About Michael Layman
Michael Layman Ritchie is a dedicated personal injury attorney at Ritchie Law Firm, P.L.C., with offices strategically located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia. Since beginning his legal career in 2002, Mr. Ritchie has concentrated his practice on personal injury, workers' compensation, and Social Security disability cases. His commitment to these areas reflects a understanding of the challenges faced by individuals handling the requirements of the legal system. Raised in Keezletown, Virginia, Mr. Ritchie graduated from Spotswood High School in 1991. He pursued higher education at the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs in 1996.
During his time at UVA, he was not only focused on academics but also actively participated in extracurricular activities, notably as a member of the UVA Ski Team. This involvement helped shape his leadership skills and teamwork abilities, which he later applied in his legal practice. Returning to the University of Virginia for law school, Mr. Ritchie joined the Virginia Journal of Social Policy and the Law, where he developed his research and writing skills. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2002. Shortly after, he returned to his hometown, motivated by a desire to serve the community that had played a significant role in his upbringing. His legal career began with his admission to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2002, followed by his admission to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in 2003.
In addition to these state courts, Mr. Ritchie is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Virginia and the Southern District of West Virginia. His practice encompasses many cases, including wrongful death claims, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injury cases. He is committed to seeking justice for clients, whether they are facing large corporations or navigating personal challenges. Mr. Ritchie is actively involved in the legal community.
He is a member of the Virginia State Bar and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Bar Association. His leadership extends to the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, where he serves on the Board of Governors and is the Chairman of the Young Trial Lawyers Section. Additionally, he is a member of the West Virginia State Bar. Primarily practicing in the Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offices of Ritchie Law Firm, P.L.C., he also contributes to the firm’s additional offices in Winchester and Staunton, Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia.