliance, responding to demand letters from terminated employees, and non-compete issues, including responding to and sending cease and desist letters.
- Serve as outside general counsel to regional lighting company and government contractor on employment, litigation, government contracts, and business law issues.
- Serve as outside general counsel to regional IT staffing company and government contractor on employment and business law issues.
- Serve as outside general counsel to multiple law firms involving employment law issues, including employee terminations, workplace investigations, and employment law compliance.
- Serve as outside employment law counsel to DC-area construction company.
- Serve as investigation counsel to Virginia-based nonprofit pertaining to allegations of sexual harassment.
- Serve as investigation counsel to Maryland state government agency pertaining to allegations of race discrimination.
- Assist Washington, DC law firm with edits to employee handbook involving the DC Family Medical Leave Act and other DC-specific laws.
- Assist Washington, DC architectural firm with edits to employee handbook to comply with Washington-DC specific employment laws.
- Advise Virginia law firm on employee termination and assist with transition guidance involving departing law firm employee ethics rules.
- Advise Virginia law firm on partnership dissolution and termination of employment; advise law firm on age discrimination allegations.
- Advise Virginia workers’ compensation law firm on Virginia-specific employment laws affecting their clients.
- Advise large DC law firm on independent contractor allegations, employment law compliance, and termination of employment guidance.
- Assist Virginia law firm with litigation needs in various employment and business litigation cases pending in the Eastern District of Virginia and Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Advise government contractor company on employee termination and investigate employee allegations of race discrimination under Title VII.
- Defend multiple employers in the healthcare industry against claims of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), for alleged misclassification and overtime violations.
- Defend multiple employers in the food services/restaurant industry against claims of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), for alleged overtime violations.
- Jointly defended cybersecurity company and its executive against allegations of unfair competition, breach of non-compete and non-solicitation agreement, and tortious interference.
- Successfully resolved cease and desist threat against cybersecurity government contractor client related to hiring of employees, non-solicitation of customers, and confidential information.
- Successfully resolved cease and desist threat against cybersecurity government contractor related to hiring of employees, a non-compete and non-solicitation of customers agreement.
- Successfully negotiated reduction of labor union forces by 63% to save corporate client hundreds of thousands of dollars on labor annually.
- Achieved dismissal of all counts against government contractor alleging gender and racial discrimination, retaliation, and unequal pay. Cashwell v. Attain, LLC et al., 1:12-cv-522 (E.D.Va. 2012).
Employment Law – Employee Side
- Negotiate severance agreement amount for employee, resulting in approximately 449% increase in severance amount, due to alleged violations of employment laws, including disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pregnancy discrimination under Title VII, and failure to accommodate pregnancy under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3909.
- Achieved six-figure severance settlement for employee involving wrongful termination and claims of disability discrimination.
- Assist employee working for Northern Virginia government contractor with workplace sexual harassment complaint and investigation.
- Achieved favorable severance for employee related to claims of labor law and disability law violations against employer.
- Defend executive against claims of breach of contract, tortious interference, and trade secret violations in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division.
- Filed a Demurrer and Plea in Bar on behalf of corporate executive, defending against claims of fraud in the inducement, unjust enrichment, and conversion related to a Phantom Stock Buyout Agreement.
- Dismissal with prejudice of 4 out of 7 counts against employee client in action involving claims of constructive fraud and misappropriation of trade secrets. Seneca One Finance, Inc. et al. v. Cannell, No. 430310-V (Montgomery County Cir. Ct., July 13, 2017).
- Dismissal of all counts against management-level client in action involving overbroad non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. Seneca One Finance, Inc. v. Bloshuk, No. RWT 16-CV-1848, 2016 WL 5851626 (D. Md. Oct. 6, 2016).
- Dismissal of all counts filed against executive client involving a personal guaranty on a corporate line of credit. SunTrust Bank v. Advanced Business Concepts, Inc. et al., CL2016-07288 (Fairfax Circuit Court, July 1, 2016).
Education Law
- Successfully grieve a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employee’s proposed termination; achieve reinstatement of the employee’s position through the grievance process.
- Successfully assist Northern Virginia principal with employment transition, allowing the client to receive an increase in salary, maintain employment benefits, and maintain a clean record; assist with reputational harm caused by the community.
- Represent Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teacher and advise on claims of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate; achieve favorable severance outcome for the teacher.
- Represent Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teacher who was placed on administrative leave; defend against allegations of improper conduct related to the teacher’s medical condition and disability; negotiate return to the workplace after the teacher’s administrative and medical leave.
- Represent Northern Virginia principal on administrative leave; advise on allegations made against the principal; successfully negotiate exit package for the principal while maintaining benefits, a clean record, and allowing for further employment in a different county.
- Represent Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) teacher on administrative leave; advise on allegations made against the teacher.
- Defend Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) teacher against allegations of Title IX violation; negotiate severance package for the client.
- Defend Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teacher against assault allegations; allegations were ultimately unfounded and the teacher was returned to their position with a clean record.
Labor Law
- Advise teachers’ union on employee termination and investigate employee allegations of race discrimination under Virginia law.
- Serve as outside general counsel to teachers’ union on employment law issues affecting the organization.
- Negotiate multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for management clients in the political campaign industry with the Campaign Workers Guild (CWG) union.
- Defend construction company against National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charge alleging unfair labor practices; achieve dismissal of charge.
- Assist company with labor union issues and manage relationship with the union; accomplish full union avoidance for the client’s workplace.
- Defend Washington, DC based government contractor against wrongful termination grievance; achieve favorable arbitration award upholding the termination.
Pro Bono Experience:
- Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center, Employment Law Pro Bono Project Volunteer
- Assist local Northern Virginia charity, Gracing Spaces, with non-profit status. Gracing Spaces’ mission is to provide hope and the gift of home goods to the most vulnerable families in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- Represent managerial nonprofit employee regarding claims of race discrimination and disability discrimination.
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Pro Bono Employment Law Project Volunteer.
- Waterfowl Blind litigation matter, Prince William County Circuit Court (2014-2015) Represented waterfowl hunters in a licensing dispute regarding two non-riparian stationary waterfowl blinds in Pohick Bay. This matter was a case of first impression regarding duck blind licensing priority under Va. Code Ann. Section 29.1-345.
Publications and Presentations:
- Panelist, “Mentorship and Leadership for Women in Law,” Women’s Legal Professionals Retreat (March 3, 2024)
- Presenter, “Human Resource Law From Start to Finish,” National Business Institute CLE (April 3, 2019)
- Drug Testing in the Age of Legalized Marijuana, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Panelist (May 18, 2018)
- Internal Workplace Investigations, National Business Institute (March 2, 2018)
- Government Shutdown Win is Cold Comfort to Contractors, Bloomberg Government Blog (February 6, 2018)
- Marijuana Use Presents Conflicts for Government Contractors, PSC, Moderator (November 7, 2017)
- Presenter, “Human Resource Law: What You Need to Know Now,” National Business Institute CLE (October 4, 2017)
- Joined at the Hip? A Primer on the Joint Employment Doctrine, PSC (August 2017)
- When Does Ex-Employee’s Use of LinkedIn Violate a Non-Solicitation Agreement? Virginia Lawyers Weekly (July 24, 2017)
- What Does “Hire American” Mean for Government Contractors, PSC, Moderator (April 2017)
- Labor Trends Impacting Employment Practitioners, FBA Employment and Labor Section, Moderator (November 2016)
- Construction Contract Workshop, Stafford County, Examining Legal Issues and Contract Disputes (2015)
- Joint Employer Doctrine Could Spell More Litigation Trouble for Construction Companies, DRI, The Critical Path, The Newsletter of the Construction Law Committee, Volume 19 Issue 3 (2015)
- Contract Drafting and Online Defamation, Association of Bridal Consultants, 2013
Professional Memberships:
- Virginia Women Attorneys Association
- Women Owned Law
- Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia
- Founder & CEO, Law Practice Queen Business Coaching
"Katie was instrumental in my case with a public school division. She was personable, knowledgeable, kind, and transparent. After my issue was resolved, I hired Katie and her team again for another issue. I have been extremely satisfied with the outcomes and if you're dealing with a public school division, she will bring her experience and expertise to help guide you through the complexities."
Anonymous
"Katie did a wonderful job with me and answered all my questions!"
Chris G.
"I worked with Katie directly on an employment issue. She took the time to listen and understand my questions and concerns, and offered her thoughts on how to proceed. Through the entire process she has been very professional, understanding, empathetic and took as much time as needed to help. Highly recommended and I will use her firm again for similar issues. Thank you!"
Mark S.
"Katie Lipp is a top notch attorney who will take care of you with great responsiveness, attention and sensitivity, all within an affordable budget."
Michael Z.
"I worked with Katie and Ryen too for my LLC, could not have been a more professional and easy process. They are all very responsive and helpful, and they got it done quickly so I can move on to the next steps!"
Micah S.
"Kathryn is one of the best lawyer I was lucky to find with the help of my Boyfriend and she went above and beyond to help me with all the things I needed. I was successful to get my exemption approved for Covid and she did a great job for gathering and put in the accurate info for me to present to my employer. She is very professional and prompt on responding. I highly recommend her. She is the best."
April
"We chose the Lipp Law Firm for their overwhelmingly positive reviews. Their outstanding reputation is absolutely deserved! From our first interaction with Katie it was clear that she's sincerely passionate about her work. Her genuine and thoughtful approach assured us from the start we were in good hands. She maintained excellent communication throughout, and her highly informative recommendations were equally outstanding. We couldn't have hoped for a better guide. There's no doubt Katie would be our choice should we ever need assistance again. She has my full and complete confidence and recommendation. Thank you, again, Katie and the Lipp Law Firm!"
Tim H.
"The Lipp Law firm is the epitome of professionalism. Katie Lipp is caring, passionate about what she does, and a true wealth of knowledge. I knew instantly I was in good hands and appreciated the fact that as a small business owner, I never felt like a second-tier client. Katie promptly answered all of my questions, eased many concerns, and held my hand during a difficult situation. For those reasons and more, I am forever grateful."
Courtney P.
“Whenever you see an employment attorney you are always on edge as your livelihood is about to be or has been effected. Katie brought such a calm to the entire situation to help produce sound decisions. Calls and emails were answered immediately or returned promptly. Again, this just tells me how Katie knows that this situation I am/was going through was very personal and important.”
John B.
“I worked with Ms. Lipp on a tricky employment case with a big organization. She was easy to reach, calm and positive. She kept me focused on the big picture and was extremely knowledgeable about all my legal options. Without her support in this issue, I would've felt panicked and lost. With her guidance, I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
A Satisfied Client
“Ms. Lipp thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed an employment separation document. She provided timely and useful recommendations and options. I was able to obtain more detailed information from my former employer as well as some revisions to the final document.”
A Satisfied Client
“I retained the representation of Katie Lipp in January 2019 regarding an employment issue. She was highly responsive to my needs and schedule. I was always able to reach Ms. Lipp, most easily by email and telephone. She was able to be present at my job site to meet with employer and representatives in my matter. She worked effectively with and communicated with other counsel and representation I had and continued to work with regarding my case. Ms. Lipp provided counsel, resources and strategies to help me navigate my case. She always listened and considered my opinions and ideas when representing me. Ms. Lipp was prompt and on time for meetings, inferences, and when responding to communications. I was grateful and appreciative of the quality representation she provided me. I would definitely recommend her services. She always made me feel like my case was a priority to her.”
Dianne
"Katie offers smart and practical employment advice. She can be a huge asset on a variety of critical management and employee-side issues."
Richard V., Litigation Attorney
"Katie is an excellent attorney who works hard for her clients. I don't hesitate to refer clients to her, as I will know that they will be in good hands. She has my trust and high recommendation."
Paul A., Business Attorney
"I have known Katie since 2013. She is an outstanding lawyer, coworker, and mentor. She goes above and beyond in each case that she works on and views her cases through a creative lens. Katie zealously advocates for her clients, and is well respected in the legal community. I highly recommend Katie's legal services."
Samantha C., Litigation Attorney
